Hi-tech engineering company shortlisted for national apprenticeship award

Posted on by karen.smith

Nemein Ltd’s chief executive Suzannah Bourne and apprentice Alex Hughes.

An ambitious, Pyle-based hi-tech engineering company working predominantly in the energy sector has been shortlisted for a prestigious national apprenticeship accolade.

Nemein Ltd is a finalist in the Small Employer of the Year category at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2014 and will be attending a high profile awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on Friday, October 31.

The awards, divided into 13 categories, are organised jointly by the Welsh Government and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW).

Showcasing excellence in skills development in Wales by learners, employers and learning providers, the awards are sponsored by Pearson PLC with support from media partner, Media Wales.

The awards recognise employers who commit to developing their workforce through apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes, which support employees during their training. They are also a great way to evaluate training and development, as well as a fantastic motivational factor for any workforce or learner.

The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.

Nemein Ltd develops and manufactures electro-mechanical instruments for the oil and gas industry as well as products for the medical, robotic, automotive and music industries. Founded by two engineers in 2013, the company has six staff, including one apprentice whose training is delivered by Acorn Learning Solutions.

Chief executive Suzannah Bourne, a qualified mechanical engineer, described how the company wants to achieve rapid growth through offering skills-based opportunities to youngsters.

“We want to invest in sustainable training across a range of engineering skills to bridge a recognised skills gap in the market,” she said. “Our first apprentice has exceeded all our expectations and his work on a key piece of equipment moved the project forward three months and enhanced our order book.”

Nemein’s commitment to training is emphasised by their long-term goal to establish an engineering apprenticeship training school, benefiting both the company and the local community.

The company has just committed to sponsoring its third MSc university project while work placements and training have been provided to two sixth form students as well as hosting and offering training to a French university mechatronics student on an internship.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James said: “Apprenticeships are one of the most practical and cost effective ways for a business to build a skilled workforce. An apprentice can learn the skills an employer needs to keep pace with developments in their industry and deliver the service customers demand. I am delighted that employers like the Urdd share the Welsh Government’s commitment to training our future workforce.”

More than 300 key stakeholders from the vocational education and training sector across Wales are expected to attend the high profile awards ceremony, where guests will dine out with chefs from the Welsh National Culinary Team.

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