Priceless training for precision engineers
"The Skills Escalator training has really supported us along the way and has left us in a much better place to sustain and grow the business.”
A small engineering firm in Nuneaton has “really expanded our capabilities” after benefiting from bespoke training funded by the Skills Escalator programme.
Mario James Precision Engineering is a small business truly punching above its weight from its unit on Attleborough Industrial Estate. The business consists of just two people - husband and wife team Mario and Michelle McLaughlin.
Mario has been an engineer ever since he served a toolmaking apprenticeship while Michelle was a buyer for an engineering firm. Between them, they comprise every department of the business, an onerous workload which they carry off very capably, as shown by their large customer-list.
For such a small team, any avenue of expert training is priceless. The Skills Escalator-funded training from Birmingham-based Arkance, proved to be exactly that as they upskilled Mario and Michelle is the most relevant way – on their own machines.
“The Arkance training was great because they came to us, saw what model and machinery we worked with and tailored the training exactly to that,” said Mario. “We could show them the drawings and ask, ‘what can you do with that?’ and they could tell us. It has really expanded our capabilities.
“We were offered training at their base in Birmingham and I'm sure that works well for some people, but we paid a little bit more for them to come here where they could see our environment and there would be no distractions. It worked brilliantly.
“They also provide back-up support. They have said if we have any issues to go back to them which is really good to know.”
Mario James Precision Engineering is a great example of a small Warwickshire business spreading its expertise far and wide. Some of the components they manufacture are made by nobody else in the UK.
“It’s so important to keep learning and, in that way, keep the passion for what we do,” said Mario. “Every job is different so there will always be so much to learn. The Skills Escalator training has really supported us along the way and has left us in a much better place to sustain and grow the business.”
Steven Convery is delighted that the training proved so beneficial.
“Mario and Michelle are fantastic people who, by their hard work and wide range of skills, have built and sustained a great business,” said Steven. “I am really pleased to have been part of their growth journey and look forward to watching their business go from strength to strength, supported by the Skills Escalator training.”
- The Skills Escalator programme, managed by Warwickshire Skills Hub, is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with the county’s district and borough councils.
- If you would like to know how Warwickshire Skills Hub can support your business with apprenticeships and upskilling, please email skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk and one of our Business Support Advisors will be in touch.