Leading radiator manufacturer, Stelrad Radiators, has been supporting the Sector Routeways programme for the Work-wise Foundation over recent months.
The company has been supporting an initiative by the non-profit organisation the Work-wise Foundation – an employer-led initiative for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) related sectors, with the aim of developing young people’s knowledge, skills and aptitude, readying them for the world of work.
The programme is designed to help the unemployed gain insight into the various roles and opportunities within the engineering and manufacturing industry. It provides them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to succeed and showcases traditional and advanced engineering and manufacturing. The 18 individuals who attended, received a variety of classroom-based training which was primarily based at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham. This included company visits, career stories from those working in the sector and interactive activities.
The aim was to equip participants with the basic knowledge, skills and understanding that employers within the sector are looking for. Following this, they can go on to complete two weeks work experience at an engineering or manufacturing business based within the local area. The Foundation has been delivering a series of programmes to job seekers in Engineering, Manufacturing and Warehousing on behalf of Sheffield City Council.
HR Manager Debbie Ward has been the Stelrad lead on this support and to date, Stelrad has attended one of the programmes at Magna and has also hosted a day at Stelrad in Mexborough. From May, one delegate highlighted his interest in attending Stelrad for a two-week work experience. Rob Howe subsequently attended an interview conducted to help the delegate gain experience of interviewing techniques and was offered a two-week placement in the Warehouse as a result.
Stelrad hosted a Sector Routeway day providing a factory and warehouse tour, and apprentice talk for ten delegates in mid-June and supported one candidate from this cohort in Warehouse Administration for a two-week work experience.
John Barber, Joint CEO of the Work-wise Foundation says: “We are thrilled to have the support of Stelrad in delivering and providing opportunities through this important programme which we hope will inspire, enthuse and give confidence to those looking for work and hopefully lead to their employment in the near future.”
Stelrad’s HR Manager Debbie Ward said: “We’re pleased to be able to support this sort of programme locally and enjoy the experience of working alongside the Work-wise Foundation and Sheffield City Council to deliver some of the training programme. It’s an important role we can play in the local business community to help unemployed people to understand what we do and to explain the opportunities that might arise here at Stelrad in the months ahead.”
