Specialist engineering company Cullum Detuners were named as Employer of the Month recently after being recognised for their passion, commitment and supportive approach to developing young people through apprenticeships.
Nas Anwar, HR Assistant at Cullum Detuners told us why apprenticeships are so important to them. She said:
“We see apprenticeships as a vital way to develop the niche skills we need for our business and we are equally as passionate about ensuring we give young people from our local community the opportunity to carve a career in engineering. Apprenticeships give us the chance to do that and they are valued and celebrated at all levels of the company.”
The company offer excellent progression opportunities for apprentices and put many initiatives in place to inspire and give young people the chance to climb the career ladder. Many of the company’s senior managers started their working life as apprentices with the company and ex-apprentices mentor new recruits, which helps to demonstrate where their work based learning choice can lead to. This approach means the company has a 100% retention rate with all apprentices securing full time employment across the organisation.
Success of apprentices is celebrated at all levels in Cullum Detuners. There is a generous bonus scheme in place which recognises the level of effort apprentices put in to the programme. Board members at the company take a real interest in the apprentices and play a part in recognising the achievements of the work-based learners.
A vital part of the company’s engineering apprenticeship programme is to ensure apprentices experience all aspects of the business from working on the shop floor to production planning and visiting customers across the country and beyond. This approach ensures a greater understanding of the business as a whole, giving them a real insight into how the job they do fits in to the process of delivering solutions to customers. It also gives the apprentices the opportunity to see where their strengths are and where they might fit in the organisation in the future.
Rebecca Heathcote, a Level 3 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice told us:
“I was thinking about going to college to study engineering full time after school but when someone from Cullum’s came into school and told us about the apprenticeship opportunities I really liked the sound of them. I know I am gaining loads of experience and knowledge here and I love the hands on approach to learning about different areas of the business at the same time as getting the qualifications I need.”
Nicki Clarke, Head of Operations at LU Derby said:
“We have worked with Cullum Detuners for many years and we are really proud of the partnership approach that we have developed. It is an honour to work with a company who whole heartedly believe in the value of apprenticeships and put so much effort into ensuring the success of young people. They go above and beyond to give budding engineers the chance to start their careers and it is wonderful to see how that approach pays off by ensuring they are growing the talent they need for their business.”