We recently ran theory and practical sessions through the Barrow Job Centre to help get more people in the local area back to work as part of our Industrial Coating Initiative. This started with an Employer Information Session attended by our Training Director Rebecca Law, Account Manager Katie Coggins, and Sean Casson and Andy Johnson from our client Denholm Industrial Services. This session gave candidates the opportunity to ask questions, have one-to-one interviews, and learn more about the potential job opportunities.
Those who went through the programme started with the Train the Painter theory course, concluding with an assessment, followed by a live demonstration of Elcometer inspection equipment from Niall Linekar. The group was then able to put their skills to the test with the Train the Painter practical, an opportunity that gave them hands-on experience with our trainer, Jonathan Hewitt. The group concluded the week with a City & Guilds Medium Risk Confined Space theory session and practical exercise.
At the end of the week, seven group members successfully completed both the Train the Painter and City & Guilds Confined Space qualifications, and all are now waiting on a date to start work with Denholm!
We set up the Industrial Coating Initiative to help address the skills shortage in our industry and bring in new talent, ensuring they are trained to the highest standards possible. We also make sure that everyone who goes through our training programme has a structured route into work, something many starting out don’t have. This all ensures employers have access to individuals who are trained and ready to work.
The Train the Painter courses are part of the Corrodere Academy. All of their courses have been designed to give workers the essential skills needed to work on-site as an Industrial Painter. The team at Corrodere shared their feedback with us, saying, “It’s fantastic to see another successful Industrial Coating Initiative, with the recent programme in Barrow already making a real impact. At Corrodere, we’re proud that our Train the Painter programme is being delivered as part of this initiative. Huge credit to our Affiliate Training Provider, PSI Global Training and Registered company Denholm Industrial Services, for their commitment to bringing new talent into the industry and delivering high-quality, meaningful training.”
A study by Impact Reporting found that 77% of consumers are more likely to engage with companies that are committed to making a positive impact, 71% would choose a purpose-driven company when price and quality are equal, and effective CSR strategies can increase market value by four to six percent. Setting up an initiative like this makes a big difference in the local community. These sessions were done at the local Walney Community Centre, an investment that gives directly back to the area and supports the community in which this initiative operates.
Investing in the communities we work in has always been part of PSI Global’s values, and we’re very excited about the potential for our workforce in Barrow. There is currently a strategy in place from Team Barrow, consisting of the central Government, Westmorland and Furness Council, and BAE Systems. The latter have always placed a strong emphasis on community involvement, actively listening to what their local communities need and “working closely to understand where we can make the most meaningful impact.”
The 10-year plan from Team Barrow is setting the area up for success at a time of significant investment. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Kier Starmer said that Barrow “is a blueprint for how defence spending can boost communities up and down the country.” A new £28 million funding package was also announced. This package is for T-Levels and will benefit Furness College in Barrow, helping to support submarine builders of the future.
If you’re interested in discussing our Industrial Coating Initiative further, contact our team now at Bookings@psiglobaltraining.com.
