In-Comm Training & Business Services has formed a partnership with Shrewsbury-based Salop Design & Engineering (www.salopdesign.co.uk) to establish a training academy in Shropshire for engineering and manufacturing apprentices.

Salop is converting part of its factory into a centre that will cater for around 40 apprentices a year from local manufacturing businesses.

In-Comm managing director Gareth Jones said: “There is continued investment in the region, particularly from aerospace and automotive manufacturers. While this is good news, there is a danger that the supply chain will suffer if we can’t offer the skills locally to support an innovative and sustainable industrial future.

“This collaboration will create a skilled workforce in the county and truly extols the virtues of partnership working. We have strong links with Salop Design; at the moment, they are sending their apprentices on a 100-mile round trip because they couldn’t get the training and support they needed in Shropshire. We can’t wait to get started.”

Salop director Chris Greenough said that the new centre will address the skills gap for engineers and manufacturers: “As the chairman of the Made In The Midlands organisation, I speak to a lot of manufacturing groups, and everybody says the skills gap is what is stopping their business from growing”

In-Comm will employ three or four trainers at the site once it is ready for launch next month. Apprentices from companies in the local area will spend three days a week in work, and two studying with on-the-job facilities at Salop Design. To find out more, visit the Web site (www.in-comm.co.uk).