Feritech Limited

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High-growth marine business Feritech Limited in Penryn sought the specialist help of Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency to expand its team.

The subsea technology company has grown into a £1m turnover business since it began operating two years ago and it needed to move into bigger premises and hire more staff to cope with demand. But the unique nature of the industry meant the firm needed staff they could “mould” and who could learn the skills on the job.

Rob Ferris, Managing Director of Feritech, said: “We want people who can simultaneously develop their skills alongside the company’s expansion. Taking on apprentices makes sense. It allows us to find people who are driven and keen to learn. With the right support we can mould them into the innovators of tomorrow.”

The CAA tailored a training package to Feritech’s needs, enabling it to take on teenager Kaelan Dunbar on a five year marine engineering apprenticeship.

The agency handled all the recruitment and payroll process, allowing the company to focus on its day-to-day business.

Rob explained: “We chose to go through the Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency because they help reduce the risks when taking that initial step to grow your workforce. They provided specialist advice on training, recruitment and payroll services. This meant we got to enjoy all the benefits, without the paperwork and hassle. The agency’s ability to take responsibility for the apprentice’s wages gives both parties security, in case the match wasn’t to work out.

“Kaelan’s apprenticeship is proving so successful we’re now hoping to take on one apprentice per year. He is extremely keen and a very switched on guy. He’s genuinely interested in technology and science, which came across well in his interview. He’s already a valued member of the team”

Feritech predicts Kaelan will soon be travelling overseas to assist in delivering equipment, and providing product training and support to its international clients. When back at home Kaelan’s practical input can be channelled into assisting with Feritech’s exciting new product designs and harsh environment technical solutions.

Kaelan, from Budock Water, said: “After college I was working out what I really wanted to do. An apprenticeship appealed to me more than continuing with my studies, because there’s a set goal to it. My family think it’s great. My dad was an apprentice so he understands the value of it. My main goal at the moment is to learn and get as much experience as possible.”