Optimax is a specialist provider of optical inspection and non-contact metrology products and services. It supplies a wide range of instruments for use in production, quality control and research across many industries including electronics, engineering, aerospace and automotive.
As a UKAS accredited organisation, Optimax also has an experienced team of qualified engineers who provide services, repairs, calibration and upgrades to equipment in house and at customer premises.
Optimax has been working with MTC Apprenticeships since identifying a requirement to recruit another apprentice into the business: “We took on our latest apprentice in September having been invited to attend the Apprentice Matching event hosted by MTC Apprenticeships at the AMTC in the summer,” explained Nick Wilson, Business Systems and Technology Manager at Optimax.
“Taking on a part-trained, business-ready apprentice was something that really appealed to us. We needed someone who already had the basic skills that we could then build on rather than us teaching them the basic practical skills which often happens with other providers.”
Optimax already has a working relationship with the Manufacturing Technology Centre at Ansty Park and it was through this that they became aware of the programme: “Our Managing Director alerted us to the programme knowing that we were looking to take on apprentices to become Field Service Engineers. We then visited for the Matching Event and we were very impressed with the overall quality of the apprentices.”
Having been working with MTC for just over 4 months, Nick has been really impressed with the MTC programme: “We are looking for engineers with something about them and the apprentice that we have taken on from MTC has that alongside the strong foundation of skills that we’d like an apprentice to have when they arrive.”
“The difference between MTC and other providers is that the apprentices are already working at an advanced level and have already been exposed to advanced manufacturing practices. MTC have higher expectations and are preparing their candidates for high level roles which is exactly what we are looking for going forward.”
Nick and the team have been really impressed by their apprentice and what he has brought to the business in his short time with them: “Sam has already achieved his UKAS User Authorised Operator status and is now travelling around servicing clients on his own as well as, when required, with more senior members of the team. He is relishing the challenge and has a broad range of advanced skills already that we hope to expand on in his time with us particularly around electronics.”
Interested in finding out more about how your business can benefit from working with MTC Apprenticeships? Visit www.the-amtc.co.uk/apprenticeships/employers/ or call 02476 647384.