Securing the future of spring manufacturing

In many Lesjöfors businesses, the company sees apprenticeships as a strategic way to introduce, train and keep the most suitable staff for the future. In the UK, European Springs and Pressings has just on-boarded five new apprentices in an extensive program.

The five apprentices have just joined the European Springs and Pressings family and begun the training that will launch them on their journey to becoming qualified engineers. Stuart McSheehy, MD of European Springs and Pressings explains why the company has chosen apprenticeships in their recruitment process:

“Apprentices and new workers are in increasingly high demand, as the manufacturing industry in the UK has been facing the largest skills shortage in over 30 years, and a drop in the number of fresh, young workers joining the manufacturing sector eventually results in a lack of succession. As such, a robust, and continuing, recruitment process is essential, and we are always actively searching for exciting new engineering talent.”

An apprenticeship is a great way to get a foot on the ladder within the engineering industry, while also getting paid. Combining classroom instruction and on-the-job training, an engineering apprenticeship course offers the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and experience needed to achieve an industry-recognised City and Guild or BTEC qualification, and become a qualified engineer.

While manufacturers invest in efficient equipment such as smart technologies and automated machinery, many people currently do not have the right experience or are unaware of the qualifications or skills needed to fill vacant roles, and the benefits of choosing a career in this industry.

Lesjöfors says that engineers are its expert problem solvers; without their specific skills and insights it would not be able to support its customers’ manufacturing processes and component requirements. To foster loyalty and increase staff retention, European Springs and Pressings has adopted a dedicated approach to creating a professional working environment that nurtures the staff’s talents and supports their progression.

“I began my own career in the industry as an engineering apprentice, so I know that this is a tool that both the individual and the company can benefit from,” says McSheehy. “Many of our current employees started as apprentices and trainees before becoming engineers, with a number having risen to essential business positions such as purchasing officer, press shop manager, quality and metrology manager and even senior management roles.”