Nylacast Training Academy: Empowering Future Engineers

With its key focus on "People", Nylacast is committed to continually investing in its loyal workforce. With a dedicated in-house training academy, set up in 2014, which celebrates its 10th Anniversary in Feb 2024.

Nylacast continues to embed a culture of learning and development and, as such, endeavours to provide opportunities to all individuals throughout the business. Over the last few years, the in-house training academy at Nylacast has grown with additional dedicated resources to Training, specifically the training academy.

The academy was established to uplift the skills of its current workforce, bring through Engineering Apprentices of the future and engage, embrace, recruit, retain and increase engagement of our people throughout the company. It continues to provide opportunities for all Nylacast employees.

The investment in the training academy continues with the addition of 2 x CNC Machining Centres in 2022.

Nylacast is keen to champion engineering for all age groups and, therefore, holds programmes and opportunities for engagement with schools, colleges, and universities. If you would like more information or details on how to collaborate with the Nylacast Engineering Training Academy, please get in touch with us.

The most asked questions about the training academy:

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a structured training programme combining hands-on work experience and classroom instruction. It is designed to prepare individuals for specific careers by providing practical skills, knowledge, and mentorship in a particular trade or profession. Nylacast Apprenticeships involve earning a wage while learning. After graduating, you will receive a recognised certification, making a valuable pathway for skill development and career advancement in various industries. So, why not join our apprenticeship programme?

What qualifications does an apprenticeship require?

Generally, maths and English are at GCSE Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) but can vary depending on the course.

How long is an apprenticeship?

It can vary between 18 months to 4 years depending on their programme.

What happens after an apprenticeship?

After completing an apprenticeship, apprentices become full-time employees, recognising the value of their Training and the skills they've acquired. This not only ensures a skilled workforce but also promotes employee retention. We may offer further career development opportunities, including advanced Training. We aim to retain employees benefiting from the investment in a well-trained individual.

Do you get paid?

Our apprenticeship programmes are designed to allow you to earn while learning. Generally, apprentices start with a lower salary than experienced workers, but their pay increases as they progress and acquire more skills.

What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship with Nylacast?

Our Apprenticeships offer practical experience and formal education, equipping individuals with in-demand skills and knowledge. These programmes provide a pathway to employment while earning a wage, reducing the burden of student loans. Our Apprenticeships can lead to job security, as apprentices are retained as full-time employees after their Training with us. The hands-on Training and mentorship from experienced professionals foster real-world proficiency and networking opportunities, enhancing long-term careers.

How often will the apprentice visit college?

It can vary depending on their course, and it can be once a week, once a fortnight, or once a month.

What is the difference between doing an apprenticeship or going to university?

Our apprenticeships focus on gaining workplace and real-life experience, which is supported by classroom-based learning for the theory behind the principles. This leads to industry-recognised certifications and allows you to start working and earning while learning. In contrast, university education offers a broader, more theoretical curriculum, leading to academic degrees. While universities provide a deep understanding of subjects, they typically require more time and financial investment. The choice between apprenticeships and universities depends on an individual's career goals, how they prefer to learn, and the industry they want to enter.

What Training do we offer for the graduates?

Generally, we have taken on Chemical Engineering Graduates in the Research and Development roles and Mechanical Engineering Graduates in Engineering/Design roles. The Graduate Programme is then tailored to the parts they are in and what the expectation is for their future roles within the company.

Our People, Our Passion

Lewis Noble

lewis-nylacast

When did you join Nylacast?

I joined Nylacast in the summer of 2011,

How did your journey at Nylacast begin?

I applied for the apprenticeship at nylacast because I was unsure what direction I wanted to go in at school, but when my father who works at nylacast told me about an opportunity to earn money whilst having to attend college I thought why not? I didn't know anything about milling or turning until my ride over for my interview and I was YouTubing videos.

What do you do in your job role?

Currently I am a 5 axis programmer, within this role I will create fixtures/programs to machine components to a specified drawing in an efficient and safe manner.

Have you had any additional training and development at Nylacast?

I've been employed at Nylacast going onto 13 years.

During and after my apprenticeship I undertook several additional in-house training courses, these range from different level setting and programming courses on many different machines in my department. This being said I have also completed programming courses from outside company's to dive deeper into the understanding of specific machines and how to best utilise every aspect to my advantage.

I've been put on over 10 courses all together, including offline programming courses that I had to attend off site in Yorkshire.

What do you enjoy about working at Nylacast?

The things I enjoy most about nylacast are the different challenges you have every day and with them bring new opportunities to learn.

This and the teams I work with are always willing to help even from different departments.

And the management team never turn you away if you have any questions or ideas to improve things.

Ellie Potter

When did you join Nylacast?

September 2018

How did your journey at Nylacast begin?

I started off my journey as a level 3 business administration apprentice. This was situated within the sales department and involved helping out all sectors with admin, customer relations and order processing. The apprenticeship involved me attending college twice per month, whilst gaining experience at Nylacast.

What do you do in your job role?

Since starting with Nylacast, I have now progressed to an account executive within the oil and gas sector of the business. This allows me to manage my own customer base, be responsible for meeting my own sales targets, as well as attending exhibitions across the globe in order to gain new business.

I am still very much learning within the role and area of the business, therefore it is great to have the help of my colleagues to support me.

Have you had any additional training and development at Nylacast?

Since my original apprenticeship I have also completed my level 5 departmental and operational management qualification. I have also been given the opportunities to undertake industry specific training as well as problem solving and audit training.

What do you enjoy about working at Nylacast?

Opportunities for development

Support and knowledge of those around me

Team working and collaboration

Training Academy

Fostering a Passion

The most asked questions about the training academy:

Our People, Our Passion