![C-TEC is committed to the talent of the future](https://static.professional-electrician.com/professional-electrician/uploads/2024/04/C-TEC.jpg)
We catch up with C-TEC to find out more about why the brand believes so strongly in nurturing the talent of the future, both inside and outside of the company.
From its Lancashire base, the C-TEC brand not only acts as a British pioneer in the development and manufacture of critical life safety equipment, it also continues to function as a strong source of employment to the local area, including giving many fledgling talents their first taste of the working world.
Pipeline of talent
This pipeline of fresh faces ensures that the business continues to evolve and adapt over time, with many caterpillars growing into butterflies who can spread their wings and effectively serve various areas of the company as long-term and loyal employees.
C-TECโs support of apprentices doesnโt just extend to its locality, with the company providing sponsorship and donations of CAST fire alarm systems to a prestigious fire skills competition, aimed at boosting the number of skilled engineers in the fire industry in response to new regulations tightening fire safety standards in the wake of Grenfell.
Designed to recognise new talent, promote engineering apprenticeships and engage the next generation of fire and security installers, the WorldSkills Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Competition builds on the existing Engineers of Tomorrow programme, which C-TEC has also supported.
Itโs backed by BAFE Fire Safety Register, FireQual, the British Security Industry Association and CSL, and is designed to assess an individualโs knowledge, employability and practical skills in a competitive timed environment.
Speaking about the sponsorship, Andy Green, C-TECโs Marketing Manager, said: โAs a life-safety systems manufacturer and a provider of BS 5839-1 compliance courses, C-TEC is passionate about improving industry standards and we were delighted to be able to donate eight of our new CAST XFP addressable systems to assist the young people participating in the competition.โ
Ben Blackledge, WorldSkills UKโs Deputy CEO, added: โThe competition will help boost the number of skilled engineers in the industry as it deals with the fallout from the Grenfell fire tragedy. Taking part in WorldSkills UK competitions can be a life-changing experience. Our competition-based programmes offer students and apprentices the opportunity to pit their skills against the best of the best in the UK, and even on the global stage.โ
As part of the engagement process, previous finalists have been treated to a visit to C-TECโs premises where they received a factory tour and CPD session, along with a bite to eat, before heading off to Manchester for an awards ceremony.
Internally, C-TECโs commitment to apprentices shows no signs of slowing down with the current crop impressing and improving in equal measure.
Andy Green says: โWeโre incredibly proud of our apprentices at C-TEC and will continue to nurture and support individuals through this pathway, so they can make the transition from school to the working world in an environment, and with a structure, that can aid their future growth and career prospects.
โOur current crop โ Grace, Owen, Reece and Joe (pictured below) โ work really hard and are a great example of the benefits that young individuals can offer to a business. Each study Electronic Engineering at Wigan and Leigh College of Engineering, so theyโre getting a great grounding at the same time.โ
GRACE BANKS โ CURRENT APPRENTICE
As one of C-TECโs Engineering Apprentices, Grace attends college, manages projects and is set to learn about every aspect of the companyโs manufacturing operations. Sheโs also a talented rugby player and currently plays full back for Wigan Warriors Womenโs Team.
Grace says: โIโve loved engineering since my first class in Year 8. Iโm very practical and like learning about machinery and how components work together. I always knew I would be an engineer and Iโm looking forward to building a career at C-TEC.
โI love work. Everyoneโs friendly and encouraging. Iโm 18, earning my own money and getting qualifications.
โAs Owen, Reece and Joe started at the same time as me, we tend to hang out together at lunch and breaks and we all go to college on Fridays.โ
She adds: โIn my spare time I play rugby. I joined Leigh Miners at 11 years old and now play in the first team at Wigan Warriors Womenโs Team. Iโve just been picked for the England team and also play rugby union for Sale Sharks and Liverpool St Helens.โ
DOMINIC HART โ FORMER APPRENTICE
Senior Test Engineer, Dom Hart, plays a pivotal role in C-TECโs manufacturing facility. Head of the companyโs Test Department, Dom is responsible for ensuring all C-TECโs equipment is up-to-date and in excellent working order.
Dom joined C-TEC in 2017 as an Apprentice Engineer and, since then, has worked in virtually every area of the manufacturing facility, completed a HNC and HND in Electronic Engineering and progressed to Senior Test Engineer. Heโs also managing the schedules of C-TECโs new Apprentice Engineers currently.
Dom says: โAs an engineer, I like making life easier for people by refining processes and introducing new technology. Itโs great that the company has invested so much in the department recently. The new lathe machine has been life-changing for me as I can now design and produce bespoke test equipment in house.
โThe people I work with are also fantastic, we make a good team and I feel very lucky to have been able to advance my passion for engineering in such a positive environment. Obviously this journey wouldnโt have been possible without my original apprenticeship.โ
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