Stainless Metalcraft
Stainless Metalcraft manufacture high integrity mission critical products for some of the world’s most hazardous and dangerous environments, across a wide range of sectors including Nuclear, Medical, Big Science, Energy and other challenging markets.
Years awarded: 2020, 2023, 2026
Region: East of England
Size: 50-249 employees
Sector: Manufacturing
Addressing an ageing workforce through career development
Themes: Apprenticeships; Talent pipeline / Career pathways; Upskilling
Topics: Ageing workforce; Bespoke training
Stainless Metalcraft developed a structured five-year Apprenticeship and Career Development Programme to secure critical engineering skills and address long-term workforce sustainability challenges. Operating in a rural location with limited access to specialist talent, the organisation has adopted a successful ‘grow your own’ approach, combining departmental rotations, mentoring and technical training. Recruiting 12–15 apprentices annually from around 48 applicants, the programme has strengthened retention, reduced workforce age, filled nine roles internally since 2023 and ensured the capability needed to deliver safety-critical projects across the nuclear and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Investing in the next generation of engineering talent
Theme: Onboarding; Talent pipeline / Career pathways
Since achieving an Award in 2020, this SME engineering business has continued to invest in pathways to engineering careers for local young people, with the development of their apprenticeship programme and the launch of the North Cambs Training Centre. 42% of the current workforce started as apprentices, there has been a reduction in the age profile from 54 to 40 and retention beyond year 2 of the programme has increased from 50% to 78%.
Establishing a long-term talent pipeline
Themes: Apprenticeships
Topics: Ageing workforce
This manufacturing business realised that 35% of its staff were due to retire in the next 10 years, so it reinvigorated its apprenticeship programme. Commitment to apprentices is evident with the business offering visits to other manufacturing companies and providing social activities alongside the training. Retention beyond year 2 of the programme has increased from 50-78% and the average age of the workforce has reduced by 10 years.
News and case studies featuring Stainless Metalcraft:
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39 UK businesses receive excellence in training Award commended by HRH The Princess Royal in 2020
HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds Group, recognises organisations whose training has delivered measurable business impact 39 businesses celebrated at virtual ceremony for their innovative training programmes in the Princess Royal Training...
In the press: Stainless Metalcraft scoops Princess Royal Training Award for ‘investment in the next generation of engineering talent’
Fenland fabricators Stainless Metalcraft have been named as the latest recipient of the Princess Royal Training Award for its investment in new young talent. It is the second Royal accolade for the Chatteris-based business, which received the Queen’s Awards for...
UK businesses’ training is recognised by HRH The Princess Royal on her 70th birthday
HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds Group, recognises organisations whose training has delivered measurable business impact Businesses continue to deliver excellent training programmes in the Princess Royal Training Award’s fifth year, despite the...