Imet has recruited the first cohort of composite technician apprentices at its new multi-million pound advanced training facility at Alconbury Weald. The composites apprenticeship has been developed through close collaboration between Imet, local businesses Codem Composites and TRB Lightweight Structures along with National Composites Centre.

The programme developed will tailor the training curriculum to meet the specialised needs of the composites industry.

The first cohort comprises 10 first year apprentices from both Codem Composites and TRB Lightweight Structures. Over the 3-year course, the students will be equipped with a BTEC and NVQ qualification, and will prepare to apply for their initial professional qualification - EngTech.

“To see the apprentices already at work is fantastic and what’s exciting is that this is just the start. The UK has a significant productivity challenge, and the combined authority is committed to a skills agenda that offers real solutions for the local economy, with Imet a prime example,” said mayor James Palmer of Cambridgeshire.

There is a significant cluster of composite businesses in Cambridgeshire, many of whom struggle to recruit staff with the required skills. The creation of the Composites Technician apprenticeship at Imet is a unique opportunity to put the area at the forefront of composites manufacture and therefore grow the local economy, according to a press release from the company.

“Imet’s innovative training approach is truly industry led, ensuring that our advanced engineering programmes are tailored to provide businesses with exactly the kinds of skills they need to grow. Our first dedicated Composites Apprenticeship programme has been developed as a result of working hand-in-hand with specialists from the composite industry and is a great example of us putting the Imet philosophy into practice,” said Jo Sainsbury, managing director, Imet.

“Apprenticeships are a great way for us to bring in new talent into our business. Being able to partner with Imet to develop composite modules that truly represent our business is a huge step forward for us, reducing the need for additional in-house training. It also helps us to attract and retain our staff longer term as our business grows,” said Monika Wiacek, training coordinator, Codem Composites Ltd.

“It is our genuine belief that to grow our business we must grow our people. We are giving local people the skills they need to grow their careers in TRB with the support of the Imet,” said Richard Holland, managing director, TRB Lightweight Structures. (PC)