After successfully achieving its apprenticeship target in 2023, the company is now expanding its programme to include graduate apprenticeships, further strengthening its workforce and addressing skills shortages in the industry.

In 2021, the company committed to increasing the number of apprentices from 10% to 15% of the workforce in two years. In 2023, apprentices accounted for 16% of the workforce.

The decision to extend the programme to include graduate apprenticeships underscores the company’s dedication to fostering next generation skills. A number of existing colleagues have already taken advantage of the opportunity. The move aligns with the company’s overarching strategy: “learn, grow, and lead,” which emphasises continuous learning and professional development.

Recognising that the engineering landscape is evolving Edwin James Group is also prioritising multiskilling. Through the EJ Academy, a comprehensive training programme spanning various disciplines, the company aims to equip its workforce with the versatility needed to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Kevin Shinnie, regional director, Scotland said: “Reaching our apprenticeship target in 2023 was a significant milestone. Now, we’re poised to build on that success by expanding our programme to include graduate apprenticeships. Our ‘learn, grow, and lead’ strategy reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a future-proof workforce capable of tackling evolving challenges head-on. By investing in our employees’ skills and knowledge, we empower them for the future, ultimately enhancing our ability to serve our customers.”

The company has also strengthened its commitment to working with high schools to attract the engineers of the future. Several events have already been held with high schools in North and South Lanarkshire, offering interview assistance and valuable insights into STEM careers for students ranging from S2 to S4. The organisation intends to extend this programme to additional schools across Scotland.

Edwin James opened its third dedicated academy hub in the summer of 2023 and recently announced the appointment of Geoff Bruce to head up the EJ Academy programme, supporting learning and development across the group.