DPE Automotive recently discovered the value of offering apprenticeships to their young enthusiastic workforce, thanks to support received from Bournville College.
The business which operates two plants based in Birmingham and Newton Aycliffe specialises in pressing, small assemblies, welding and production of bespoke car parts for companies such as Ford, Lear, Johnsons Controls and Nissan. With Bournville College on board as their apprenticeship training partner, they can already see benefits of joining this national initiative.
Richard DuRose, Manufacturing Manager at DPE Automotive in Birmingham, said:”In the current climate, it is very difficult to find skilled people. We feared that the skills of our sector may disappear with ageing workforce and that’s what promoted us to engage in apprenticeships and invest in the new generation of employees.”
The company, that employs 103 members of staff at its Birmingham plant, has been able to offer an apprenticeship in Press Tooling Maintenance and apprenticeship in both Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance, to two young people showing potential and enthusiasm for this type of work. When they fully qualify, they will be able to apply for a full time position within the business, allowing them to start a career in this industry.
Sam Artingstall, aged 19, who lost his former job as a trainee electrician when his employer ceased trading in 2009, found himself flourishing on the Apprenticeship in Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance Engineering at DPE Automotive. He said: “I’ve been able to transfer many previously acquired skills onto my new training and the apprenticeship will enable me to become independent in my job role at DPE Automotive. I am looking forward to the day when I’m fully competent in my area of training.”
The apprentices are not only supported by trainers and assessors from Bournville College, they are also mentored by DPE Automotive’s own staff.
Colin Bennett, Health and Safety and Environmental Co-ordinator at DPE Automotive, meets with the apprentices on a regular basis to assist them with any aspects of their training. He said: “During mentoring sessions we have a chance to discuss any past work, successes on the programme but also areas for improvement. This really helps the apprentices with knowing what’s expected of them in order to succeed on the programme and in their future careers within this industry.”
Whatever the size of your organisation, Bournville College specialises in delivering apprenticeships within a range of industries such as logistics, railway engineering, manufacturing, business administration, healthcare, construction and many more. To discuss the requirements of your business, call Jennifer Johnson, Apprenticeship Programmes Manager at Bournville College on 0121 222 5656 or email apprentice@bournville.ac.uk.
