Faced with an ageing workforce and increasing recruitment challenges, Cerulean is tackling the skills gap head-on. Through a long-term partnership with MK College. The company has embedded apprenticeships and now T Level industry placements into its workforce strategy – and is already seeing the benefits. 

Based in Milton Keynes, Cerulean is a manufacturing company that supplies precision test and measurement equipment for the tobacco industry.  

Claire Millsop, HR Business Partner, explains that the company has worked closely with MK College for several years, particularly in the recruitment and training of apprentices, to help address the engineering skills gap. 

“We started off with apprentices. Over the last eight years, they’ve been key to our business, especially in the last five, where we’ve really focused on it. We became part of the 5% Club because we felt it was important to show our commitment to ‘earn while you learn’ schemes. This was in direct response to the reality we were facing – an ageing workforce in engineering. The average age of our engineers was 50, and it was getting harder to find the right skills externally. So, we realised we needed to invest heavily in apprenticeships. We began in engineering and have since expanded into marketing, finance, and IT.” 

The company recently extended its support to include T Level industry placements, although this wasn’t originally part of the plan.  

“We’re part of the MAKE UK federation and take part in events like Manufacturing Day. We decided to open our doors to students from MK College to show them what we do. One of the attendees, Abdul, approached us afterwards to ask about a T Level placement. To be honest, we had initially rejected the idea of taking T Level students. We thought it was impractical to have someone come in just one day a week. But we liked him, he presented himself well, and we knew what he could do. So we decided to give him an opportunity.” 

The experience turned out to be overwhelmingly positive. “T Levels are a great opportunity to bring in young professionals. If you can, then go on to offer an apprenticeship at a higher level, like Level 4, it’s definitely worth considering. We’re hoping to keep Abdul on. He’s fitted in incredibly well and has been a real pleasure to have on the team. I’ve heard nothing but praise about him. One of the big differences with T Levels is the academic standard. It’s noticeably strong.” 

Beyond recruitment, the partnership also supports the company’s wider community values. 

“For us, as an employer, it’s important to give back to the community. The partnership with MK College gives us the chance to do that – whether it’s through attending careers events or helping students understand the kinds of careers we offer. We really value having that relationship with a local education organisation.” 

When asked what advice she would give to other employers, Claire said: “I think it’s essential to give the college the chance to really understand your business. We always invite people in to look around, meet key stakeholders, and get to grips with the skills we’re looking for. I highly recommend investing that time. It enables a much more successful recruitment and training process in the long term. It has to be a long-term relationship; it can’t be a quick fix. If you take that approach, you’re missing the bigger picture.” 

To find out more about offering work placements through MK College, contact the Work Experience Team at: workexperienceteam@mkcollege.ac.uk  

Milton Keynes College is taking part in this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at local shopping centre Midsummer Place.  

The festival involves local organisations sponsoring one of 20 Christmas trees for a charity of their choice and in return decorating their trees however they would like. There is a competition where shoppers can vote for their favourite tree and the organisation with the winning tree will be rewarded with a portion of the total funds collected during the campaign, contributing to the charity of their choice. 

MK College has chosen to support St Mark’s Meals, it’s chosen college charity. St Mark’s Meals MK provide and distribute dinner kit boxes to over 100 schools and children’s centres all across Milton Keynes so that any member of staff at these places can give a box to any child, whenever they see the need.  

Rebecca Myrie, Head of Community Engagement at Milton Keynes College, commented: “We were so excited to hear about the Christmas Tree Festival and we knew immediately that we wanted to support St Mark’s Meals. 18,000 local children are living in poverty right now – that means that there are thousands of parents and carers who know the stress and pain of not being able to provide dinner for their family. St Mark’s Meals is working hard to make sure that no children in Milton Keynes are going to bed hungry, and we wanted to do our bit to support them”. 

The College’s learners have been heavily involved in the decoration of the tree. Julia Klimaszewska, a former Level 3 Graphic Design student at the College, designed an amazing mural for our Chaffron Way campus, inspired by our vision of education that goes Beyond the Classroom. Colleagues at the College loved the mural so much that they’ve incorporated elements of the mural into the designs of the tree’s baubles. 

The College’s Engineering department took Julia’s creations and used a laser cutter to produce the fantastic baubles on the tree in our brand colours. Staff and learners from across the College then came together to decorate our tree – it was a real team effort! The tree also includes baubles from the College’s charity partner, St Mark’s Meals MK.  

For more information on the College’s work in the community, visit https://mkcollege.ac.uk/community/working-with-the-community/  

This Women in Engineering Day, we had the pleasure of chatting to two of our very own Women in Engineering! Ayesha and Sam are both studying Level 3 Engineering Technologies – they spoke to us about what they enjoy most about studying Engineering as well as their hopes for the future.

What made you choose Engineering as a career path?

Ayesha: Engineering is a broad field that offers exciting career opportunities where you will get to be creative, solve problems and explore how things work every day. I choose Engineering as a career path because since childhood I had an interest in how machinery works. Moreover, I want to design products and buildings by using Engineering software.

Sam: My dad got me into engineering when I was little. He used to fix and mend cars; I used to love going out and helping him. When I got older, I didn’t realise women could do engineering until I went into sixth form. I found MK college and it was the best fit for me to do level 3.

What are you enjoying most about your course?

Ayesha: The most fascinating thing about Engineering is that I get a chance to work with high standard programs (Fusion 360 and Auto-CAD) and machinery (Lathe and CNC).

Sam: The thing I enjoy most about my course is the excitement about learning engineering, along with being supported by the teachers and the people in my course are also really nice and supportive. I’m not afraid to ask for help when needed and everyone helps each other out throughout the course.

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future after you have completed your studies?

Ayesha: After completing my level 3 Engineering, I would like to pursue my career in Architectural engineering.

Sam: When my dad got me into cars, he then showed me Formula 1, it was only when I was older that I learned that you could do apprenticeships with Formula 1, which is now my main aim – working on the cars and the mechanical side of it and being able to be part of one of their teams.

What advice would you give to other women looking to get into Engineering?

Ayesha: If you are passionate and dedicated towards Engineering, then you should chase your dreams. As nothing is impossible.

Sam: My advice is go for it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do any type of engineering. Because all women can do all types of engineering.

What is your favourite thing about studying Engineering at MK College?

Ayesha: My favourite thing about studying Engineering at MK College is they have a friendly, safe environment and helpful tutors. Whenever I am struggling, tutors are available and happy to help me. I recommend other women interested in doing Engineering to join MK college as it will help you achieve your dreams.

Sam: My favourite thing about MK college would have to be the people and the atmosphere, having good and kind people in your course really makes coming to college worth it and makes the course 10 times more enjoyable.

If you’d like to follow in Sam and Ayesha’s footsteps, take a look at our many Engineering courses. If you’d like to find out more and chat with tutors, why not sign up for our next open event and find out what it’s like to be an Engineering student at MK College.

Food manufacturer Santa Maria has been working with MK College for several years to recruit and train apprentice engineers and develop their workforce for the future.

MK College helped with recruiting their previous apprentice and after having such a good experience, they have since taken on another apprentice through the College.

Why employ an Apprentice?

Neil Lazenbury, the Maintenance Coordinator at Santa Maria, says, “Communication is excellent; the team are very quick to answer queries and keep us up-to-date with any changes.

“The training officer overseeing our apprentice is in constant communication and is helping both the apprentice and the company, coaching us both along the way.

Neil describes the structure of the course their apprentice is working through as very similar to the apprenticeship style from the past.

“The course is balanced well and this is reflected in the positive attitude of the apprentice during his work placement days.”

He added, “To any employers considering taking on an apprentice, I’d recommend getting in touch with MK College to let them know what you require. The level of candidates is very good and the college are very helpful throughout the process.”

For more information, email our team at employerteam@MKcollege.ac.uk, and watch the video below to find out about the latest government incentives for employers of apprentices.

Engineering touches so many industries and businesses and with the rate of developments in technology, employing an engineering apprentice can be a great way to stay ahead of the game and keep up to date with the latest developments.

Employing an Apprentice: The Benefits

As well as offering a fresh perspective, engineering apprentices have the opportunity to develop their skills on the job and through a collaborative learning experience between college and employer, they will learn from industry experts, get to understand the latest technology and theories, and network and share ideas with other apprentices from other industries. But with so many options, how do you go about finding the right apprentice for your business? Here is our guide to the current engineering standards and what they offer your business.

Level 2 Engineering Operative

Working individually or as part of a team, an engineering operative may be involved in a range of engineering operations. For example, ensuring machines and equipment used are maintained and serviceable, dealing with breakdowns, restoring components and systems to serviceable condition, operating a variety of machines, assembling and repairing machines, press tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other tools.

Level 3 Composites Technician

Composites manufacture is the combining of materials to form a lighter and stronger alternative to metal. A composites technician will engage in a variety of processes in the production of these materials. Their specialist knowledge and skills may be deployed in the areas of design, tooling, moulding, lay-up, curing, machining, inspection, testing, repairing and material production.

Level 3 Design and Draughtsperson

As an engineering design and draughtsperson, the primary role will be to produce designs and drawings. As such, the apprentice will understand, and create their own technical drawings and specifications; produce CAD (Computer Aided Design) models and engineering drawings; identify factors likely to affect design decisions and be able to communicate design information to internal and external parties.

Level 3 Engineering Fitter

Generally speaking, an engineering fitter will be involved in the production of complex high value, low volume components or assemblies. They may have a mechanical, electrical, electronic, control systems, pipe fitting or instrumentation bias. Regardless of their bias, all engineering fitters will need to interpret drawings/specifications and be able to plan their work to ensure they have the right tools, equipment and resources. By doing these things and using their knowledge and skills an engineering fitter will be able to complete their tasks to the required specification and against the required quality standards.

Level 3 Machinist

A machinist will be involved in highly-skilled, complex and precision work, machining components from specialist materials using conventional and/or CNC machine tools such as lathes, mills, and multi-axis CNC machines. Apprentices will learn how to set up, operate, adjust/edit equipment and produce, prove and edit CNC programmes whilst working with their employer.

Level 3 Mechatronics

A mechatronics maintenance engineering will be involved in a broad range of activities that are designed to ensure that plant and equipment performs to the required standard. Activities may include installation, testing, fault-finding and planned maintenance of complex automated equipment. As such a mechatronics maintenance technician will have a broad range of knowledge and skills covering electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems disciplines.

Level 3 Product Design and Development

Product Design & Development Technicians primarily work on all stages of product creation and modification. Product and design technicians support activities ranging from early concept feasibility, design and development stages right through to final preparation for launch and customers. This includes working in concept studios, rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and analysing performance. Apprentices will work closely with engineers in bring new concepts to life or supporting redesigns of existing products.

Level 3 Toolmaker and Tool and Die Maintenance

A Toolmaker and Tool & Die Maintenance Technician will predominantly be involved in the highly-skilled, complex and specialist detailed work of manufacturing and maintaining the engineering tooling used to produce components, products and assemblies. It involves a broad range of activities including the interpretation of engineering drawings and technical instructions, the use of hand, machine and automated computer-controlled machine tools and measuring equipment.

Level 3 Technical Support

Technical Support Technicians work as part of a team to provide technical support and expertise for all areas of the Engineering and Manufacturing function. As part of the role, apprentices may be involved with production scheduling/planning, process control, performance and continuous improvement techniques, quality control and inspection. Apprentices will be able to work with minimum supervision and take responsibility for the quality, accuracy and timely delivery of their work.

Level 4 Propulsion Technician

Propulsion Technicians are responsible for the testing of building function that supports the development of propulsion systems such as internal combustion engines, hybrid and electric propulsion technology and advanced control systems. A propulsion technician will carry out a range of specialist tasks to develop, improve or create new propulsion technologies. They will take a proactive role in development build or test delivery, taking responsibility for creating, editing, first-line data analysis and quality validation.

If you have any questions about engineering apprenticeships and what they could do for your business, please click here for more information and details on how to get in touch with us.