In-Comm Training goes digital as it helps the region plug the skills gap

In-Comm Training, which is on course to see revenues rise by 18 per cent this financial year, is in the development stages of introducing a new Learning Management System it is creating with Birmingham City University. 

Built from scratch, the programme will use AI to transform the way learning journeys are managed, digitising the classroom and all work-based elements. 

Individuals will have access to digital material and there will be a 360-degree transparency around progression data, employer involvement and communication. 

It is one of a raft of enhancements the company is making to help the region tackle some of the skills gaps that is holding it back, with other improvements including the addition of new technology at its Aldridge facility and the impending introduction of Higher Education technical courses.

“There is little doubt the skills dynamic is changing with the growth of digital manufacturing and more companies leaning towards upskilling existing staff,” explained Gareth Jones, Managing Director of In-Comm Training.

“We must move in partnership with the hundreds of employers we currently support, and this will be reflected in the introduction of new equipment at Aldridge and the development of new Apprenticeship Standards that aim to equip future engineers with the skills manufacturers actually need.

“One example is how we responded to companies looking for help with a shortfall in maintenance, automation, welding and electrical skills by developing short technical upskilling courses.”

He continued: “The digitisation of our Learner Management System is also a big step forward for us in our pursuit of Operational Excellence. It should improve learner and company journeys and, importantly, gives us the capacity to engage with even more businesses, whether that is through apprenticeships, modularised training, or upskilling courses." 

“There will also be access to real time data, in order to navigate complex processes whilst providing value for all stakeholders.” 

There were several milestone moments for In-Comm Training in 2024, with the company launching its £200,000 automation cell at Telford and a ‘fast track’ engineering employment course for the aerospace sector. 

The provider also reported a strong intake of apprentices in October, with 160 engineering apprentices signed up across forty different courses, including mechatronics, electrical engineering and toolmaking.

These individuals will be working towards their Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, with a guaranteed job from day one with 130 different employers, including Ansaldo Nuclear, Assa Abloy, Collins Aerospace, Dunlop Tyres, HS Marston and IWS.

Bosses at the company believe the popularity of the vocational route is down to being able to train on the latest technology and the new understanding that you can earn whilst learning – all the way to a ‘degree’.

Bekki Phillips, Executive Director at In-Comm Training, added: “We’ve done a lot of work locally through the STEM Engagement Fund in changing perceptions with teachers and pupils, showing them how an apprenticeship is open to all and can deliver an excellent career without the prospect of being saddled with thousands of pounds of debt."

“This has been supplemented with school talks, open days at our academies and the launch of our In-Comm Ambassadors, who are young people who have gone down the route and can talk about their experiences – ‘warts and all’.

“One of the differences we have noticed this year is the number of individuals, with high grades, choosing vocational learning instead of going to university. This is very encouraging.”

She concluded: “In total, we’ve gone past 650 apprentices currently taking their first steps towards a career in engineering and manufacturing with us, with 2400 learners improving their skills every year.”

For further information, please visit www.in-comm.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.