The CNC Training Academy, the independently operated training arm of Mills CNC, has had "an unparalleled six months of growth and success".
Latest figures show that 27% more people signed up for academy's courses in the first half of 2013 than in the equivalent period in 2012, and that some 100+ companies invested in academy-designed and delivered CNC Programmer training from January to June 2013.
Comments training manager Jeff Hart: "UK and Irish manufacturers are busy. But to capitalise on the economic recovery, they are finding the skills shortage a problem. Owing to the high demand for and scarcity of highly qualified and experienced programmers and operators, many manufacturers have taken matters into their own hands by investing in their people.
"Because we are well-established and have a good reputation as being the training organisation that's best positioned to deliver high quality, practical and cost-competitive training, demand for our courses has shot through the roof."
In addition, the academy has seen a quite marked increase in adult self-funders, which indicates that manufacturing has become an attractive option.
The demand for its courses has also seen the organisation increase its headcount, with the appointment of Hannah Walby as the academy's full-time administrative assistant.
In March 2013 won the Manufacturing Technologies Association Award for the 'Best Training Scheme Provider'.
Image: Jeff Hart (training manager), right, pictured with Hannah Walby (administrator), centre, and Karen Early (trainer)