Left to right: Tina Jivraj, Leicester College; Luke Littlejohns, ADS Laser; Harmesh Manghra, Leicester College; and Harry Smith, ADS Laser

Leicester-based metalwork firm, ADS Laser Cutting Ltd, has pledged its support to students at Leicester College as it seeks to invest in future local talent and address ongoing skills development. There has been a link between the two for several years as Leicester College provides the training for apprentices employed by ADS Laser, and the collaboration was strengthened earlier this year when the business offered laser cut steel plates for apprentices on the metal fabrication and welding course to practice their welding skills on. The firm has since supported the college’s careers fair and has formalised the partnership by hosting college representatives at a tour of its facilities.

Tina Jivraj, business development account manager for Leicester College, and Harmesh Manghra, one of the college’s governors met with Harry Smith, production manager at ADS Laser, and Lynda Morton, HR manager, and enjoyed a tour of the 87,000ft² facility where over £1 million has been invested in new machinery over the past 12 months. Luke Littlejohns, a current metal fabrication apprentice, was also on hand to discuss his training experience.

Duncan Keates, joint managing director at ADS Laser Cutting, said: “As a former apprentice, I am acutely aware of the importance of real-world training experiences. Being able to support both the college and current apprentices in this manner is a meaningful way in which we can invest in future talent. It has been a pleasure to host Leicester College at our site as we are incredibly proud of the facilities that we offer. Of course, these benefit our customers for whom we deliver bespoke metalwork solutions, but also the apprentices who chose to join the ADS Laser team while completing their studies.”

Tina Jivraj, Leicester College, added: “Forging relationships with local businesses that truly enhance the experience of our students is vital in delivering a first-class training experience. The team at ADS Laser has demonstrated a keen interest in supporting the work of our engineering and business administration departments and we are looking forward to maximising this partnership to the benefit of all involved.”