MedTec Design is a micro-business offering CAD and engineering design solutions for a range of sectors. Previous projects have included everything from wind turbines and aeroplane components to self-playing pianos!
The firm’s remote location on the Isle of Wight means the talent pool for recruitment is limited. Director Daniel Carley says, "Finding good staff is a constant battle, and we don't want to poach from others. Instead, we prefer to grow our own talent."
Daniel partnered with the Isle of Wight College and managed to recruit a T Level Engineering student for industry placement.
When MedTec hit a busy period and needed to hire for another permanent position, they chose to offer an apprenticeship to their T Level student: “I decided to offer Ethan, our brilliant T Level student, an apprenticeship as a way of developing our future workforce. We’ve invested time into training and supporting him and that’s paying back dividends as he knows the business well and how we work; he’s thriving.”
Daniel enjoyed seeing Ethan grow in confidence to become a valued member of the team. In May he was invited to attend the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce business awards, where MedTec picked up the Micro Business of the Year accolade – an exciting experience for someone at the start of their career.
Daniel found hosting a T Level placement rewarding for both the business and student. “We’re laying some great foundations for whatever career Ethan wants to pursue in the future, and whatever branch of engineering he wants to go into. If every business did the same, collectively we’d be well on our way to solving the industry’s long-standing skill shortage.”
Would MedTec consider hosting another T Level student in the future? “100%, it’s like an extended recruitment process so you really get to test out the talent while also supporting them to develop. I really think more companies should give it a go and make life a bit easier for themselves in the long run.”
Though the UK is an engineering powerhouse, generating 32% of the country's economic growth, according to WPI Strategy, the sector is seeing many issues arise. By 2030. the UK may face a shortfall of 1 million engineering and the sector has seen a concerning decline in applicants (44.1%).
Despite this, T levels in Engineering and Manufacturing go some way in addressing this skills shortage in Engineering and there has been an 80% increase in enrolment of Engineering and Manufacturing T levels from year 1 to year 2.
Click HERE to find out more about hosting a T Level student.
