‘Moulding’ specialist recruits Cymoedd talent

Futures@Cymoedd was established in April 2019 to enhance the provision offered to its learners at the college, when seeking support to apply for employment and apprenticeships. During this time the Futures Team have helped hundreds of learners to achieve excellent outcomes.

The Team also support employers looking to recruit new staff, with one such success linked to a local company OGM (SW) Limited, based at Penallta. The company, who produce quality plastic injection moulded parts and assemblies, using advanced injection moulding, automation and 3D printing technologies is expanding and were keen to offer two key roles within the organisation to those with the relevant skills, knowledge and qualifications.

The Futures team identified thirteen potential candidates from its cohort, who matched the criteria set out by OGM. The learners were contacted to establish an expression of interest in applying for the two roles of Apprentice Quality Engineer and Trainee Business and Systems Administrator; and their CV’s submitted to OGM.

Following a series of interviews William McKeown, studying on the Enhanced Engineering Programme Level 1 secured the position of Apprentice Quality Engineer and Drew Williams studying Access to HE Diploma Business & Financial Services secured the Trainee Business Systems Administrator role.

Commenting on his new employment William said” I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship at OGM (SW) Ltd; it’s provided me with lots of opportunities to improve my engineering skills. I’ve received training from both the Senior Quality Engineer and the Quality Manager to assist me in running a CMM and learn about the Quality Management System; they’ve both taught me a lot and are constantly encouraging me to develop my skills. The work based training I’m currently undertaking is underpinned by the apprenticeship framework in Engineering. Cymoedd’s Engineering Co-ordinator David Rees, is very supportive and provides guidance around the assessment process and qualification requirements. I am so grateful to Futures@Cymoedd, especially Michele who assisted me in ensuring my CV stood out from the crowd; matching my skills and knowledge to the apprenticeship opportunity at OGM. Everyone has been so supportive in helping me fulfil my career aspiration of working as an engineer

Securing his new role as Trainee Business Systems Administrator, Drew said “Since joining OGM, I have really enjoyed learning and developing new skills to support my role.  I also feel that I have made a good contribution with regards to business improvement within the organisation. Without the support of Michele and Futures@Cymoedd, I would not have got the Job.  Michele helped me to improve my confidence, re-write my CV and explore effective job search techniques to find employment when I left college.  The work based learning route has definitely been the right choice for me on a personal and developmental level. Coleg y Cymoedd is still supporting me with my work based training and assessment; Tammy Barker, Training Assessor has been really supportive taking me through my NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration. I am delighted to be working at OGM, they are a great team and I hope to have a long and successful career with them.

Richard Holley, Operations Director at OGM (SW) said “With the company rapidly expanding, we knew we needed to look to the future and bring on board some young enthusiastic apprentices.  With no prior experience of this type of recruitment we contacted Coleg y Cymoedd to help with the process, which was seamless. We’ve successfully recruited two employees who we feel will thrive in our business and add value as they and the business grow together. We will continue to work with Coleg y Cymoedd to fill future roles as they become available.

Damian Scriven, Quality Manager at OGM (SW) added “Coleg y Cymoedd has been a massive help to OGM in finding the right candidates. At first this seemed like a daunting task for me as Quality Manager, to find and recruit a suitable candidate; as it was OGMs first apprentice position within our South Wales Plant. Both Michele Harris- Cocker and David Rees have been instrumental in the transition from William’s college life into his full-time role as an Apprentice Quality Engineer. I can’t thank them enough for all their support and guidance throughout the signing up process and also their continued support. William is really enjoying his role at OGM and getting stuck into the daily life of a Quality Engineer.

Commenting on behalf of the Futures Team at Coleg y Cymoedd, Co-ordinator Michele Harris-Cocker said “It’s been a pleasure supporting OGM’s recruitment campaign, and helping them to match the talent we have at the college to their business needs.  Richard and Damian have been very supportive throughout the process, playing a vital role especially during Drew and Williams’ induction period into the organisation. I have kept in touch with OGM and the feedback has been really positive with both recruits enjoying their new roles. I am confident Drew and William will go far with their careers, as they are both focused and ambitious young men; it’s been a privilege to guide and support them during the process. 

I am delighted that we are able to support the new recruits with their on-going training and development needs through be-spoke training frameworks delivered by the college’s Work Based Learning team, it really has been a ‘Team Effort!

With ever evolving roles and different challenges both recruits are thriving with an incredibly supportive team behind them, both at OGM (SW) and Coleg y Cymoedd. A great example of partnership working, meeting the needs of the business whilst helping our learners fulfil their career aspirations.

OGM https://ogm.uk.com/ is a UK plastic injection moulder based in Hengoed, South Wales.

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