In-Comm takes top training prize at Insider’s Made in the Midlands Awards

In-Comm Training’s employer-led approach to vocational learning has seen it secure a prestigious industry title.

The independent provider, which runs three academies across the Black Country and Shropshire, has been named as Insider’s Manufacturing Apprenticeship/Training Scheme winner in its annual Made in the Midlands Awards.

Judges highlighted the firm’s ability to build strategic partnerships with tens of companies across the region and translate that into over 40 Trailblazer apprenticeships that are helping to bridge the skills gap threatening to cripple West Midlands industry.

Bekki Phillips, Managing Director of In-Comm Training, commented: “This is a great honour, especially when you consider we beat off some fantastic competition in the shape of Make UK, JJ Churchill, Ricoh UK Products, Envisage Group and WCG.

“Covid-19 has been a very tough time for everyone and we had to pivot our operations to go to virtual learning during lockdown and, now, a more blended approach of online and face-to-face teaching in the academies. All the way through we have continued to support our young people and our employers, even introducing the Skills Pledge to try to ringfence support for vocational learning.”

She continued: “The award is for our staff and their unbelievable commitment to making us one of the best and most innovative training providers in the UK.”

In a period where apprenticeships have declined, In-Comm has reported a 40% uptake thanks to its commitment to the employer-led model. Better still, prior to the introduction of the new standards, achievement rates were 87%, outperforming the national average by 20%.

Over the last twelve months, it has delivered in excess of 40 different Trailblazer apprenticeships to 800 apprentices, not to mention thousands of upskilling courses for 212 firms from across the Black Country, Birmingham and Shropshire.

Bekki concluded: “Despite all of the challenges, the last eighteen months have been very rewarding, with the introduction of specialist Mental Health courses, the launch of one of the region’s first HNC Higher Apprenticeship courses and our appointment as a partner to the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Skills Fund.”

Contact In-Comm Training today to find out more about our apprenticeships and training courses>>>>