Rotadex is proud to be a part of Mayor Richard Parker's plan for almost 13,000 work experience, training and apprenticeship opportunities in a drive to get young people into good careers.

Mr Parker said: "By connecting people to good jobs in the region's fastest-growing sectors, we're not just changing lives - we're building our economy."

One young person that has benefitted from a placement is 25-year-old Daniel Harte from Erdington. Daniel joined the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) funded Engineering Path2Apprenticeship with Performance Through People (PTP) in October last year, embarking on a completely new career path after spending six years as a chef.

During the P2A programme, Daniel actively searched for vacancies with the support of his tutors and soon secured an apprenticeship at Rotadex Systems, an engineering and manufacturing storage solutions company, for a Level 2 LEAN Manufacturing Operative Apprentice, with PTP as the training provider.

Daniel is now thriving at Rotadex and reflecting on his experience, said: "Path 2 Apprenticeships made the learning very easy. It was fun and engaging, and the tutors were extremely helpful when I made mistakes – they always reassured me."

William White, managing director at Rotadex said: "We strongly believe in the value of training and apprenticeships in particular as a pathway into the manufacturing workplace. Young individuals learn skills that give them confidence and make them highly employable allowing them to develop their careers. Companies such as Rotadex Systems Ltd benefit from staff trained in skills that are relevant to our business and the fresh ideas and energy that young people can offer. Apprenticeships have never been more relevant at a time when UK industry needs more skilled workers to compete in a world-wide market. We are grateful to the Mayor for highlighting this crucial development area for both individuals and companies alike."

Left to right: Paul Smith (adult training, PTP), Adrian O’Loughlin (manager, Rotadex) Aaron Gare (apprentice now employed by Rotadex), Daniel Harte (apprentice), Mayor Richard Parker, Kevin Newell (engineering project manager, PTP) Ian Bailey (operations manager PTP), William White (managing director, Rotadex)