AN APPRENTICE programme as a Solihull-based engineering company has been praised.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Solihull West and Shirley MP, visited the head office of CPW on the Cranmore Estate in Solihull and found out about the programme, which has recruited cohorts of up to 21 apprentices in a year.
It supports apprentices through undergraduate and master’s level qualifications while gaining practical industry experience and has achieved an 89 per cent retention rate, with many apprentices continuing their careers within the company.
Dr Shastri-Hurst said: “I was particularly impressed by CPW’s apprenticeship programme. Creating real pathways into skilled careers is essential if we want young people to see the full range of opportunities available to them.
“Programmes like this, which combine practical experience with higher education and lead directly to professional careers, embody the kind of life opportunities I want to see expanded across our constituency and the country.”
The company also offers work experience placements and internships, helping young people gain their first insight into careers in construction, engineering, and project consultancy.
Dr Shastri-Hurst also praised the firm’s commitment to the local community.
Every employee is given two paid days each year to volunteer with local charities or participate in community projects, supporting organisations and initiatives across the Solihull area.
During the visit Dr Shastri-Hurst met with senior leaders and staff to discuss the company’s long history in the region and the company’s involvement in a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects across Solihull West and Shirley.
This is in addition to its work supporting major public sector clients including the NHS, the Ministry of Defence, and the education sector.
The Conservative MP said: “It was a pleasure to visit CPW’s headquarters and to meet the team behind what is a truly impressive Solihull-based company.
“CPW is a great example of a business that has continued to grow locally to become a multinational operation, while continuing to invest in the community where it began. Their work supporting key sectors, such as the NHS, defence, and education, shows the important role businesses like this play in delivering the infrastructure our country relies upon.”
