Mansfield-based TIS has launched a new apprenticeship academy to help increase the number of skilled multi-system engineers and raise the standard of apprenticeship delivery in the life safety, security and communications systems industry. 

Partnering with Skills for Security, the TIS Academy will create new youth job opportunities, offering apprentices a practical alternative to further education and teaching all of the necessary skills for building a career in the life safety, security and communications industry. 

There is a total of 15 apprentice engineers in the academy, which is based across TIS offices in Mansfield, Nottingham, Coleshill, Leeds and Uxbridge. 

The TIS Academy programme takes a traditional apprenticeship approach and adds to it to enhance an apprentice’s all-round abilities. 

The core 36-month programme offers enhanced on-the-job training and qualifications that will enable multi-system engineers to install and maintain every discipline that TIS offers across its converged network solutions. 

James Twigg, chief executive at TIS, said: “For too long there’s been an engineering skills shortage in our industry, but with the launch of the TIS Academy we’re renewing our commitment to deliver highly-skilled individuals across our growing and demanding business.

“The programme will nurture young talent in engineering, creating new roles and giving young people the opportunity to build a career with TIS. Each apprentice will be given adequate time, investment and experience to prosper and start their careers in the best possible fashion. 

“It’s important to me that we’re investing in young talent, particularly given the rates of youth unemployment following the pandemic.”