Health, Safety & Welfare Advisor at Interconnector | Owner of Pro-Safety Training | IOSH East Anglia Committee Member
A few years ago I was introduced to James Williamson at NAAME. A couple of weeks later and I attended an event with NAAME regarding the skills shortage in our region. Most of (if not all) of the companies attending all agreed on one thing - we have a MASSIVE skills shortage at the moment within engineering (and STEM). The best part of this was that some of the attendees realised that no one was going to fix this unless we did something about it. This was when I met the great minds of Daniel Leggett, Rachel Bunn and Tom Beales - who all agreed on this problem and that we need to fix it. There are other amazing companies involved such as SMS Group | Ship Repair | Marine Interiors | Marine Engineering | SC SQEP. Fast forward to 2023 and the first cohort of the Skills Bootcamp was completed with the 8 students all completing a 11 week program that consisted of learning new disciplines such as welding, mechanics and electrical etc. But most importantly of all - learning new life skills. Today was the final day of the second cohort of the Skills Bootcamp and this time 11 (now I think about it it maybe 12 😄) students had completed the same 11 week program - again learning those new life skills. What amazes me the most was one of the students driving 116 miles every Monday-Friday for those 11 weeks to make sure he attends the bootcamp and makes the most out of it, now that’s a prime example of commitment. I may only have a small part in this great adventure with the amazing team behind this but it’s a part I am so pleased to have. Bring on the next cohort. #skillshortage #engineering #greatyarmouth #STEM
Karl Montgomery
4mo
This is absolutely fantastic Daniel!! We need this across every region of the UK. This is the kind of initiative that needs to be rolled out to those leaving education or those out of work. A programme built by local companies for local companies is the way forward to upskill talent and keep them in this region where we have such a strong manufacturing and engineering presence. Here is to the 3rd cohort.
Rachel Bunn
5mo
It’s works through partnership and passion! Thank you for your part in the journey !
James Williamson
5mo
It has been an exciting journey and I'm very glad to have met you and the rest of the manufacturing community in the East when we did!
Helen Spencer
5mo
Congratulations to everyone involved - we definitely need more of these initiatives and STEMPOINT would love to be involved!
Stakeholder Manager at Dudgeon, Sheringham Shoal Offshore wind farms and their extension projects.
5moThis work you’ve collaborated on is both remarkable and life changing. James is one of the best contacts I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, what a community of doing you’ve all created.