Sheffield-based Inspec Solutions, a technology systems provider to industries including power generation, metals and petrochemical, has invested in its future by recruiting three new apprentices:

Tom Oakley (18), Tom Rickers (17) and Michael Cunningham (26). All three are undertaking a BSc in electrical engineering with Sheffield Hallam University, while simultaneously working as assistant controls engineers at Inspec Solutions. They join five apprentices already employed at the company as it continues investing in its own talent.

Mark Ritson, managing director at Inspec Solutions, says: “We’re constantly looking to increase our talent pool and strongly believe in training our own engineers to grow and develop within the company. This is our fourth cohort of apprentices and we really do recognise the value they bring to the business. We’ve kept a competitive edge by investing in our people – and our commitment to developing our own engineers through apprentice schemes is a big part of this.”

For further information www.inspecsolutions.co.uk

Lontra, a Midlands-based specialist in engineering, manufacturing and digital services, has named Blyth-based Universal Wolf as manufacturing partner for its Blade Compressor enclosures.

With production due to start this month, the deal is expected to scale over time to many millions of pounds per annum for Lontra’s Northumberland-based partner. Lontra’s Blade Compressor is said to be the first clean-sheet compressor design in over 80 years, and can be used across a variety of engineering-based sectors, including aerospace and automotive.

For further information www.lontra.co.uk

The Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) training centre is celebrating its one-year anniversary as the first learners at the state-of-the-art Culham-based facility begin their on-the-job training.

OAS, based at Culham Science Centre near Abingdon, offers high-quality training for apprentice engineers and technicians at technology businesses in the Thames Valley. The facility has already delivered training to over 90 learners working for more than 20 local businesses, and the team has ambitious plans for the next 12 months.

For further information www.oas.ukaea.uk

According to new research, creating a greener aerospace sector is key to the industry bouncing back from COVID-19.

The second part of Protolabs’ Horizon Shift report, which involved aerospace business leaders from across Europe, reveals that more than three quarters of firms (77%) expect environmental credibility to become a key differentiator moving forward, while 72% indicate that new materials will be the driving force in lowering emissions and making air travel cleaner.

In addition, 65% believe investment in innovation that reduces emissions should continue despite the pandemic, with 42% now transforming their supply chains as part of the drive to cut down CO2 output. The latest survey, which was conducted as a follow-up to an initial report of 325 executives taken in February and March, presents a unique insight into the sector, particularly with regard to what has changed as a result of the pandemic.

For further information www.protolabs.co.uk