TMD Friction UK is highlighting the importance of embracing future talent this National Apprenticeship Week.
The need to encourage the next-generation of aftermarket professionals into the industry is more crucial than ever, with a skills shortage starting to emerge. This is not just going to affect garages, but the entire automotive aftermarket.
National Apprenticeship Week aims to bring together businesses and apprentices throughout the country to highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships give to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
To mark the occasion, TMD Friction UK is celebrating its own homegrown talent throughout its UK sites, as it remains committed to bringing in and nurturing fresh talent, offering a ladder of opportunity with its strong ethos of promoting from within across all departments.
Apprenticeship stories at TMD Friction UK
The friction specialist offers a comprehensive apprenticeship programme and is shining a light on some of the many success stories from within its team.
Kim Tompson, production administrator, said: “I have worked at TMD since 2009 and was given the opportunity to complete a Level 4 apprenticeship in Business Administration.
“During my time with the company I feel I have always been given a fair chance to further my career and have been supported by members within my team, as well as outside of my team, in order to be successful.
“Completing my qualification gave me the opportunity to see a range of clear objectives and how they are actioned. I feel privileged to be an employee at TMD and also a part of the team.”
Jack Fallow, apprentice maintenance technician, added: “I have currently been a multi-skilled maintenance technician apprentice within TMD Friction UK for over three years. Throughout this time, I have taken part in a vast variety of engineering related tasks, ranging from factory improvement projects to urgent machine breakdown response.
“TMD pushes apprentices to achieve high academic grades alongside gathering a wide range of on-the-job training to help produce a fully competent and good quality maintenance technician.
“TMD allows maintenance apprentices to experience working in other engineering departments throughout the company to both expand their knowledge and guide them down a career path they most enjoy.”
Another one of its valued apprentices is Stephen Smailes, apprentice maintenance technician, who commented: “TMD Friction UK Hartlepool is a great place to work as an apprentice. The company has a wide range of machinery, from 100ton presses to Comec grinders. These machines help gain a great amount of knowledge in the maintenance trade.
“I chose TMD Friction UK after completing a week’s work experience – the number of skills you can learn, as well as for the number of opportunities provided was a key factor in my decision. TMD life is a really enjoyable experience – I have met lots of new people who try and push me to by the best maintenance technician I can be.”
Investing in the future
As a UK-based manufacturer of safety critical components, the company’s award-winning training team also continues to invest in the upskilling of the aftermarket, as it is acutely aware of the importance of correct fitting procedures and works hard with customers to ensure this awareness is instilled across all corners of the UK.
TMD Friction UK’s technical training team was recently awarded the renowned Outstanding Achievement accolade at the Annual Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation’s (IAAF’s) Award ceremony.
The team was recognised for its uncompromising approach to continuing professional development (CPD) including informing customers and the wider aftermarket of correct fitting procedures and modern-day braking systems.
The company’s Mintex Masterclass initiative is also shortlisted for the Training Scheme of the Year at the upcoming CAT Awards on 9th February.
