
Training and apprenticeship programmes form an important part of business growth and development at Ash& Lacy.
During the past two years, we’ve engaged with local educational institutions including Loughborough University and Birmingham City University, as well as specialist training centres CFAI Aquitaine in France and Educ8 Training Wales; providing engineering and design apprenticeship roles for students and young professionals at the early stages of their career.
Our Port Talbot depot currently has four members of staff, a quarter of the total depot workforce, on Welsh Assembly Government funded courses via Educ8 Group, leading to nationally recognised qualifications.
Three members of existing staff are currently undertaking the following courses:
Shelly Golding : ILM Level 4 Diploma in Principles of Leadership and Management & ILM Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Management.
Alexandra Ansell: C&G Level 3 Diploma in Customer Service.
Andrew Coe: BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Management.
Our close relationship with Educ8 helped to facilitate the recent recruitment of Alex Burgess as a Sheet Metal Work Apprentice. Alex is following a three-year programme leading to qualification, with weekly college day release planned to commence in September.
These initiatives emphasize our deep commitment to continuous staff development, which we believe will ultimately further improve our manufacturing capabilities and customer service levels.
Commenting on the close association with Educ8, Shelly Golding commented: “Educ8 have been exceptionally supportive and managed the whole funding aspect on our behalf making the whole process straightforward, allowing us to continue growing and enhance and support our staff members as individuals and as part of the wider team.”
The above video by Educ8 features Colin Benson from Port Talbot depot explaining the importance of training and apprenticeships at Ash & Lacy, including the selection process leading to Alex’s appointment.