Apprentices bring ‘new talent and a fresh perspective’
A COMPANY in Waterlooville has been held up as a shining example of home-grown talent.
Cougar Automation has a strong track record of recruiting and developing enthusiastic young people.
As one of the largest independent control system integrators in the UK, Cougar Automation has three sites in the southern region, with its head office in Waterlooville employing 50 staff.
It has spoken out about the benefits of investing into young talent to encourage other firms to follow suit and create opportunities for young people as part of the 100 in 100 campaign, that seeks to create 100 placements for young people in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas in 100 days.
The campaign, set up by Shaping Portsmouth in partnership with the Portsmouth education and business community, was launched on the back of rising youth unemployment.
Cougar Automation’s southern business unit administrator, Cheryl Martin, who is undertaking an HR apprenticeship herself, said: ‘Apprenticeships are important to Cougar Automation, as a way of bringing in new talent and a fresh perspective.
‘We believe in educating the younger generation and introducing them to an industry that few people are aware even exists.’ It currently has six young apprentices within its team – Lauren Norris, Michael Kattenhorn, Ben Evans, Sheldon Wibberley, Buddy Heydon and Jack Ventham.
Lauren completed a business administration apprenticeship with PETA Training and Consultancy.
Michael completed a degree apprenticeship in embedded electronics with the University of Portsmouth.
Ben is their youngest engineering apprentice, who is 18.
He is studying his L4 engineering HNC at Fareham College’s CEMAST Campus for Engineering as a higher apprenticeship.
Sheldon started his L4 apprenticeship in project management at Fareham College whilst in lockdown.
Engineering apprentice Buddy has just completed his L3 apprenticeship and is embarking on his HNC in electrical engineering at HSDC.
Jack was spotted at an apprenticeship day in 2019 and is just completing his L4 project management course at Fareham College and is applying for the chartered management degree apprenticeship at University of Portsmouth.
General manager of the southern business unit, Donald Wibberley said: ‘Over the past 10 years we have regularly had engineering apprentices going through our company.
‘We have found the scheme a great way to not only put something back into society, but also develop and grow engineers from within the organisation.
‘In the last two years we have started a similar scheme for project manager apprentices, and as an organisation are already seeing the benefit and contributions these individuals are making.
‘For the apprentices they earn while they learn, and become qualified without the debt associated with other further education schemes.’
Donald said the business works hard to attract young people into the industry, attending careers fairs in their local community, as well as engaging with local schools to show the many exciting opportunities that are available in STEM industries.
He said that Cougar Automation is also aware there are still more men than women in the world of engineering, therefore they are particularly keen to promote the opportunities available to young women.
For more information go to shapingportsmouth.co.uk - or to register an interest e-mail contactus@shapingportsmouth.co.uk
Alternatively go to solentapprenticeshiphub.com.