News: Close Brothers cements commitment to apprenticeships with AMRC Training Centre

A partnership between Close Brothers and the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre has further cemented a commitment to supporting apprentices and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping businesses secure sustainable growth to build an engineering workforce for the future.

Over the past eight years, the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme has supported the training of 55 apprentices at the AMRC Training Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. The next stage of the partnership will now see a further 20 apprenticeships funded over the coming year, with the intake beginning in September 2023.

As many businesses try to survive the squeeze of inflationary pressures, the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow their workforces and recruit new apprentices, providing a vital opportunity for businesses to invest in local talent and skills.

Nikki Jones, director of the AMRC Training Centre, said its partnership with Close Brothers plays a crucial role in ensuring SMEs are equipped to employ apprentices, which helps these businesses to continue to thrive.

“We are so grateful for the support we’ve received from Close Brothers over the past eight years and it’s a relationship we value highly,” added Nikki. “Their support has made a huge difference to the lives of so many apprentices and it’s a partnership we are excited to continue growing in the future.

“This scheme not only supports apprentices to have the opportunity to explore an avenue which might not have been available to them previously, giving them the chance to learn and gain an important set of skills businesses are calling out for, but it also helps local SMEs to recruit the next generation of engineers.

“It’s these smaller businesses that remain to be the lifeblood of our communities and local economy, and such support helps guide them through a difficult financial period currently being faced by many and fill any current skills gaps. What we do with Close Brothers provides the industry with a vital lifeline to carve out an engineering future of excellence within UK manufacturing.”

Adrian Sainsbury, Chief Executive of Close Brothers Group plc, said: “We are delighted to be partnering again with the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre. It opens up great opportunities for young people and helps create a much-needed pipeline of future engineering talent.

“Apprenticeships are an excellent way for UK SMEs to fill skills gaps, develop their future workforce and improve long-term growth prospects.

“We know from experience that SMEs often need assistance to take on apprentices, so over the past eight years we have established a programme that aims to help with the specific issues they are facing including the cost of investing in an apprentice. We also want to help businesses establish a diverse and dynamic workforce of young fresh talent with new ideas and an eagerness to learn the skills and knowledge required to build a rewarding long-term career.

“We are proud to be playing our part to help small businesses invest in their future and pass important skills onto the next generation.”

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Under the scheme, Close Brothers contributes up to 50 per cent of the wages of the apprentices in the first year and 25 per cent in the second year and covers all training costs. This year, Close Brothers will be funding 15 new apprentices and five progressing apprentices to higher and degree apprenticeships.

Apprentice alumni Adrian Salatowski received support through the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme. He undertook a Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship and progressed to a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Manufacturing Technologies at the AMRC Training Centre.

The 31-year-old has worked for CWE Ltd, based in North Lincolnshire, since January 2020. He began at the company as a CNC machinist and progressed to a quality assurance inspector role shortly after. He is now a quality assurance manager.

Adrian said that receiving support from Close Brothers gave him a big boost and laid a solid foundation for his engineering career.

“An apprenticeship appealed to me because of the accessibility element. As a foreign student from Poland, an apprenticeship seemed like the best way for me to redirect my life and join the engineering patch,” added Adrian.

“My family has always been very technical in various industries and an apprenticeship for me seemed like a natural continuity of the family tradition to join the same path. My engineering road was bumpy since I came to the UK from a different country, but having the support from Close Brothers has helped me immeasurably to have a job in engineering and boost my career.

“As a proud part of the industry, I keep developing my strengths and growing as a professional. The skills and knowledge gained during my apprenticeship helped me prove my position at work which resulted in various promotions and general appreciation of my efforts.”

Another former apprentice supported by the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme is 21-year-old Rosie Davies. She is a Level 3 CNC machine operator at Penny Hydraulics in Chesterfield and has worked there for almost three years. At the AMRC Training Centre, she achieved a Level 3 diploma in advanced manufacturing and engineering (Computer Numerical Control).

Rosie said: “Receiving the funding from Close Brothers has allowed the company to train me on our new CNC machine and it has enabled me to have the amazing opportunity to work in the engineering industry and to earn while I learn.

“My grandfather, dad and uncle inspired me to pursue a career in engineering. As it runs in my family, it has always piqued my interest. Ever since I was younger, I have watched them take things apart and figure out how they work, or fix things I was sure would be broken for good - I wanted to be like them.

“An apprenticeship gave me the skills and knowledge I needed to constantly develop my skills in the workplace, while teaching new apprentices the things I have learned. It’s something I’ll always be very grateful for.”

Also working for Penny Hydraulics is design engineer Louie Hodkin. He gained a Level 3 in Technical Support at the AMRC Training Centre and is currently working towards his Level 6 degree in manufacturing technology.

“I didn’t want to go to university, but I wanted a degree, so I was in a difficult position until I found the AMRC Training Centre, which was specific to engineering,” added the 23-year-old. “It has allowed me to earn money while gaining valuable experience.

“Without the support of Close Brothers and this scheme, I wouldn’t have been able to undertake an apprenticeship or have the opportunity to take on multiple courses through the AMRC Training Centre.”

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News: Close Brothers funding 15 new AMRC Training Centre apprentices

The Close Brothers SME apprenticeship programme has funded a further 15 apprentices who will join the programme in 2021, marking the fifth phase of the programme.

With the support of the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the manufacturers organisation Make UK, Close Brothers has helped SMEs across the UK recruit and train a new generation of apprentices.

Through the programme employers will be given financial help towards taking on apprentices in the manufacturing and transport sectors, creating opportunities for young people and helping businesses across Britain to thrive in the longer term.

Close Brothers, the leading merchant banking group will cover all training costs, as well as contribute 50 per cent of the wages of the apprentices in the first year and 25 per cent in the second year. Further support will be offered for those on degree apprenticeships.

Close Brothers has been funding apprenticeships since the programme launched in 2015, with 55 of the apprentices having been trained by the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham.

The 15 new apprentices will learn their skills at the AMRC Training Centre, part of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) group and based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). Apprentices starting in 2021 will be on track to complete their training by 2023. This scheme helps smaller businesses in the Sheffield City Region to secure the skills they need for future growth.

This continued investment in apprenticeships highlights the company’s continued commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to secure the skills they need for the future growth of their business. The scheme also aims to give young people from all backgrounds a chance to learn a trade and carve a rewarding career for their future.

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Adrian Sainsbury, Chief Executive, Close Brothers Group, commented: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way for UK SMEs to fill skills gaps, develop their future workforce and improve long-term growth prospects.

“We know from experience that SMEs often need assistance to take on apprentices, so over the past six years we have established a programme that aims to help SMEs with the specific issues they are facing. We also want to help businesses establish a diverse and dynamic workforce of young fresh talent with new ideas and an eagerness to learn the new skills and knowledge required to build a rewarding long-term career.

“2020 had a profound impact on the number of apprenticeship courses that are available to school leavers and those looking for a career change. This year’s theme for National Apprenticeship Week is to “Build the Future” and now is a perfect time to help more school leavers to consider apprenticeships as a great way to begin their careers. We are proud to be playing our part to help small businesses invest in their future and pass important skills onto the next generation."

Director of the AMRC Training Centre, Nikki Jones, said: “This is a fantastic piece of news to announce at the start of National Apprenticeship Week. Every day we see examples of our apprentices making significant contributions to their employers, adding value to businesses and driving innovation in production processes. The Close Brothers scheme will allow more SMEs, some of which wouldn’t necessarily be able to take on an apprentice otherwise, to benefit from our apprentices’ fresh-thinking, skills and know-how.

“The 15 new apprentices funded by Close Brothers, who are joining the AMRC Training Centre this year, means more employers can invest in their future by developing the skills they need for growth, productivity and profitability. Those three elements will be crucial as the manufacturing sector rebuilds in 2021.”

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News: Close Brothers helps companies invest in future skills

"There has never been a more important time than now to keep up investment in training" says the boss of a leading hydraulics company that is reaping rewards from an apprentice scheme to help local firms secure the skills they need for future growth.

The message from Robin Penny, managing director of Penny Hydraulics Ltd based in Chesterfield, is clear: if you want to keep ahead of the opposition then you need the right people with the right skills. That's why he signed up to the Close Brothers SME Apprenticeship Programme supported by University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre and the Manufacturing Technologies Association.

The AMRC Training Centre is a £20.5m centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham where the focus is on students aged from 16 upwards, taken on paid apprenticeships.

Since launching in 2015 it has helped pay for 40 apprentices to support smaller businesses across the Sheffield City Region. One of those is Penny Hydraulics apprentice Louie Hodkin who is proving to be a valuable asset to the organisation.

Robin said: "The pandemic has highlighted various issues within the business, but the increased flexibility of well-trained apprentices has helped us to continue to function and deliver valuable turnover. They are trained engineers not trained to do one job.

"Our apprentice Louie Hodkin, who is supported by the Close Brothers scheme, had been working on vehicle mounted cranes but with the advent of lockdown no new vehicles were coming onto the market and orders stopped almost overnight. He was transferred to our Nuclear Decommissioning Division to assist with the preparation and winning of tenders.

"He could be home based, and this sector was largely unaffected by the pandemic. By increasing our manpower in this division, we were able to win more tenders, one of which is the highest value that we have ever had.

"There has never been a more important time than now to keep up the investment in training. Engineering is becoming ever more technical and if we want to keep ahead of the opposition then we need the best people to be ready to lead the company into the future."

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Director of the AMRC Training Centre, Nikki Jones, said the Close Brothers’ apprentice scheme continues to bring benefit to local firms, some of which wouldn't necessarily be able to take on an apprentice otherwise, and those apprentices go on to make a significant investment by helping put £20m in wages into homes of some of the most disadvantaged in the region.

She said: "The Close Brothers apprentice programme is a double-win for industry: it not only helps companies to recruit and develop the skills they need for future growth; it also helps them to drive innovation and productivity by injecting fresh blood and ideas into their business. Maintaining and nurturing this skills base has never been more crucial if we are to build manufacturing resilience and begin our economic recovery."

Penny Hydraulics was founded in 1978 and has grown to become the UK's leading lorry-loader crane manufacturer, goods lift manufacturer and lighting winch manufacturer whose customers include Royal Palaces, BT and VW.

Last year, it operated in 22 countries worldwide, also providing specialist design and manufacturing services to the nuclear decommissioning, mining and tyre handling industries.

Robin says the company places huge value on its human capital and has made a clear commitment to recruiting apprentices who can bring fresh ideas into the organisation.

"We have proven over the past 15 years that skills are the key to efficiency and improvement," he said. "Turnover per employee has risen from £18k per employee per year, to £100K per employee per year.  Apprentices have been the key to this as they have the knowledge of our business and the aptitude to be able to see avenues for improvement.

"Most are minor steps forward but over time they make a huge impact on our performance.  Ten years ago, we adopted a policy of starting two new apprentices each year.  Almost all have stayed with us and some have gone on to be supervisors and section managers whilst others progressed to the degree apprenticeship programme.”

Close Brothers firmly backs the role of apprentices in helping firms grow.

Steve Gee, CEO of Close Brothers Asset Finance’s Industrial Equipment Division, said SMEs often need assistance to take on apprentices, which is why they designed the programme to help with the specific issues smaller firms face. Under its current SME programme, the merchant banking group contributes 50 per cent of the wages of the apprentices in the first year and 25 per cent in the second year.

Steve added: “We are very proud to have played our part in the scheme’s success and look forward to our ongoing involvement. The economic and social impact of Covid-19 makes schemes like this more important than ever because we are still going to need to meet the demands of the engineering sector when the economy recovers; we won't be able to afford to play catch-up from a skills perspective."

James Selka, CEO of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, said: "The importance of manufacturing and engineering to the UK is fundamental to our national wellbeing and as the need to transform to a green economy increases, it is vital we concentrate on skills for our sector.

"Investing in the future generation is instrumental for the growth of the manufacturing technologies and engineering industry. It has long been understood that there is an enormous skills gap that exists in our industry and we thank our members, Close Brothers and the AMRC Training Centre, for continuing to make such a major contribution to helping address this issue."

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News: Bank boost for next generation of engineers

The next generation of advanced engineers have started at the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham under a scheme from the leading merchant banking group, Close Brothers.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, The AMRC Training Centre forms part of the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) group and provides training in the practical and academic skills that manufacturing companies need to compete globally, from apprenticeship through to doctorate and MBA level.

In what is a banking first, the programme is in its fourth year and Close Brothers is supporting a further 20 apprentices in the Sheffield city region (SCR). Employers will are given financial help as part of the company's long established commitment to supporting SMEs who might otherwise not be able to afford to take on an apprentice.

Nikki Jones, director of the AMRC Training Centre, said: "The recruitment of ambitious and fully-trained apprentices that can hit the ground running is definitely the right way to go - not only to address the glaring skills shortage threatening the UK engineering and manufacturing industries but to create a diverse and dynamic workforce brimming with fresh talent and new ideas."

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Close Brothers is contributing 50% of the wages of the apprentices in the first year and 25% in the second year, as well as covering all training costs.

Adrian Sainsbury, managing director of Close Brothers banking division, said: "Apprenticeships are an excellent way for UK SMEs to fill skills gaps, develop their future workforce and improve their long-term growth prospects. We believe the scheme is making a genuine difference to the participating SMEs which is why we have been working with the AMRC to support small businesses for the last three years and are delighted to be continuing our partnership this year."

James Selka, CEO of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), added: "At the MTA we see high quality apprenticeships as a hugely important talent pipeline for our industry. We are particularly keen to help smaller companies take them on and we fund some within our membership to do just that. The support of Close and great facilities at the AMRC make taking apprentices on more affordable and effective for companies that might otherwise not be able to."

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News: Financial support for SMEs who want to recruit next generation of engineers

Close Brothers Group plc, the leading merchant banking group, is continuing with a programme to help SMEs recruit and train a new generation of advanced engineering workers with the support of the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham and the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA).

Employers will be given financial help as part of the company's long established commitment to supporting small and medium sized enterprises who might otherwise not be able to afford to take on an apprentice.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, The AMRC Training Centre forms part of the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) group and provides training in the practical and academic skills that manufacturing companies need to compete globally, from apprenticeship through to doctorate and MBA level.

In what is a banking first, the programme is in its fourth year and Close Brothers is supporting a further 20 apprentices in the Sheffield city region (SCR).

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Nikki Jones, director of the AMRC Training Centre, said: "The support Close Brothers has given has transformed the lives of many apprentices already and its continued support is invaluable to young people and small businesses in the region.

"The scheme is designed in such a way so as to support those individuals and companies who need it most but also contribute towards the training centre's ongoing commitment to encourage more females into the industry and boost higher level skills development through degree apprenticeships.

"All of this is underpinned by the support needed for our smaller businesses in the region which are the lifeblood of our economy. The recruitment of ambitious and fully-trained apprentices that can hit the ground running is definitely the right way to go - not only to address the glaring skills shortage threatening the UK engineering and manufacturing industries but to create a diverse and dynamic workforce brimming with fresh talent and new ideas."

Adrian Sainsbury, managing director of Close Brothers banking division, added: "For the last three years we have supported SMEs around the country to invest in apprentices and we are delighted to be able to continue our work with AMRC to sponsor a further 20 apprentices this year.

"We know from experience that SMEs often need assistance to take on apprentices, so we designed our programme to help with the specific issues they face. We believe the scheme has made a real difference to the business results of participating SMEs and we look forward to continuing this important initiative in partnership with the AMRC."

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The scheme has already resulted in some fantastic apprentice success stories. At Foxwood Diesel, the heavy duty engine builder, Leigh Worsdale, was the first female Apprentice of the Year at the AMRC Training Centre's awards in 2017.

James Selka, CEO of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, said: "The AMRC Training Centre provides world-class education and Close Brothers have helped alleviate the financial constraints associated with training - particularly for the SME community. It is excellent news that the apprenticeship programme will be able to impact on even more young people’s lives, changing perceptions of the industry and closing the skills gap in the process."

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News: Manufacturing SMEs urged to take on apprentices

Small firms have been urged to take on apprentices to safeguard the UK's manufacturing future as a new funded programme launches in Rotherham.

The new Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme is designed to help small firms that might otherwise find it difficult to take on an apprentice and has the support of the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre and the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA).

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, The AMRC Training Centre forms part of the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) group and provides training in the practical and academic skills that manufacturing companies need to compete globally, from apprenticeship through to doctorate and MBA level.

Specialising in lending, wealth management services and securities trading, Close Brothers has been a long-term supporter of SMEs, doubling its lending to the sector since 2009. A banking first, the scheme is open to all SMEs, not just those currently working with Close Brothers.

Under the scheme, Close Brothers will fund half of an apprentice's wages in the first year and a quarter in the second year, for 20 companies. The cost of training at the AMRC Training Centre will also be covered and there will be additional support with recruitment and mentoring.

Launching the scheme, Stephen Hodges, chief executive of Close Brothers Banking Division (pictured), said: "Apprenticeships promote company loyalty, close the skills gap and provide companies with their leaders of tomorrow.

"Finding appropriate staff and a UK-wide skills shortage are the two main issues facing the economy today, but most companies cite finding time, red tape and financial burden as barriers to taking on an apprentice.

"The opportunity SMEs have with the AMRC Training Centre is perfect; they have world-class facilities, an exceptionally high standard of training and our funding programme will help with the cost of hiring those apprentices. Together we are encouraging a fresh approach that will add real value to SMEs in the future."

Among those attending the event was Emma Cavill, Group HR manager at Cooper & Turner Ltd, an industrial fastener manufacturer, whose products are used across sectors that include structural engineering, rail, wind energy and oil and gas. Local operations consist of a manufacturing business near Magna on Sheffield Road, Sheffield, and the distribution / light manufacturing business at Canklow Meadows, Rotherham.

Cavill said: "Having apprentices is completely worth the risk and any reservations you may have. We currently have six AMRC apprentices with us in business administration, technical support and tooling already and love the commitment the AMRC make to the apprentices and our company.

"They not only increase the skill level of your company benefitting your existing staff, but also increase staff morale, as they see you are investing in your company development."

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News: AMRC help Close Brothers launch apprenticeship scheme

Close Brothers Group plc, the leading merchant banking group, has launched a programme to help SMEs recruit and train a new generation of advanced engineering workers with the support of the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham and the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA).

Under the scheme, Close Brothers will help pay for 20 apprentices to learn their skills at the AMRC Training Centre. Close Brothers will fund half of the new recruits' wages during the first year and a quarter in the second, meaning participating SMEs won't have to bear the full cost of employing the apprentices until they are making a positive contribution to their business. The first intake will be in September 2015.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, The AMRC Training Centre forms part of the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) group and provides training in the practical and academic skills that manufacturing companies need to compete globally, from apprenticeship through to doctorate and MBA level.

In what is a banking first, the programme will support a further 20 apprentices in year two and 20 more in year three, meaning Close Brothers will be supporting up to 60 apprentices in the scheme at full capacity.

Specialising in lending, wealth management services and securities trading, Close Brothers has been a long-term supporter of SMEs, doubling its lending to the sector since 2009. The scheme is open to all SMEs, not just those currently working with Close Brothers.

Close Brothers, the MTA and the AMRC Training Centre will offer further support for participating companies and there are plans to bring the SME apprentices and Close Brothers' own financial apprentices together for team building and other events.

Stephen Hodges, chief executive of Close Brothers Banking division, said: "We know from our work with SMEs that many would like to take on apprentices but they are worried about the cost, time, and resource involved. Britain's manufacturing companies urgently need to recruit and train a new generation of skilled engineering workers if they are to grow in an increasingly competitive global market: we hope our initiative will help more SMEs to do just that. We believe this pioneering scheme will provide genuine financial support to the SME sector."

James Selka, CEO of the MTA, a trade association for companies working in the engineering-based manufacturing sector, said: "Companies need highly skilled workforces to enable them to get the most out of the latest technology they need to deploy to stay ahead. This initiative offers smaller firms the chance to be at the forefront of securing those skills for their futures. They, no less than larger companies, need to increase side-by-side investments in technology and skills to be globally competitive and meet customer demands for versatility. This scheme will help them do just that."

Alison Bettac, director of training at the AMRC Training Centre, added: "We are really grateful to Close Brothers for creating this golden opportunity for smaller firms to put fears of the costs and the administrative burden of employing an apprentice to one side.

"In addition to getting a high-quality vocational education, shop floor skills and access to employment, apprentices at the AMRC Training Centre can also be taking the first step on a road that could lead to undergraduate and post graduate qualifications that could make them company leaders in the future."

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