Southport manufacturer Lattimer is aiming to uncover the next generation of leading precision machinists after launching a specialist training academy.
The Lattimer Training Academy has been set up in the firm’s Southport office in a bid to deliver high level training to apprentices.
The firm is a global leader in precision engineering – predominantly for the glass container manufacturing industry – with a twin facility in Vineland, New Jersey USA, and a maintenance and repair division in Birmingham.
Lattimer managing director Mark Hailwood said the academy will up skill the local workforce, future proof the firm and help drive further international growth.
“We are thrilled to be launching the Lattimer Training academy, which has already seen a strong uptake of recruits,” said Mr Hailwood.
“As a global leader in precision engineering we require highly-skilled staff with passion and enthusiasm for the business.
“We have found it hugely beneficial to carry out focused and intense in-house training, where longstanding machinists have converted to full-time training and mentor roles.
“This enables the recruits to receive guidance from our most experienced team members who have worked with us for decades. We ensure apprentices receive a complete and rounded education in all the equipment they will use at Lattimer.
“The great merit in this is that we know the apprentices are able to operate all our complex CNC (computer numerical control) equipment on completion of their training. We can also rest assured that the precious manufacturing knowledge held within our most experienced staff members is not lost, but passed down through generations.
“We believe the academy will further support Lattimer to maintain its international reputation for delivering high-quality, cost-effective and reliable products.”
Facilities at the training academy include a CAD (Computer Aided Design) design workshop and an “automation nursery”. The firm’s apprenticeship programme runs for four years, covering practical and thesis work including training to use milling, turning, mill-turning and grinding machines.
Mr Hailwood said the firm had a strong staff retention rate with more than 40pc of the current workforce coming through an internal apprenticeship course.
“We have a terrific working environment at Lattimer, which all started with a highly-skilled, motivated and enthusiastic workforce,” he said.
“We have machine technicians who have been with us for decades which is testament to our working environment. The training academy will now allow us to deliver an even more focussed and dynamic apprenticeship programme.”
Lattimer funds apprentices degree level studies as an added incentive and currently supports recruits on a range of courses including NVQs, HNCs and HNDs.
For more information contact Mark Hailwood on +44 (0)1704 535040, email mark.hailwood@lattimer.com or visit the website www.lattimer.com.
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