ENGINEERING
Katmex can supply up to 2000 tonnes of processed and fabricated components per month to medium and heavy industries from its 25,000sqm Stockton base .
Such decisions are delivering results . Katmex ’ s business is strong . The forecast is strong , and it is recruiting again ; it is looking to increase its workforce and welcomes applications via the career page on its website .
Katmex works with a range of partners such as Hartlepool College , Teesside University and Newton Aycliffe-based training provider NC Group to access a wide range of training and qualification opportunities .
Programmes currently on offer vary from HR , health and safety , IT , planning and design and production-based development .
Paul , who has worked his way up to management himself having started out as a quality inspector ten years ago , explained : “ We have workers currently undertaking a Level 2 lean operative level course , learning good working practice principles on the shop floor .
“ The next step in this progression would be to a Level 3 engineering technologies course , providing engineering drawing training and advanced principles of health and safety .
“ If successful , employees could then go on to study a mechanical HNC at Hartlepool College of Further Education and the next steps for some would be to go on to complete a degree in mechanical engineering at Teesside University .
“ At this moment in time we are approaching 20 people on this specific training programme . They may not all reach degree level , but that route is there for them . The evidence is clear that the opportunities will be provided for our employees .”
From July , in-house training will be ramped up , with two new training facilities being built on site .
One will be a training and development room to host all theory-based learning and a second one will be a designated training work cell for factory-based practical learning .
The latter will include precision machinery used for drilling , tapping and chamfering . Along with a pillar drill , pedestal grinder , overhead crane and various other tools and equipment to enhance various aspects of practical training .
Shorna said : “ We look for potential in our staff and develop that wherever we can .
“ We have always had apprentices here , they have been a key part of Katmex ’ s workforce long before my time .
“ But now we are focusing on employees that come in at an operator level and look to develop them through these qualification routes .
“ It ’ s open to all staff . There are some people who might have been here nine or ten years , but now with the extra investment we are putting into the staff those employees can consider taking that next step and gaining qualifications with our investment .”
There is not just a pathway to further education either .
Paul said : “ There is a move to bring all the staff together regularly , for team building sessions where we are mixing up departments for them to learn more about the Katmex values . It ’ s all a bit of light-hearted fun and a way to learn about what we stand for .
“ The interactive sessions are all about two of our core company values ‘ Maintaining successful communication ’ and ‘ Teamwork for success ’ - we will roll that out to all staff as we continue to strengthen , improve and develop our workforce .”
Check out katmex . co . uk for career opportunities or for further information .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 109