STL set for more apprenticeship success with training collaboration

By Samuel Taylor Ltd
schedule7th Mar 13

Samuel Taylor Ltd (STL) has expanded its long established apprenticeship programme so that it appeals to a wider range of higher education students through a collaboration with Midland Group Training Service (MGTS).

The Redditch based firm specialise in engineering problem solving in the field of contact materials and innovative production engineering solutions. Currently, 10% of the STL workforce started as a home grown STL apprentice aged between 20-27 years old, some of whom have since moved into management positions.

For the first time, the apprenticeship programme also includes three female trainees, against the stereotype that the manufacturing industry is male dominated.

STL are aware of the “out of fashion” misconceptions the manufacturing industry face. The established apprenticeship programme aims to help a younger generation tap into British manufacturing opportunities.

The newly revised programme will offer intensive workshop training alongside tool making experience with specialist metal cutting machines and systems. Previously the four year apprentice programme consisted of a one day per week college course. To better reflect the use of higher education within a realistic engineering environment, the first year of the programme is now committed to a full time course at the Midland Group Training Service.

Alastair Gordon, Managing Director at STL, says “we need graduates who have done proper old fashioned tool making apprenticeships and speak a foreign language or two! Unfortunately they are hard to find, so we grow our own.”

Bob Pittaway, Engineering Training Adviser at MGTS adds “Samuel Taylor Ltd continues to use our local facilities. A skilled workforce can only be maintained by local companies such as Samuel Taylor Limited making the investment and commitment to the training of young people in the engineering disciplines.”

A recent report revealed that the Government needs to do more to protect the future of manufacturing in Britain. Sir James Dyson warned that Britain may face a deficit of 60,000 engineering graduates during 2013 if the talent of tomorrow is not sufficiently educated about the prospects manufacturing holds.

STL believe that their apprenticeship programme helps plug this skills gap because it presents the manufacturing industry as an interesting and productive career choice. Since Samuel Taylor was established in 1899, the firm has focussed on training young people towards protecting and safeguarding their skills within British manufacturing. 


Chat with us!

Live Chat

Welcome to our microsite, please tell us your name, company and email to chat with a member of the team.