Birmingham manufacturer puts apprenticeships at heart of growth

A Birmingham based manufacturer of automatic control systems is placing apprenticeships and skills development at the heart of its growth strategy, marking National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) by highlighting their commitment to developing the next generation of engineers.

Robell Control Systems specialises in the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of automated heating, ventilation, environmental, and air-conditioning control systems. The company is preparing to expand its business, with apprenticeships remaining a top priority to secure its future and enhance internal expertise.

The business runs a well-established apprenticeship programme, currently employing eight young people on high-level apprenticeships ranging from project engineering, electrical engineering and electrical installation.

Former Robell apprentices Adam Woroch and Edd Watson now own the business together with Ruth Fennell following a management buyout supported by business investment specialists UKSE in April 2024.

In 2025, Robell exceeded their first-year growth targets and has ambitions to continue on this trajectory into 2026 as they look to target new sectors. As an industry with skills shortages, Robell recognise that developing talent from within is a core pillar of their growth plans.

A major priority for the business is to strengthen long-term capabilities by providing mentoring, supporting career growth development, and offering continuous training and development for existing employees.

Speaking about the importance of apprenticeships to the business director Edd Watson said: “We are investing in the capabilities of the team like never before and we see apprenticeships and internal staff development as the key to growing and securing the business for the future. We know that our sector is crying out for skilled electrical engineers and so providing meaningful apprenticeship opportunities in the region is important to us.”

Two examples of apprentices being supported by Robell are Rian and Jack who joined the business in 2025 as electrical engineering apprentices.

Rian said: “I am enjoying learning about the electrical trade and gaining skills that will set me up for the future, I am doing a level 3 electrical installation course at Birmingham Electrical Training (BET) for four years, which will gain me a gold card, in the next 12 months I would like to be competent to be able to go to jobs and work on my own and gain more experience, and still working towards my gold card.”

Jack added: “In my time at Robell I’ve had plenty of opportunities. As part of my training I’ve seen the installation side, the different processes of a project and some of the challenges that come with it but also the solutions which I’ve really enjoyed being part of.

“In the next 12 months my goals are to gather as much knowledge as I possibly can and push myself to help me gain confidence and contribute to Robell as much as possible. I’m enjoying the commissioning side and would like to see where that takes me.”

The business partners with a number of apprenticeship providers to facilitate its programme including Walsall College, Birmingham Electrical Training, Kidderminster College and Group Horizon.

Birmingham Electrical Training, training officer, Dan Davis said:

“Robell are great to work alongside as they take responsibility for the apprentices they produce. They work in a niche sector and sometimes this can be harder for the apprentice to meet the range of the electrical qualification – with the help of Ed, Ruth & Paul they look to offer a wide range of experience to their apprentices throughout the apprenticeship programme and are producing good quality BMS and Electrical Engineers.

“The business offers a welcoming environment for apprentices, visitors and their contractors on-site. I look forward to continuing our relationship working alongside the future of electrical installations.

The business is encouraging individuals with an interest in an electrical engineering apprenticeship to get in touch via their website.

The 19th annual week- long celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), will take place between 9 and 15 February 2026 and encourages everyone to consider and celebrate how apprenticeships and skills help individuals develop rewarding careers.