Shevaun Haviland, front third left, with the hosts and apprentices at In-Comm TrainingThe director general of the
British Chambers of Commerce recently visited companies in the Black Country and saw new technology being used by manufacturers and met with apprentices embarking on their careers in the sector.
Shevaun Haviland, who leads the network of accredited chambers across the UK and in key markets around the world, saw two premium member businesses in action. Accompanied by Black Country Chamber of Commerce CEO Sarah Moorhouse, Shevaun and senior membership executive Hannah Kelleher visited
Patrons Assa Abloy Opening Solutions in Willenhall and
In-Comm Training in Aldridge to see their progress first-hand.
Hosted by Assa Abloy Opening Solutions’ UK chief operating officer Jeanette McFarland, Ms Haviland was given a tour of the modern premises on the site where the leading door opening solutions manufacturer has operated since the 1930s.
As well as seeing the latest robotics equipment and new technology being used on the production lines, the national CEO spoke with apprentices who are progressing in the early phases of their careers and met 10 long-serving employees, some of whom have accumulated more than 45 years’ service.
Accompanied by Gail Arnold, Black Country head of premium membership, the guests received a demonstration of the latest new technology smart security systems and received a briefing on the team development programmes in place to upskill staff. Master key assembler Tina Marston presented the national CEO with an engraved padlock commemorating the visit.
At In-Comm Training, Ms Haviland was briefed on the training provider’s impact on developing apprentices, working with 500 West Midlands businesses, its investment in training facilities and partnerships with leading employers, such as precision presswork and tooling specialist
www.brandauer.co.uk C Brandauer & Co Ltd.
Rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, In-Comm has evolved since its formation in 1982 to become one of the UK’s leading training and business support providers, working across 10 sectors. The guests were given a guided tour of its Black Country technical academy and spoke to teenage apprentices who are building experience in a range of skills, including automation, CAD, electrical systems and CNC programming.
Pictured right: Assa Abloy’s Matt Wood and Tina Marston present Shevaun Haviland, right, with an engraved padlockMs Haviland said: “A big thank you to the Black Country Chamber of Commerce for organising a brilliant day which enabled us to meet and hear from two companies making a big impact in the UK. It was fascinating to meet the great team at Assa Abloy Opening Solutions, a global leader in access solutions who are playing a critical role in shaping the future of security and accessibility. It was also great to visit In-Comm Training who, as a leading UK provider of apprenticeships, upskilling courses and consultancy, is training the next generation of engineers.”
Ms Moorhouse said: “The Black Country has a proud history of innovation so it was a pleasure to show Shevaun the ways two leading businesses are shaping the future to build upon this heritage. Both companies are shining examples of firms who use their premium membership to participate in a variety of networking events and initiatives designed to build on the success of the region.”
Ms McFarland said: “We are grateful to our visitors for taking the time to visit Assa Abloy Opening Solutions for a tour of our innovative manufacturing facilities. We welcomed the chance to brief Shevaun on our progress, the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead of us.”
In-Comm Training managing director Gareth Jones said: “We are proud that our employer-led approach to skills is making such a difference to learners and the companies they work for. Everyone at In-Comm feels passionately that developing skills and new talent is integral to future economic success for the UK, with manufacturing at the heart of the economy.”