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main workshops ,” Chris explains . “ The first is for our control panels and motor control centres , which is also home to the production of our LeanSite assemblies . The second workshop is our off-site build and package plant assemblies ’ facility where we produce kiosk-based products , chemical dosing , and skid mounted assemblies . Supporting this production is our drinking water inspectorate , DWI-approved stainless steel fabrication facility , where we have two welding bays and ancillary equipment .”
Commenting on wider industry challenges , Chris shares : “ At Bridges , we are acutely aware of the national engineering skills shortage and have been leading the way in the provision of apprenticeships and unique training solutions to develop our own teams and support the wider industry . We ’ re members of The 5 % Club , a voluntary code to ensure at least five percent of employees are participating in apprenticeship schemes . In addition to apprenticeships , we run skills
bootcamps to provide structured learning aligned with industry skills shortages . Through grant funding we operate five-toeight-week courses specifically developed to help unemployed people enter the employment market and restart their careers in engineering .
“ We ’ re particularly proud of Taylor Stephens , one of our Production Managers and a former Apprentice who won Technician of the Year in the Young Engineer Awards , hosted by the Pump Centre at last years ’ Water Equipment Show in Telford . In an interview about winning the award , Taylor was asked where he sees himself in five years , to which he replied , ‘ I ’ d like to be stood here congratulating one of my apprentices on winning this very award .’ As a proud mentor of new apprentices , Taylor ’ s short but succinct answer perfectly summarizes Bridges ’ attitude to encouraging employee development and fostering a positive workplace culture where employees thrive and support one another .”
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