News

MPCT does National Careers Week: Newport Galvanizers

4th March 2019

MPCT isn’t just for people who want to join the Armed Forces. We have established relationships with many businesses who provide excellent opportunities for our Learners to enter the working world and gain experience.

Newport Galvanizers is one of those businesses, with whom we have just given a “Collaboration & Partnership Award” at a recent South Wales Awards Ceremony as they have taken on so many of Learners.

Below is a recent article from Newport Galvanizers depicting the relationship we have with them;

Military graduates hit the target for South Wales firm

The manager of a South Wales company has saluted the impact made by workers with military training.

More than 20 per cent of shop floor staff at Newport Galvanizers are former students at the nearby Motivational Preparation College for Training (MPCT).

And Ed Saville, general manager of the Llanwern Works plant, is making no apologies for using the establishment, one of 31 similar military colleges around the UK, as a recruitment ground.

He said: “Instructors at the college are ex-British military who instil the kind of core values, skills and ethos that are very attractive to us.

“Students who don’t go on to join the Forces, for whatever reason, are likely nevertheless to leave as better people and that makes them a really good fit for our business.

“I’ve taken on nine young people who attended the College in recent years and seven are still with us – making up more than 20 per cent of our galvanizing operatives.

“They typically show their quality within weeks of joining the team and regularly demonstrate leadership potential.

“There’s no formal partnership in place, but I know from experience that former students will have developed skillsets and behaviours that we value in the workplace.”

Mr Saville hopes to see his policy of recruiting former military students rolled out elsewhere within parent company Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd – and believes it’s an approach that could benefit other businesses too.

He added: “These young people come away with skills for life along with a confidence and attitude that makes them tremendous assets for any company.

“They’ll generally work hard, present themselves properly, be on time and have good manners. They’re also typically dextrous and fit, which are important attributes for manufacturing firms.

“I know colleagues based in the Midlands and the south have recruited students from similar colleges in their own area and it’s no surprise to me they’ve been a success.

“It’s a good feeling to be able to give young people a chance and to be rewarded by seeing them develop into quality, dependable employees.”

Military Preparation College Newport, based at Raglan Barracks, was opened in 2005 as part of nationwide programme operated by training provider MPCT.

The company, formed in 1999, sets out to provide outstanding standards of learning for 16-23 year olds and was last year named Training Provider of the Year by The Times.

Every instructor at colleges throughout the UK has served in the British Armed Forces and, while around 40 per cent of graduates go on to join a military service, those who pursue other options leave with the skills to support their future success.

Dionne Sylvester, Head of Marketing and Learner Recruitment at MPCT, said: “Our students develop incredibly strong core values and qualities during their time with us and increasing numbers of employers are recognising and appreciating that.

“The employability skills gained at the college are transferable to all sectors and our students progress in a wide range of industries from manufacturing and construction to retail and the public sector.

“Newport Galvanizers require focused, robust, reliable and engaged employees who have the ability to work, learn and develop in an industrial environment.

“Many of our former students meet that requirement and it’s great that the plant recognises their quality and potential by providing opportunities both as full-time employees and apprentices.

“The College has formed strong links with Newport Galvanizers over a number of years and both organisations are delighted with the positive results.”