Wrekin Construction will run 2,000 training courses a year for its own employees alone after opening its new centre in Shifnal. And its bosses say the move is a “bite-sized” way of tackling the problem of a shortage of skilled workers in the industry.
Former chairman Tom Frain, who founded the company more than 45 years ago, was justifiably proud of the new two-storey centre with four dedicated training rooms, complete with equipment, as well as toilet, kitchen and changing room facilities.
He was keen to stress that Wrekin had never had problems recruiting qualified staff but admitted a skills shortage did exist in his industry generally.
And his son, Wrekin Group chairman Dr Simon Frain, echoed his father’s comments.
“There is more of a skills shortage the further south you go. Up here, we are cushioned from it. But our centre will ensure that we can train our people to the highest standards.”
The centre is also available for use by colleges and even other employers.
Alexis Bayliss, head of human resources, said: “Where colleges can train someone to be a fully-qualified plumber or electrician, our resources mean that they can expand this qualification to include skills required for a civil engineering environment.
“That significantly broadens the employment opportunities for trainees.”
The centre also offers training and qualifications in a range of niche sectors, such as the construction of, or working in, trenches and tunnels, where training can be on-site, in the centre, or a combination of both.
“Training is embedded in the culture of Wrekin: our trainees and the staff are motivated to make sure it has the highest possible profile and this is something we can extend to the benefit of colleges and even other employers,” she said.
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