b'22 Partner News Spring 2021EnterpriseMark Longley, group corporate services director for Edwin James GroupInvestment in learning andCommenting on the investments, Mark Longley, group corporate services director said: Attracting and retaining talent is vital development driving growthfor the future growth of our Group. The Academy is critical to our ambition to build a new force in the UK engineering services for Edwin James Group sector. It underpins our commitment to working with colleagues at every level to help them learn new skills and competencies that will support their job and career aspirations. Facilities engineering firm, Edwin Jamesnew training opportunities for staffWe have a strong track record of supporting Group, is addressing the industry skillsfrom across the region. It complementsyoung people into the sector, and with the gap with the largest investment inexisting learning facilities acrossexpansion of our apprenticeship scheme learning and development in its history.various company locations and will beand the introduction of the EngTech supported by virtual training via specialistqualification, this is set to continue. The company is launching a new learning hubcorporate training provider Sponge. But not all our apprentices follow the in Glasgow that will enable the expansiontraditional path, joining at 16 or 18. We of its Academy scheme to further supportApprentices already form a significanthave a number of success stories of STEM careers. Edwin James is also expandingpart of the Edwin James workforce, withcolleagues that join the Group and move its apprenticeship scheme and introducingalmost 10% of employees currently beinginto an apprenticeship or training and the EngTech qualification to support apart of the apprenticeship scheme. Thequalifications later in their careers.pipeline of talent nationwide to supportscheme is set to grow further in 2021 the companys ambitious growth plans.with an expansion of at least 14%.According to figures from the IET, demand for engineers continues to rise but 53% of firms Learning and development is a key focusIn 2020, the Group introduced theare concerned that a shortage of engineers for Edwin James, and the EJ AcademyCEng qualification with eight colleaguesin the UK is a threat to their business.provides opportunities to all staff, fromfrom the Process Services divisionCompanies are reporting internal skills apprentice to boardroom. At the Groupsinvolved.In 2021 this will be extendedgaps that are widening disparities across Scottish head office in Glasgow, the newto more of the workforce, alongside thethe board from apprentices and trainees Academy will open in March offeringintroduction of the EngTech qualification.through to fully qualified professionals.'