A company that offers a one-stop shop service for property maintenance has added another coveted Powys Business Award – this time for its partnership with education - to its growing collection.
EOM Electrical Contractors Ltd, based in Newtown, won the Business-Education Partnership Award, sponsored by Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership, at the annual awards ceremony held at The Infantry Battle School, Dering Lines, Brecon at on Friday night.
The company is no stranger to the awards, organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), having won the Small Business Growth and People Development accolades in 2023 and ’24 respectively.
“Winning this award is brilliant news for the company because it is about lighting the fire for those youngsters and encouraging them that there is a good career in manufacturing, in construction and in the businesses that we are all in,” said Mike Mills, EOM Electrical Contractors Ltd general manager.
“It is our duty and responsibility to go out and tell young people about things like apprenticeships and the opportunities that are out there. So, this is such a great recognition that we are on the right track.”
Established in 1995 by a group of Mid Wales electricians, EOM has 39 employees providing electrical, plumbing, heating and maintenance services to an impressive list of clients throughout Mid Wales.
Over the last two years, EOM has become an expert in the supply and installation of EV charging points, solar PV, air source heat pump, lighting and remote monitoring systems using LoRaWAN technology.
Keen to grow its own talent pipeline, the company has developed close links and partnerships with primary and high schools, NPTC Group of Colleges, Aberystwyth University, independent training providers, Careers Wales and trade organisations.
“In an area with a relatively small pool of available potential employees and a national shortage of skilled trades-people, EOM has realised that to achieve its business objectives, it must grow, develop and retain its staff which are its most important asset,” added Mike. “Key to these objectives are successful partnerships.”
To enthuse children of all ages, EOM takes a model house with solar panels and a windmill to local primary schools to demonstrate renewable energy technology and attends high school career fairs, mock interviews and Dragon’s Den exercises.
Work experience placements allow young people to shadow an EOM employee for a week to give then an insight into the trade and introduce them to the world of work in a safe and supervised environment.
Each of the company’s six apprentices receives a £100 toolkit, subsidised safety footwear and work wear, a workplace mentor and is paid above the minimum wage.
Highlighting its excellent staff retention, eight ex-apprentices now fill key roles within the company.
NPTC Group of Colleges carpentry students are allowed to use the company’s workshop, ex-apprentices speak to students about their experiences and Mr Mills has also developed links with Aberystwyth University’s Innovation Centre.
The judges said: “The investment and impact that EOM is having through its outreach work with local schools and college, providing careers education and support with professional facilities, is inspiring. That, coupled with EOM's commitment to growing skills and talent via a regular stream of apprenticeships, highlights best practice in the region.”
Picture caption:
EOM Electrical Contractors Ltd general manager Mike Mills receives the Business-Education Partnership Award from Emma Thomas, representing Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership.
