Paisley launches skills academy
A new platform designed to connect apprentices and recent graduates with manufacturing and engineering jobs is being developed in Renfrewshire.
The Manufacturing Skills Academy at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) in Inchinnan is working with Skills Development Scotland to explore the feasibility of a‘Pre-Approved Talent’scheme .
Based on similar principles to the university clearing system , the programme seeks to streamline the recruitment processes for companies of all sizes.
The initiative is being designed to address a problem in the industry where large manufacturers typically receive hundreds of applications for entry level roles and, despite having many potential candidates who are successful at assessment centres and interviews, often need to turn people away.
By contrast, smaller businesses have told NMIS they struggle to find applicants because of limited resources and advertising options to raise awareness of vacancies.
Through this new platform and with consent from the job hunter, smaller businesses could gain access to the pool of talent that narrowly missed out on roles at larger companies and direct candidates towards similar positions.
It also aims to empower more young people to enter the sector and choose careers in manufacturing.
Four large organisations and 20 SMEs have partnered with the Manufacturing Skills Academy to trial the online platform across Scotland’s central belt.
The database will feature a range of filters to allow businesses to sort candidates by geographical location and qualifications. If successful, the scheme could be rolled out across the UK, with potential to expand into other sectors outside of manufacturing and engineering.
Dr Avril Thomson, head of skills programmes at the Manufacturing Skills Academy, said:“The demand for manufacturing and engineering skills is on the rise and we have a pool of enthusiastic young people who want to get into jobs across the sector.
“At the moment, however, we’re seeing a gap where smaller businesses struggle to find the right people despite the fact that hundreds are applying for positions at larger companies.
“The Pre-Approved Talent scheme will support both candidates and potential employers. Candidates will be handpicked and the employers will have the reassurance from another company that they are suitable for the role. By offering a matchmaking style service we hope to speed up and simplify the recruitment process and encourage more talent into the sector.”
Gordon McGuinness, director of industry and enterprise networks at Skills Development Scotland, said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in Scotland’s economy, bringing economic benefits not just for employers, but the communities they serve.
“Looking at how we can further improve recruitment, and in particular to widen out the quality talent pool for smaller businesses, is bound to make a positive impact.
“We look forward to working with partners to test the new approach.”
NMIS is operated by the University of Strathclyde. It is supported by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Island Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Funding Council.
The flagship NMIS building is at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District. The distinct 11,500m2 heather coloured building, opened in June 2023.
The NMIS hub acts as a magnet for innovative manufacturing, engineering and tech businesses and seeks to provide an open and collaborative environment where knowledge and creativity can be shared amongst its tenants and wider industry partners.