Nottingham-based Caunton Engineering has completed the refurbishment of its training academy, marking 20 years of operation.
More than 100 apprentices have passed through the Caunton Academy’s doors since it was first launched in 2004 to address the industry’s skills shortages in fabrication and welding. Employees who joined the academy as apprentices now represent 22% of the company’s current workforce.
The refurbishment has increased the academy’s working area at the heart of the company’s factory floor – as well as providing state-of-the art machinery reflecting the company’s move towards more robotic and laser-based technologies.
Caunton hosted a launch event on Wednesday (September 24) to showcase the refurbished academy, which combines both a classroom and a model production line to simulate the actual working environment. Guests included representatives of the local and national business communities who have supported the academy during the past 21 years.
Speaking at the event, the company’s chairman Simon Bingham said: “Caunton Engineering is passionate about recruiting apprentices and graduates, offering young people the opportunity to take the first step towards a career in the engineering and construction industries.
“The redevelopment of the Caunton Academy is testament of our long-term commitment to training our future workforce, giving them best possible skills and experience to harness the new technological developments that are transforming our industry.
“Apprentices who joined the academy have progressed to become structural engineers, quantity surveyors and contract managers within the business – demonstrating the transformational impact of the apprenticeship programme, turning student potential into long-term professional careers.”
