A Birmingham-based manufacturer of automatic control systems is placing apprenticeships and long‑term skills development at the centre of its growth strategy, using
National Apprenticeship Week last week to highlight its commitment to developing the next generation of engineers.
Robell Control Systems, which specialises in the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of automated heating, ventilation, environmental and air‑conditioning control systems, is preparing for further expansion through 2026, with apprenticeships remaining a key priority to strengthen internal capability and secure future expertise.
The business operates an established apprenticeship programme and currently employs eight young people across high‑level roles in project engineering, electrical engineering and electrical installation. Former apprentices Adam Woroch and Edd Watson now run the company alongside Ruth Fennell following a management buyout in April 2024, supported by investment specialist
www.ukse.co.uk UKSE. After exceeding its first‑year growth targets in 2025, the company plans to continue on this trajectory into 2026 as it targets new sectors. With engineering skills shortages remaining a challenge across the industry, Robell regards the development of ‘home‑grown talent’ as essential to sustaining its long‑term competitiveness.
A major priority for the company is to build capability from within by providing structured mentoring, supporting career progression and offering continuous professional development for employees. Director Edd Watson said: “We are investing in the capabilities of the team like never before and we see apprenticeships and internal staff development as the key to growing and securing the business for the future. We know that our sector is crying out for skilled electrical engineers and so providing meaningful apprenticeship opportunities in the region is important to us.”
Two current apprentices, Rian and Jack, joined the company in 2025 as electrical engineering apprentices and are progressing through both practical and classroom-based training. Rian said: “I am enjoying learning about the electrical trade and gaining skills that will set me up for the future. I am doing a Level 3 electrical installation course at
Birmingham Electrical Training (BET) for four years, which will gain me a gold card. In the next 12 months I would like to be competent to be able to go to jobs and work on my own and gain more experience, while still working towards my gold card.”
Gaining confidenceHe continued: “In my time at Robell I have had plenty of opportunities. As part of my training I have seen the installation side, the different processes of a project and some of the challenges that come with it but also the solutions, which I have really enjoyed being part of. In the next 12 months my goals are to gather as much knowledge as I possibly can and push myself to help me gain confidence and contribute to Robell as much as possible. I am enjoying the commissioning side and would like to see where that takes me.”
Robell partners with several apprenticeship providers, including Walsall College, Birmingham Electrical Training, Kidderminster College and Group Horizon. Dan Davis, training officer at Birmingham Electrical Training, said: “Robell are great to work alongside as they take responsibility for the apprentices they produce. They work in a niche sector and sometimes this can be harder for the apprentice to meet the range of the electrical qualification.
“With the help of Ed, Ruth and Paul they look to offer a wide range of experience to their apprentices throughout the apprenticeship programme and are producing good quality BMS and electrical engineers. The business offers a welcoming environment for apprentices, visitors and their contractors on-site. I look forward to continuing our relationship working alongside the future of electrical installations.”
Anyone interested in pursuing an electrical engineering apprenticeship can contact Robell
here.