Showcasing Hidden Talents

Numatic International are best known for their iconic vacuum cleaner Henry. As one of Somerset’s larger employers the company is keen to illustrate the range of skills it requires.

A group of Year 10 students visited Numatic International in Chard to gain an insight into advanced manufacturing and local opportunities for work and career progression.

The students from Preston School, Bucklers Mead Academy, Wadham School and Westfield Academy spent three hours at Numatic International. Supported by the organisation's apprentices, the TalentEd Academy toured the premises, learnt about the level of local production and were wowed by the robotics technology. After the tour, the 14- and 15-year olds took part in a team task activity.

Careers and Skills Adviser from Inspired to Achieve, Emma France, who accompanied the students commented:

"Having Cameron, Chelsie and Brad (the apprentices) involved really inspired the students as they could relate to them and see how working in this industry is achievable. They were impressive young people and great ambassadors. I was also really pleased that we could provide them with a platform to reach some of their qualification targets too."

Students’ feedback revealed that they were impressed by the amount of local people Numatic International employ and the volume of Henrys produced each day. They were also stunned by the variety of cleaning equipment the manufacturer produces, the size of the site (25 acres) and the level of local production.

One Westfield Academy student said: "Seeing the robotics was amazing, it’s incredible to think that they make 4,000 Henrys a day!"

The Year 10s also commented on how the apprentices were so well respected and appreciated meeting staff in roles ranging from Manufacturing Manager to apprentice.