Apprentices prove their worth at TIS Cumbria: Cost‐effective way to combat skill shortage

Abstract

Purpose

Describes an award‐winning apprenticeship scheme at UK fabrication‐machining firm TIS Cumbria.

Design/methodology/approach

Explains the reasons for the scheme, the way in which it has been implemented and the results it has achieved.

Findings

Reveals that the scheme has helped the company to overcome skill shortages in a cost‐effective way.

Practical implications

Describes how all the apprentices have welding qualifications that are recognized nationally and internationally and most are working in nuclear manufacturing to some degree. The work they do is inspected by nuclear customers, along with that of the rest of the workforce. Apprentices therefore feel part of a team and contribute to their own training costs, giving them a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

Social implications

Explains that, without the training, it is unlikely that any of the apprentices would have secured employment locally.

Originality/value

Reveals how the apprenticeship scheme is helping the company to compete against larger rivals.

Citation

(2011), "Apprentices prove their worth at TIS Cumbria: Cost‐effective way to combat skill shortage", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 15-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670731111153285