Paragon Toolmaking had been shortlisted in the category of Training and Development, recognising the huge importance of manufacturing businesses ensuring their workforces are equipped with the skills and expertise required to compete in a rapidly changing world, and against a backdrop of accelerating technological change.
The award celebrates the achievements of teams and organisations that demonstrate excellence in the training and development of its engineering staff.
Judges were impressed by a commitment to continued training which has brought huge benefits to the business, as the skill and dedication of the many employees who have come through Paragon’s training programme is a major asset and contributes to the business’ continuing success.
Each of the senior management team at Paragon has progressed through the business, having spent time in either design roles or on the factory floor. General Manager Kevin Batty was himself an engineering apprentice over 40 years ago, and worked for many years as a draftsman for the business.
Longest-serving staff member Mike Fee now manages the EDM Department, having been with the business for more than 41 years.
This continuity and togetherness has helped the business compete with others in its sector on a global scale, delivering the highest quality of service and tooling solutions, and resulted in a team which now collectively has more than 230 years of toolmaking knowledge and are passionate about passing their expertise and experience on to current and future team members.
The average service of employees at the business is 11 years, over double the national average of just under four-and-a-half years, and many have been with us more than 20 years.
Over the years, Paragon has developed a highly-skilled team of precision engineers and toolmakers, making bespoke tools which are used in industries from aerospace and automotive to the construction, medical, food, pharmaceuticals and white goods sectors.
Award ‘huge compliment’ to dedication of staff
Kevin Batty, General Manager, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award, which is further recognition for the commitment we make to train the next, and future generations of highly-skilled toolmakers.
“We firmly believe that it is the role of manufacturing businesses such as ourselves to pass on the skills and knowledge, to ensure we not strengthen and protect our future as a business, but also UK manufacturing.
“We have previously won local and regional awards for the success of our Apprenticeship program, so to now be shortlisted for a national award for Training and Development is a huge achievement, and one of which we are very proud.”
