ENGINEERING
New talent - Josh Cuthbert ( right ) working alongside their mentor to operate the Fanuc bevelling robot .
Precision - quality apprentice Jay Dimmick operating the oxy fuel cutting machine , as part of his six-week induction covering all areas of production .
“ Yes , there are a lot of STEM programmes that should bring people into the manufacturing side whereas in the past , you used to have the likes of British Steel on Teesside , who would have a big intake annually of apprentices , who over time would move on to other companies within the region .
“ Now , you haven ’ t really got a significant regional employer to that degree , so it ’ s become a bit lost – and the focus on apprenticeships had been lost for a number of years .
“ But we use digital skills too , don ’ t forget – we have elements of automation that require us to maintain programmes and machines .
“ So , yes , while we are a heavy manufacturing and engineering business , there ’ s still a chance to utilise those IT skills in lots of areas throughout the business .” Lee says the apprentice scheme has been “ driven ” by Nathan , who liaises with the likes of Hartlepool College to ensure local education establishments are aware of Katmex ’ s apprenticeship programme , and can help support it .
Indeed , Nathan ’ s passion for apprenticeships was made crystal clear when he picked up his Tees Business Award , saying : “ I ’ ve nurtured a young team built of apprentices and young technicians and hopefully I ’ ve inspired them along the way to develop a career with Katmex .
“ I see myself in them . It ’ s nice to see they ’ re the future of the company and I just want to give them the best chance I can to succeed .”
Nathan , in conjunction with line managers , has put together development plans for all the apprentices .
It will see them attend local colleges and get recognised qualifications – but there ’ s also that on-the-job knowledge and skills they ’ ll get from engaging in the Katmex working environment .
And Lee believes that investing in people is just as important as the recent investment in the firm ’ s Stockton building , which saw its vast 5,929-sq m roof completely refurbished , as well as money spent on a new cobot ( collaborative robot ) to transform Katmex ’ s welding capabilities .
Lee said : “ People are an asset to the business but just like buildings and machines , you ’ ve got to maintain , look after and invest in them .
“ It ’ s a similar theory to what we ’ re looking at with capital investment – we ’ ve invested in automation , we ’ ve invested in our buildings and we ’ re investing in the people also .
“ And whilst we have recruited this recent cohort of apprentices , there is still ongoing training throughout the business for other members of staff , which is just as important .
“ We want this to be an annual intake of apprentices , to provide them with good knowledge and training and then develop them further within the business .
“ It ’ s hugely significant for us . Katmex has been going 25 years and this is another crucial element in continuing to take the business forward .”
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