We love it when businesses send us their good news and here’s our latest good news round-up. Awards, expansion, new contracts or new jobs, if you’ve got some good news you want to share please email the editor, Martin Shaw, on martin@huddersfieldhub.co.uk.
A high-voltage electrical engineering firm is looking to recruit two apprentice cable jointers as it continues to invest in the future.
An attractive ‘earn while you learn’ package will see Elland-based Smith Brothers provide vital hands-on experience to the trainees, which will be dovetailed by a two-year City & Guilds academic course and three years with Utility and Construction Training (UCT).
Candidates will be given the opportunity to work on large-scale electrical engineering projects in the high-voltage, renewables and energy storage sectors – across a client roster which includes Saint Gobain Glass, Yorkshire Water, Arlington Energy and Lightsource BP.
Company co-founder Richard Smith said: “Our apprenticeship scheme is designed to offer people a job for life.
“As an employer, it’s our responsibility to support the ambitions of those in our sector and region, and such a qualification equips graduates with a ready-made, lifelong career – anywhere in the world.”
The annual apprenticeship scheme is not solely reserved for school-leavers though and Richard added: “We take apprentices of all ages because we believe that everyone deserves a chance.
“Some of the best engineers left school and went straight into a labouring job but, years later, they might be keen to back up that practical experience with a formal qualification.”
The current intake is the second in as many years for Smith Brothers, with trio of trainee fitters, including Rory Sharp, Cameron Galbraith and Bronson Taylor now almost 12 months into their courses, having joined the scheme in September 2021.
As part of the programme, trainees will spend one month per year at the training centre, nine or 10 months on site with Smith Brothers, and the remaining time focused on completing the City & Guilds academic requirements.
To find out more click HERE. Entries close on June 30 with interviews taking place throughout July. The programme will start in autumn 2022.
The Brighouse Deal will put high-tech manufacturing at the heart of the town’s future by creating an Industry 4.0 Hub where small and medium sized businesses can explore how digital technology can improve their productivity and increase innovation.
Calderdale College is leading the delivery of the project alongside the University of Huddersfield, Textile Centre of Excellence, West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services and Calderdale & Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance.
The Hub, set to be housed at Kirkdale House and Calderdale College’s newly established Engineering Centre on the Armytage Road Industrial Estate, will be kitted out with high-tech equipment to showcase augmented reality, advanced manufacturing and robotics.
The new site will have capacity for 70 apprenticeships to be delivered as part of the Deal project, and a range of new short training programmes designed to help employers upskill their current workforce will be offered to those already pursuing a career in manufacturing.
This development of a ‘living lab’ will aim to provide support to the town’s existing small, medium and micro-business community.
The Brighouse Deal, led by the Brighouse Town Deal Board and Calderdale Council, is due to bring £19 million of investment with a series of projects including revitalising the market, developing Thornton Square and improving the town centre to encourage visitors and shoppers to stay longer and spend more.
David Whitehead, co-chair of The Brighouse Town Deal Board and managing director of Brighouse-based specialist textile finishers H & C Whitehead, said: “Brighouse has such a proud and strong manufacturing heritage, so it is exciting to see a key part of the deal being to ensure it has an equally proud and strong future in the town, with a particular focus on the small and growing businesses who are the engine room of our economy.
“By funding training for young people, and providing facilities for growth, sharing skills and collaboration across Brighouse, there will be more opportunities available making our town an even more attractive place to work, stay and progress.”
Brighouse-based IT support and solutions provider Fusion IT Management has announced the appointment of James Robinson as its new chief technical officer (CTO).
James previously held the role of IT operations manager within Fusion IT and, during his time with the business, he has successfully built the firm’s cloud platform, evolving from a handful of servers to a large multi-redundant array of complex systems, helping the business reach new heights.
Commenting on his new role, James said: “I’m excited for this next chapter in my new role as the CTO of Fusion IT.
“I look forward to getting stuck in and helping to make a positive difference to our technical operations, as well as driving forward in our goals for the year ahead and beyond.”
In addition to James’ appointment, Fusion IT has also welcomed two new recruits to the wider team.
Karolina Mroz joins Fusion in the role of MatterSphere developer, after having successfully completed an undergraduate course in Computer Science at Sheffield Hallam University.
Joining her in the MatterSphere team is Kamil Sora, who will work as a support developer. A Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence graduate, Kamil will support the development team with the MatterSphere product to generate and produce data reports to help ensure that the most effective solution is implemented to meet the clients’ needs.
To top off a fine period of achievement for Fusion, the firm has also announced its achievement of ISO 9001 and 27001 standards.
Fusion IT is one of only a small number of IT businesses based in West Yorkshire to achieve this status.
The ISO 9001 certification ensures that Fusion IT follows a framework that constantly refines processes and procedures, while improving client experience and ensuring quality services and solutions.
ISO 27001 is essential for IT businesses due to challenges arising from data security breaches. This accreditation will help manage the overall risks, secure information assets and strengthen the way in which Fusion IT manages its security.
An environmental business has been recognised for its outstanding investment in technology in the face of evolving challenges during the past year.
The Digital Enterprise Top-100 profiles and celebrates companies in the wider Leeds City Region that use digital technologies in innovative and transformational ways.
Among these is a local arboricultural and ecology consultancy business JCA Ltd, of Barkisland, which has invested heavily in handheld data collection and mapping software.
JCA’s investment also includes a 3D non-invasive “tree scanner” which uses sound waves to assess the internal condition of a tree.
The scanner precisely measures the speed of sound waves as they travel through a tree stem and helps identify issues such as internal cracks or areas of decay.
JCA’s consultants can then diagnose problems or diseases before they are visible without compromising the health or stability of the tree.
Falling trees and poor tree management are still responsible for an estimated 60 fatalities and injuries and millions of pounds in property damage each year.
