The initiative will include job-specific courses, personal development opportunities and access to the recently launched competency workshops that cover continuous improvement, positive approach and teamwork, time management, protecting people and the environment, professionalism and quality, and customer experience. Staff will also be able to tap into masterclass sessions that will be delivered by senior management and external experts/trainers.
Ensuring its workforce is fully skilled is an important part of group strategy, which features ambitious targets to increase Filtermist’s presence in key markets, including automotive, aerospace, medical and high-value engineering.
“Our people are our greatest asset, so it makes perfect sense for us to invest in them, ensuring they are fully trained to the latest industry standards,” explains Johanna Morris, director of group HR. “We’ve also looked at some key personal development opportunities linked to our company culture, and provided funding to help individuals gain specialist qualifications and degrees that will support their future career development.”
The development culture spans across all businesses, with Chris Harper (general manager of Multi-Fan Systems) embarking on a BA in Business Management through the University of Wolverhampton, and Lydia Barber (group marketing manager) studying towards the CIM Level 7 Marketing Leadership Programme.
Two apprentices – James Lloyd and Billy Mabbot – recently completed their apprenticeships with the Marches Centre of Manufacturing & Technology (MCMT) and are now full-time Filtermist employees, while Brandon Dixon recently achieved his Level 2 NVQ Engineering Apprenticeship.
Nathan Thorley, junior production engineer at Dustcheck, adds his support: “I joined the company as an apprentice welder back in 2013 and spent two years working towards my City & Guilds Level 3 Fabrication and Welding, before enrolling on the BTEC Diploma Level 3 in Engineering. The support has been consistent throughout my time here, both in funding learning opportunities and receiving advice from experienced members of staff. I’m now studying on day release towards an HNC qualification, with the option of topping up to a degree.”
