Newcastle engineers tap into government recruitment tool

Smiles Engineering - a Newcastle based engineering and manufacturing company - has successfully recruited using TRS (Talent Retention Solution), the national talent bank platform following the intervention of their local MP.

Developed by employers to attract, retain and develop a much needed engineering and manufacturing talent base across the UK, TRS was recommended to the business by Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell.

Since the introduction, Smiles has since appointed its first employee via TRS, which is free for small businesses to use anywhere in the UK.

Launched in 2011 by the UK business secretary, Dr Vince Cable MP and supported by leading engineering companies (Siemens, Shell, Rolls Royce, Airbus, EDF Energy, BAE Systems and employer bodies: The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board and British Glass) and a growing array of professional organisations.

TRS is now wholly employer-led and provides a nationwide platform, catering for people at all stages of their careers and walks of life; experienced, apprentices, graduates, postgraduates and undergraduates.

Gordon Mockett of Smiles said: “When we met with Catherine last year, one of our major problems was finding the right calibre of people to recruit for our business. We are delighted to have recruited through TRS and with the calibre of people registering on the system.

“I would strongly recommend TRS to other SMEs in the region and elsewhere, it’s free to use for companies of our size and a real example of industry pulling together to do something about the skills problems facing our industry.”

Mike Jones HR director of Siemens Energy Sector and chair of the Northeast Skills Group said: “What has happened in the case of Smiles is fairly typical for our members. TRS as a national talent bank provides access to literally thousands of potential engineering employees.

“Siemens and many other organisations have now embedded this as part of their recruitment processes. We welcome Smiles as new members and wish them and their future employees every success.”

Catherine McKinnell MP added: “I am really pleased that Smiles have managed to recruit using TRS, as when I visited their site last year they were clearly struggling to find the right people for their business. I first learned about TRS from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers who pointed me in the right direction.

“It’s great that employers in the engineering and manufacturing industry have seized this important opportunity to lead on and resource such an important programme, which is benefiting companies and employees alike”.

Stephen Tetlow: chief executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers said: “I am delighted we could help, the Institution has been strong supporters of TRS since inception and are delighted for Smiles Engineering”.

Richard Smith, engagement director for TRS: “This is great news for Smiles and TRS. I would like to encourage more SMEs to follow the example of Smiles and sign up to TRS in the North East and throughout the UK.”

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