To a number of plastics manufacturing companies, it has become increasingly apparent in recent years that the training opportunities in their industry are woefully inadequate. Unlike similar areas of manufacturing, we recognise that there are short courses available but what we are looking for is a recognised 3 year apprenticeship in Plastic Processing'.
Plastics manufacturing has an enormous presence in the East Midlands but a dwindling amount of youth interest has created an ever-widening knowledge gap between the older and younger workforces. Certain businesses, like Midlands-based S&S Plastics, have now decided to take it upon themselves to usher in a new generation of talent.
By working alongside the local authority, S&S Plastics have begun to introduce GCSE students to the world of engineering with the intention of dispelling a few preconceptions. We want to show these youngsters that engineering and manufacturing are used in all aspects of life, explains S&S Plastics MD Richard Munyard. To the uninitiated, engineering and manufacturing can seem quite unappealing they just imagine oily machines in dirty old workshops. We want to spread the word that there is far more to the industry than they may believe our goal is to show youngsters how the manufacturing industry works and prepare them for the working world at every stage, from interview right through to full-time employment.
S&S Plastics have opened their doors for students to gain valuable experience in a range of areas of manufacturing, as well as working life in general. Current training areas include admin, computer-assisted design, tool room, manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, and quality control, giving students a broad spectrum of learning opportunities and the chance to try very different activities.There are currently five full-time students engaged with S&S Plastics in apprenticeships including Sales, Team Leading, and Manufacturing Engineering. The company also runs an internal NVQ level 2 course in Performing Manufacturing Operations which is independently assessed by Grimsby College. All new manufacturing staff are encouraged to take this course, which sets a strong foundation for their future progression.
The opportunities for young people in engineering are enormous, continues Richard Munyard. Weve had people come in at the most basic level and reach great places. Our current production manager came to us in an entry-level material handling position, and now a few years later hes running the whole show!Of course we realise that not everyone who starts their career with us will stick around, but our goal is to give people a solid start in the industry not just with us. Manufacturing and engineering are in great need of an injection of young blood the number of factories Ive walked around and seen nothing but grey hair is extraordinary, which is why its so important to bring in a new generation.
Due to recent growth, S&S Plastics are able to provide a stable, healthy environment for nurturing new talent. The company is committed to maintaining a level of 10% of their staff as trainees be that through NVQ or apprenticeships to ensure a bright future for the youth and finally bridge the knowledge gap in the UK engineering workforce.