Case study summary: Read more about how Coopervision and PETA have partnered to launch the "Practical Skills for Unskilled Technicians" programme. This two-week course equipped employees with essential engineering skills, addressing both company-specific needs and the wider industry's skills gap. The success of this initiative has led to the development of an open course, available for all businesses from 30th September.
Background:
In a collaborative effort to address skill shortages and promote internal talent development, we partnered with Coopervision to design and implement a bespoke training programme, "Practical Skills for Unskilled Technicians." This initiative not only aligns with Coopervision's commitment to personal development but also addresses the wider industry's need for skilled technicians.
Programme Overview
The two-week training programme, held at our Havant training centre, was specifically tailored for individuals with limited technical knowledge and experience. The curriculum included modules covering health and safety, hand skills, data documentation, electrical maintenance, and mechanical maintenance. This comprehensive introduction to engineering was designed to equip participants with foundational skills and knowledge that could be built upon with future training and development.
Objectives and Outcomes
The primary goal of the programme was to provide Coopervision's existing employees with an opportunity to grow within the company, ultimately saving costs associated with external recruitment. By upskilling their workforce, Coopervision aims to create a robust pipeline of talent ready to step into more advanced roles or apprenticeships. This approach not only supports the company’s internal talent progression but also contributes to reducing the national skills gap in the engineering sector.
First-Time Collaboration
This was our first collaboration with Coopervision, and the success of this programme highlights the potential for future partnerships. Coopervision plans to use this training as a feeder system for employees moving across different roles within the company. It will serve as a stepping stone, enabling individuals to transition into apprenticeships or higher roles, encouraging a culture of continuous learning and development.
Addressing the Skills Gap
The programme was also developed to address the national shortage of engineering talent. By creating a home-grown talent pool, Coopervision can identify and nurture potential candidates for their apprenticeship scheme and other engineering vacancies. This internal recruitment strategy reduces the reliance on external employment agencies, leading to significant cost savings and ensuring that the company benefits from employees who are already aligned with its values and objectives.
Positive Experience
The programme was a great success, with both the PETA instructors and the Coopervision delegates reporting a very positive experience. The instructors were impressed with the hard-work ethic of the group and their enthusiasm to participate in all activities, and the delegates appreciated the hands-on experience they gained in a controlled environment.
One delegate said: “It allowed me to improve my existing skills while also gaining experience with new tools and equipment. It was beneficial to have hands-on practice with tools and machinery that I hadn’t used before. The instructors were very knowledgeable and supportive, providing tips and useful insights.”
The "Practical Skills for Unskilled Technicians" programme is a testament to the power of bespoke training solutions in addressing specific business needs and industry challenges. Through this partnership, Coopervision has taken a proactive step towards maintaining a skilled workforce, fostering employee growth, and contributing to the wider goal of closing the engineering skills gap in the UK. This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing tailored training solutions that deliver visible benefits for our partners and for the wider industry.
Due to the success of this programme we’re excited to announce an open course version that is available for all businesses to book onto, Practical Skills for Engineers, read more and book here.