In a sector reliant on new talent, it’s incredibly important that we all support apprentices and encourage more people into the engineering sector, says Alan Lusty, CEO of midland based adi Group.

For many years, our industry has been talking about a potential skills shortage and the need to attract more young people into the engineering industry. While Apprenticeship Week shouldn’t be seen in isolation, it’s an important opportunity to promote apprenticeships, the engineering industry and the fantastic opportunities available throughout the country.

At adi Group we see the important role that apprentices and trainees play within our business and the role that they have in our future. An academic approach to learning is not always right for everyone and therefore a hands-on approach to learning is a great alternative that has been proven to be incredibly successful and rewarding for all involved.

At adi Group we currently have 7 apprentices working in a number of different roles within the organisation and we also encourage important links between schools and Universities. From our office in Birmingham we are currently working with North Bromsgrove School and have an on-going association with Aston University Engineering Academy.

The most important aspect of apprenticeships and training programmes however is the benefit that they can bring to individuals and businesses alike. Not only is there a pipeline of young talent coming through the organisation, but existing employees are also empowered by it. With a consistent programme of improvement for existing staff as well as new recruits; businesses can build advocacy from within the business and in many ways market itself through its employees.

At adi Group we will certainly be acknowledging National Apprenticeship week and are incredibly proud of what our apprentices have, and continue to, achieve.

National Apprenticeship Week will be celebrated between 3 – 7 March.