Celebrating Our Employer of the Year Award Nomination

At CMS, we're passionate about investing in people and creating opportunities for the next generation of engineering talent. That's why we're incredibly proud to have been nominated for the Employer of the Year Award by Total People – a recognition that celebrates our commitment to supporting apprentices and the strong partnership we've built together.

Investing in the Future of Engineering

Developing skilled engineers of tomorrow is at the heart of everything we do. Through our purpose-built CMS Academy, we've created a world-class environment where apprentices and engineers can develop the technical expertise, practical experience and professional skills needed to build successful careers.

Located within our 20,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Gateshead, the Academy represents a £2 million investment in the future of engineering. It was designed not only to support our own people, but to help tackle the UK's engineering skills shortage by providing industry-leading training and development opportunities. Every year, the Academy trains and upskills hundreds of engineers while supporting a growing community of apprentices.

Today, the Academy is home to more than 65 apprentices, each following a structured development programme that combines classroom learning with real-world experience. Working with industry-leading manufacturers and experienced mentors, our apprentices gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies while developing the values, professionalism and customer-focused approach that define CMS.

By investing in our apprentices, we're not only supporting individual career development but also helping to strengthen the future of our industry.

The Power of Partnership

This nomination also reflects the collaborative relationship we've developed with Total People over the years. By maintaining open communication, taking a structured approach to apprenticeship management and working closely together, we've been able to provide the best possible experience for our apprentices.

Strong partnerships make a real difference. Our close working relationship with the Total People team allows us to respond quickly to challenges, resolve issues efficiently and continually improve the support we offer throughout every apprentice's journey. It's this collaborative approach that has led to our nomination for Employer of the Year.

Recognising a Key Contributor

A special thank you goes to Geoff Barrass, our Apprenticeship Manager, who represented CMS at the awards ceremony.

Geoff has been the driving force behind our successful partnership with Total People and has played a pivotal role in the growth of the CMS Academy. His dedication, passion and commitment to developing the next generation of engineers have helped shape a programme that gives every apprentice the opportunity to succeed. Through his leadership, guidance and unwavering support, Geoff has created an environment where apprentices can develop the skills, confidence and experience needed for long-term careers in engineering.

This recognition is a testament not only to Geoff's hard work, but also to the collective efforts of everyone involved in delivering such a successful apprenticeship programme.

Looking Ahead

While we're honoured to receive this nomination, our greatest achievement remains the success of our apprentices. Seeing more than 65 aspiring engineers grow in confidence, develop valuable technical skills and begin rewarding careers is what motivates us every day.

As the CMS Academy continues to grow, so too does our commitment to investing in people. By developing future talent, working alongside trusted partners like Total People and continually raising the standard of engineering training, we're helping to build a stronger future for both our business and the wider industry.

We'd like to thank Total People for this fantastic nomination and congratulate everyone involved in making this partnership such a success. We look forward to continuing our work together and supporting even more apprentices in the years ahead.