Derby advanced composites firm engineers jobs
Derby firm Pentaxia were so impressed with those they interviewed, they took on five people instead of the one originally planned and three other candidates have been placed with another local manufacturing firm after just missing out in the interviews.
Pentaxia, which offers a total service in the design, manufacture and supply of advanced composite components and tooling, has seen its workforce grow to 35 and is looking to increase its turnover to £3.5m next year at its new 15,000 sq. ft. facility. Based at Ascot Business Park, it produces complex models and patterns for use in the manufacture of parts for motorsport, general engineering and, more recently, aerospace.
Pentaxia worked with Semta to grow its skilled workforce quickly. It took part in a pre-recruitment programme for the composites sector in Derby, where 18-24 year-olds who were unemployed, were put through a bespoke training programme before being presented for interview.
Pentaxia’s managing director, Stephen Ollier, is delighted with the outcome. “The youngsters have been great and there is a good chance I will be looking for some more shortly. They all seem to be loving it. Without prompting, all describe it as “the best job they’ve ever had!” he said. “All have smiles on their faces and talk about the welcome they’ve received, friendliness of their colleagues and how they enjoy working as one big team! I’m looking at a possible apprenticeship programme for them all moving forward.”
The idea for programme was developed by Semta’s business partner for the East Midlands, Malcolm Healey, with the support of Job Centre Plus and Derby College.
“I work with a number of small and medium sized composites companies in the Derby area and having seen research showing that the Composites sector was going to double over the next few years, I approached Job Centre Plus with the idea to do something proactive,” explained Malcolm.
“I proposed a programme that would combine some basic engineering skills along with attendance on the Composites Skills Alliance’s Awareness of Composites course. Job Centre Plus were extremely receptive and we agreed that we’d run a Sector Based Work Academy (pre recruitment programme) for Pentaxia.
“The aim would be to prepare the participants for work with a basic induction into the composite sector. All would gain a part qualification in Engineering through awarding body EAL and a certificate of attendance on the Awareness of Composites course. Even if unsuccessful in applying for jobs at Pentaxia, the course completers would be better placed to find employment.”
Employment World at Derby College were then invited to develop and deliver the training programme (hand tools, health and safety; problem solving; effective communication and some lean principles) and delivery of the Composites Awareness Course was arranged through Tom Preece at the Composites Skills Alliance.
Job Centre Plus put forward candidates for the selection day, which over 40 attended, with 12 people invited onto the course, which ran for three days a week over a four week period. Ten candidates completed the course – feedback from which was extremely positive.
Despite running numerous programmes in other sectors, this is the first Sector Based Work Academy for the manufacturing sector to be run in the city of Derby Its success in placing 80% of those who completed the course into jobs makes it the most successful Sector Based Work Academy delivered in the city.
Andrew Thomas, district manager for Jobcentre Plus said “This was a very successful programme which exceeded our expectations and working closely in partnership with Semta ensured its success. We look forward to working with Semta on similar programmes in the near future.”
