FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
In 2021 apprentices accounted for 10 per cent of the national asset engineering firm’s workforce. Edwin James Group committed to increasing this to 15 per cent within two years and following the expansion of its programme, the figure now stands at 16 per cent of the Group’s workforce across Musk Process Services, Parker Technical Services and Peak Technology Solutions.
Following the success, Edwin James is now building on its existing programme to support more young people into engineering careers. Working with local schools the company is planning to introduce Foundation Level apprenticeships for 15 – 18-year-olds and to increase the number of graduate apprenticeships.
In addition, Edwin James is taking part in a pilot Careers Pathway programme in North Lanarkshire. The programme, for children at S2 level, seeks to inspire future career choices and inform them about the different pathways available.
Commenting on the developments, Robert Molloy, Managing Director of Parker Technical Services, Scotland, said: “Apprentices are vital to the future growth of the Edwin James Group. We’re very proud of the success of our existing scheme, and expanding support out to schools and graduates is the next logical step.
“In an industry that faces a severe skills gap, educating young people on the exciting and varied opportunities that a career in engineering can offer is vital. At Edwin James, we believe in developing talent from within, and many of our senior managers and board members started their career with an apprenticeship.”
Edwin James Group is committed to developing talent and through the EJ Academy, provides opportunities for lifelong learning and the upskilling and reskilling of all staff.
Following the launch of the first EJ Academy Hub in 2020, the business launched a second training academy in 2021 and a new digital academy in 2023.
With the current economic crisis resulting in higher prices and more of a squeeze on resources, FMs need to ensure that they have robust building and maintenance services in place to control costs and reduce the need for emergency repairs. When it comes to drainage and plumbing there are also the challenges of dealing with extreme weather, from droughts to flooding, the need to meet stringent regulations and to avoid causing environmental damage.
UK drainage specialist, Metro Rod, has launched a survey which explores the main areas of interest for FMs in maintaining drainage and plumbing, including how they currently assess their supply chains to ensure they’re working with partners that meet the highest possible standards and provide value for money.
The results will be published online so that you can see how you compare to others within the sector.
The survey should take just 5-10 minutes of your time, and as a thank you, you will be entered into a prize draw, where one lucky winner will be picked at random to receive a £100 Amazon voucher.
To take part click here.
