Universal Wolf partners with Northumberland Skills and Northumberland County Council to tackle engineering skills shortage with award-winning training programme
Universal Wolf has long been focused on supporting colleagues in their development through their ‘Grow Our Own’ programme. This allows the company to guide colleagues as they progress in their career, as well as providing a direct response to the Engineering skills gap which remains a significant challenge for our industry.
To help address the skills shortage, Universal Wolf has recently joined forces with Northumberland Skills and Northumberland County Council to deliver a ‘Building Futures: Welding and Fabrication’ course at their state-of-the-art Port of Blyth training facility, which was recently recognised as award-winning at the North East HR&D Awards in June 2024.
Learning the basics of engineering at a purpose-built facility
Working in collaboration with Northumberland Skills and Northumberland County Council, Universal Wolf is delivering the ‘Building Futures: Welding and Fabrication’ course to people who are currently unemployed and looking to re-enter the workforce. Delivered at a brand-new, purpose-built facility at the Port of Blyth, the 6-week intensive course teaches learners the fundamentals of MIG and TIG welding, and sheet metal fabrication. The course is funded by Northumberland Skills and delivered by their expert lecturers who have a wealth of industry experience.
Creating employment opportunities for the local community
The course is a great first step on the ladder to re-employment. Learners who successfully complete the course and join Universal Wolf will be supported through their Level 2 City & Guilds qualification with Northumberland Skills, as well as receiving hands-on training and development from the company’s team of experienced metalworkers. They will join Universal Wolf as Sheet Metal Workers in Training with the opportunity to become skilled metal workers.
To date, Universal Wolf have welcomed seven learners to the company as full-time colleagues and sheet metal workers in training. They join the 20% of its workforce who have benefitted from an internal development programme to progress their career.
Award-winning initiative
The new colleagues are enjoying getting to grips with life as sheet metal workers. Universal Wolf has also won the award for ‘Excellence and Positive Impact’ at the North East HR&D Awards. The award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the work the company is doing alongside Northumberland Skills and Northumberland County Council to support and give back to the local community.
