As a former apprentice who went on to start his own company, Shane Gunstone (pictured) is passionate about the role young people can play in modern engineering.

A meeting with Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing, opened up new opportunities and delivered positive results for his business, so much so that Shane is urging others to take advantage of the service.

Having left school at 16, he started out as an apprentice plater/welder, working his way through various jobs before taking the plunge in 1995 to start his own business – Asmech Systems Ltd – creating bespoke conveyor and handling systems for the dairy and blow-moulding sector.

Asmech Systems design, engineer, manufacture, install and service their entire product range that includes slat conveyors, side gripper elevators, bottle palletises, tray packers and loop invertors.

Employing 21 staff in Mansfield, with a turnover of £2.7m, Asmech is a major supplier to some of the world’s leading corporations and prides itself in providing a personal touch for all customers.

The company is looking to grow quickly — aiming to double its turnover and increase staff to around 25 by the end of 2015 — with apprentices playing a key role.

Shane said: “Asmech were looking for a good co-ordinator for apprentices, someone like the old Engineering Industry Training Board, which would put themselves out for businesses like mine.”
Asmech has taken on two apprentices following a referral to the Semta Apprenticeship Service.

As someone who didn’t go to university, Shane believes there are fantastic opportunities in engineering for school leavers.

“We can’t take out if we are not putting back in. We have had some difficulties in the past but, thanks to Semta, we now have the recruitment process right and everything in place to help the apprentices succeed. We would recommend other companies to use Semta because they work in partnership to get the best results.”