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-TEC’s support of apprentices doesn’t 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.
It’s backed by BAFE Fire Safety Register, FireQual, the British Security Industry Association and CSL, and is designed to assess an individual’s knowledge, employability and practical skills in a competitive timed environment.
Speaking about the sponsorship, Andy Green, C-TEC’s Marketing Manager, said: “As 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.”
Ben Blackledge, WorldSkills UK’s Deputy CEO, added: “The 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.”
As part of the engagement process, previous finalists have been treated to a visit to C-TEC’s 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-TEC’s commitment to apprentices shows no signs of slowing down with the current crop impressing and improving in equal measure.
Andy Green says: “We’re 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.
“Our current crop – Grace, Owen, Reece and Joe (pictured below) – 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 they’re getting a great grounding at the same time.”
GRACE BANKS – CURRENT APPRENTICE
As one of C-TEC’s Engineering Apprentices, Grace attends college, manages projects and is set to learn about every aspect of the company’s manufacturing operations. She’s also a talented rugby player and currently plays full back for Wigan Warriors Women’s Team.
Grace says: “I’ve loved engineering since my first class in Year 8. I’m very practical and like learning about machinery and how components work together. I always knew I would be an engineer and I’m looking forward to building a career at C-TEC.
“I love work. Everyone’s friendly and encouraging. I’m 18, earning my own money and getting qualifications.
“As 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.”
She adds: “In my spare time I play rugby. I joined Leigh Miners at 11 years old and now play in the first team at Wigan Warriors Women’s Team. I’ve just been picked for the England team and also play rugby union for Sale Sharks and Liverpool St Helens.”
DOMINIC HART – FORMER APPRENTICE
Senior Test Engineer, Dom Hart, plays a pivotal role in C-TEC’s manufacturing facility. Head of the company’s Test Department, Dom is responsible for ensuring all C-TEC’s 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. He’s also managing the schedules of C-TEC’s new Apprentice Engineers currently.
Dom says: “As an engineer, I like making life easier for people by refining processes and introducing new technology. It’s 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.
“The 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 wouldn’t have been possible without my original apprenticeship.”
Fore more information about C-TEC, click here
Read more industry feature articles here
