Working in collaboration with Dudley College of Technology, Lander Automotive provides an award-winning apprenticeship programme, giving those with a passion for manufacturing the formal training and hands-on experience necessary to kick-start a fantastic career in the industry.
The company, which is a major first-tier supplier of fluid and air transport pipes, tubular fabrications and interior trim assemblies to the global automotive industry, is committed to investing in skills at every level.
Headquartered in Birmingham, Lander develops most of its workforce’s skills in-house with its apprenticeships scheme at the heart of its desire to develop and educate the next generation of engineers and designers. Since July 2016, the company has recruited 99 apprentices, they’re now looking to recruit another 100 over the next 18 months: an equivalent increase in the number of on-site apprentices of 100%.
The apprenticeship programme has resulted in them being crowned SME Employer of the Year at the Government’s National Apprenticeship Awards in 2017, Large Employer of the Year in the West Midlands at the Government’s National Apprenticeship Awards in 2019 and being placed 14th in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list, 2020.
Anita Davenport-Brooks, People, Culture & Compliance Manager, Lander Automotive, recognises the significant contribution apprentices make to the business: “The value of apprentices is fantastic – they are the future of the industry. Many stay with us after their apprenticeship has finished, and those who leave have gained qualifications and experience to give their career a great start.”
Hiring an apprentice is an effective way to grow talent and develop a skilled, motivated and qualified workforce. It enables:
- Enhanced productivity: apprenticeships contribute an estimated gross productivity gain of £2.4 billion to the UK economy (CEBR). On a weekly basis, a typical apprenticeship completer is understood to raise business productivity by £214 per week (NTfW) with the highest productivity increases being seen in the engineering and manufacturing sector (£414 a week)
- Improved staff retention: employing an apprentice provides your company with the internal skillsets required for the future reducing the need to recruit externally
Dudley College of Technology is one of the country's largest apprenticeship providers. With achievement rates well above national averages, it places employers at the heart of its education offering.
Iain Cole, Senior Employer Engagement Manager - Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, Dudley College: “Through our strong, long-standing partnership with Lander Automotive we’re able to continually deliver fantastic apprentices into the manufacturing sector through our bespoke programme.”
This is just one of many instances where the College has supported businesses in developing their higher-level skills requirements. The success of this programme has led to further innovation within the College - it’s new Engineering & Manufacturing Academy will help to identify young, talented engineers and help to bridge the skills gap for employers across the region. Moreover, its engineering provision has been strengthened with the opening of Dudley Advance I and II and the Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology, opening in September 2021, will provide companies with access to a highly-skilled workforce across critical transformational sectors for the regional economy as well as state-of-the-art skills training facilities.
Made Futures was created to encourage people to get jobs in manufacturing, in support of those who have lost their jobs over the course of the 2020 pandemic. There's still time to sign up and be part of the exhibition by filling in the form here.