Investment in Training Takes Pole Position at Harris Pye
Chris David (Photo: Harris Pye)
A new intake of graduate trainee engineers; the start of a new ‘term’ in their internal Weld School; three trainees over half way through a two-year Boilermaker scheme; and six graduates of the inaugural Boiler Assistant training course highlight the Harris Pye Engineering Group’s commitment to investment in training.
“There is no doubt that a well-trained, enthusiastic and committed workforce encouraged to achieve their maximum potential enhances our business at every level,” explains Harris Pye’s Chief Technical Officer, Chris David. “People are at the heart of our success and our commitment to training at every level has been recognised by Gold Accreditation in Investors in People both in Llandow (Wales) and Dubai.”
The IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology) accredited Harris Pye Graduate Scheme was launched in 2013. Since then there have been over 40 graduates working through the scheme many of them existing members of the Harris Pye team. Recently two new graduates joined the company and will follow the scheme.
All graduates receive mentorship from experienced Harris Pye engineers to ensure they are developing their skill set suitably, and gain experience by direct participation in active project work throughout the global group. “We are eager to see them prove that they are intuitive and can adapt quickly in dynamic environments,” says Chris David. “All graduates receive support in order to achieve Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.”
The Harris Pye Weld School in Wales was launched in May 2013. All new recruits are put through an intensive 9-month training period culminating in codings in MMA (manual metal arc (welding)), MIG metal inert gas (welding) and GTAW (Gas tungsten arc welding) processes. If successful, candidates are then put on monitored development in the company’s fabrication facility where they are continually assessed and gradually given autonomy to perform project work.
As Chris David explains: “Fourteen of our welder trainees have completed the course with all essential codings; two have moved on as trainee Repair Managers; one remains in Weld School and has one coding to date, but a firm commitment to achieve the full quota. Four new trainees will start in Weld School on September 19.
The first Boilermaker Training Scheme also started in 2013. Six trainees undertook the first two-year scheme with four gaining certification, three of whom are currently employed in the group. Three others started the March 2015-March 2017 course and are currently doing well.
Harris Pye’s Boiler Assistant Training Course was set up this year. It is a five week course to enhance the skills of welders, pipe fitters, and platers and aims to give them a greater knowledge and understanding of boiler repair so they can use their skills to assist Boilermakers, or carry out the tasks themselves. Six – one British trainee Repair Manager/welder, two Polish and three Romanian tradesmen – completed the course on 20 August. “We look forward to starting a second course in the near future,” says Chris David.
“There is no doubt that our investment in our human resource has become the bedrock of our commitment to project delivery.”
