Oldbury firm hits out at poor calibre of job applicants
A job-creating Oldbury engineering firm is struggling to find new recruits of the right calibre for its growing business across a range of product areas.
A job-creating Oldbury engineering firm is struggling to find new recruits of the right calibre for its growing business across a range of product areas.
Oldbury-based IPU Group has taken on eight recruits in recent months and is looking to take on an additional 10 in the next year, but says it is disappointed at the calibre of applicants.
The firm, which makes equipment like starter motors for diesel engines used in power generators, mobile phone masts and water pumps, is also still looking for a new technical director.
But the company has now revealed it has been "surprised" by the poor quality of applications, particularly from young people.
Marketing manager Andy Hill said: "The standard of their basic written applications is often quite weak."
It is not the first time doubts have been cast about Sandwell's ability to field quality applicants for jobs.
In February, the Express & Star revealed how just 64 out of 300 customer adviser posts at BT's Providence Place call centre in West Bromwich had been filled.
Sandwell's jobs boss Councillor Derek Rowley said: "Sandwell has a history of working in industry and we have an extremely talented workforce."
Paul Bennett, president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said the problem was "a national issue," and not just applicable to Sandwell.
