Developing skilled engineers is essential to the future of our industry—and at CMS, it’s something we actively invest in.
As part of our ongoing commitment to early careers and skills development, Geoff Barrass, Apprenticeship Manager at CMS, recently attended a Job Fair in partnership with Northumberland County Council College at the Concordia Community Centre in Cramlington. The event provided an opportunity to meet local students and jobseekers, discuss career routes into engineering, and share how apprenticeships at CMS offer long-term progression—not just a job.
A Practical Approach to Closing the Skills Gap
The engineering sector continues to face a significant shortage of skilled professionals. At CMS, we recognise that addressing this challenge requires meaningful investment in people, training, and infrastructure.
Our CMS Academy, based at our Gateshead headquarters, underpins this approach. Each year, the academy supports the development of hundreds of engineers and more than 50 apprentices, combining hands-on experience with structured learning to ensure skills are built to industry standards.
Rather than focusing solely on technical ability, our training programmes emphasise safety, quality, and customer experience—ensuring our engineers are equipped to meet the demands of complex, multi-site environments from day one.
Training That Reflects the Real World
A key strength of the CMS Academy is its focus on real-world application. Engineers train using industry-recognised equipment and systems supplied by leading manufacturers including Baxi, Belimo, Grundfos, and Schwank—mirroring the environments they’ll encounter on site.
This practical exposure gives CMS engineers a clear advantage, helping them develop confidence, competence, and consistency in their work, while providing our clients with assurance in the quality of service delivered.
Investing Locally, Delivering Nationally
While CMS operates on a national scale—supporting businesses with complex property portfolios across the UK—we remain firmly committed to local engagement. Events like the Cramlington Job Fair allow us to connect directly with communities, promote career opportunities, and encourage the next generation of engineers to enter the industry.
By investing in people and skills today, CMS is helping to create a stronger, more sustainable engineering workforce for the future.
To find out more about CMS, our apprenticeship pathways, and our approach to training and development, visit https://www.cmsltd.co.uk/about-us/careers