Telford Firm Wins Awards for Championing Apprenticeships
Iconsys, an automated technology specialist based in Telford, recently garnered recognition for its commitment to apprenticeships. The company actively promotes the importance of nurturing local talent, demonstrating a strong focus on building a skilled workforce through its apprenticeship programs.
Telford Firm Champions Apprenticeships
In light of National Apprenticeships Week, iconsys is encouraging other employers to embrace the value of developing their own workforce. Edwin Derry, the company’s director of engineering and innovation, reflects on the joys of mentorship. He began his own apprenticeship 40 years ago and believes in the profound impact of guiding the next generation.
Success Stories from the Apprenticeship Program
Iconsys employs a range of past and current apprentices at various levels. These individuals testify to the program’s effectiveness.
- Jordan Tassell: Now head of sales for marine and ports, Jordan’s journey through electric and electronic engineering has led him to advocate for apprenticeships. He emphasizes their value in injecting new ideas into businesses.
- Cliff Sedgley: With an apprenticeship that started four decades ago, Cliff has witnessed numerous apprentices thrive at iconsys. He believes that home-grown talent is crucial for organizational success.
- New Apprentices: Rheon Paul and Ben Morris-Jones, both pursuing electrical engineering, express excitement about their rotational training. They aim to progress to degree-level apprenticeships.
- Matt Riddell: Having started as an apprentice in 2019, Matt is now a hardware design engineer. He appreciates the support from management and the growth he has experienced.
- Jack Evans: Joining iconsys shortly after the Covid lockdown, Jack has become a junior electrical test technician, finding the experience invaluable.
Investment in Future Leaders
Iconsys’s apprenticeship scheme is designed to cultivate confident and capable professionals who grasp the nuances of the business. Milissa Chesters, who oversees people and culture, highlights the design of these programs as a means of fostering lifelong learning and career growth.
Partnerships with Telford College
The collaboration between iconsys and Telford College exemplifies how effective apprenticeship programs can transform lives and organizations. Beckie Bosworth, the college’s director of partnerships and employer engagement, believes that supported apprentices can attain extraordinary results, moving into higher-level qualifications and roles.
This partnership not only enhances individual skills but also contributes to the overall vitality of businesses in the region. Iconsys’s initiatives illustrate the profound benefits of investing in apprenticeships, marking them as a strategic advantage for employers looking to develop talent for the future.
