PP's open days generate 25 applications

PP Control & Automation, which has seen sales rise to £20 million this year, hosted its first career open days to give individuals considering a career in industry the chance to see what opportunities there are to progress in the sector.

School leavers, people looking to change professions or those wanting to get back into manufacturing attended one of the two-hour slots that included a guided tour of the firm’s world class 40,000 sq ft facility in Landywood Green, Cheslyn Hay, the chance to speak with current employees and an overview of current vacancies.

Philip Newell, training and continuous improvement manager at PP Control & Automation, said: “The last 12 months have been very good for our business and we have won a lot of new outsourcing contracts both at home and abroad.

“In order to cope with this increase in demand, we need to boost the workforce and are looking to create up to 30 new jobs and these range from apprentices and shop floor technicians, to logistics specialists and project managers.”

He continued: “Getting the right skills is important so we want to make sure everyone knows what type of company we are building here at PP, a company that currently supplies 12 of the world’s largest machine builders. Opening our doors and letting them see the technology we use and the processes we employ was a great way of getting people to consider a career with us.”

The open days were attended by 25 people, with 80 per cent of those under the age of 25-years-old and from a wide range of backgrounds.

They were introduced to the company by local training providers, colleges and schools, with all of those attending subsequently applying for one of the firm’s traineeship or apprenticeship roles.

"We were delighted with the turn out and the interest taken in working at PP Control & Automation. The quality was very good so I’m now going through the applications and arranging interviews with our potential new employees.

“Opening up the factory gives the applicants a chance to see if we are the right company for them and to get them excited. It worked perfectly and we’ll look to plan further open days in 2018, not to mention the launch of a prospectus-style magazine in January to showcase opportunities we have.

“We currently have three vacancies for apprenticeships in September and to see so many young people applying is great for the company and the local area. Supporting these young adults through their education is a service we are proud to provide.”

PP Control & Automation has recently completed a £1m extension as part of ambitious expansion plans that will see it grow from £20m to £40m by 2020.