A cohort of students recently completed the annual placement programme that ran from July at JJ Churchill, a leading precision engineering specialists, after a year of post-pandemic recovery and business growth. The programme began several years ago and this year brought in four students to bring fresh ideas into the business.

The company provides a positive work experience for placement students by applying best practice to their task and duties. A main goal for the company is to continue its sustainable growth by continuing the annual placement programme and attracting potential future workers to the company.

Sarah Gregory, head of human resources at JJ Churchill, said: “We are committed to the recruitment of interns every year as this gives us the opportunity to support the development of young people as they take their first steps into the world of work.”

“The benefits to us are multi-faceted but include the ability to apply fresh eyes to our organisation, generate new ideas, and the ability to deliver tangible results into the business from short term targeted project work.

“Our interns are always welcomed into our organisation by our team and with a strong induction are able to hit the ground running very quickly. There is a richness and depth that we gain from our internship programme that enhances our culture”.

Callum Inman has completed an internship at JJ Churchill while studying engineering science at Oxford University. He said: “It has been an opportunity to explore practical rather than theoretical challenges and experience real engineering problems in a friendly environment.”

In his internship, Callum has enjoyed his time leading the implementation of Seiki Systems and practising his newfly developed skills. He added: “The time I have spent with JJ Churchill has been rewarding, it has allowed me to learn manufacturing and business operations first-hand.

“My studies at Oxford are exposing me to the theoretical foundations of engineering. At JJC, placement students can see, in action, innovative engineering and collaborative problem-solving.

“The volume of practical knowledge and skills learned here over the course of eight weeks cannot be taught in a lecture theatre. I have taken a big step forward in pursuing a potential career in aerospace or precision engineering and perhaps becoming a chartered engineer.”

JJ Churchill also has an apprenticeship scheme through its ‘Mechanical Advanced Training Plan’ which has been in operation for over 80 years. This four-year apprenticeship includes the options to proceed onto a progressive course such as a ‘Technical Support NVQ Level 3, HND’ qualification or a degree.

The company is active in the power generation, aerospace, medical and defence industries. The company recently won ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year’ at the Leicestershire Live Business Awards for its pioneering programme.