Mechanical and electrical engineering firm JPR Engineering Services is preparing to welcome nine new apprentices – on the back of a record year for the business.
The Stoke-based company had its ‘best year in history’ in 2018 and now it is preparing to make the next few years even better.
The company has a business plan in place to ‘take it into 2020’ – including a major office refurbishment and a rebrand.
But before then, the firm will welcome its latest cohort of plumbing and electrical trainees as part of its commitment to training and up-skilling its employees.
Company director John Moran said: "Thanks to dedication and determination, we have built this business up from a garden shed and we are not going to stop.
"We have weathered three recessions and have enjoyed a few years of success, but now we are ready to push forward and really show people what we can do and that we can compete."
John added: "We have employed plenty of apprentices over the years and this year we are pleased to be taking on nine apprentices from within ST postcode."
JPR boasts a 120-strong workforce and a fleet of 50 vehicles.
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Most of the company’s business comes from within Staffordshire but it has worked nationally and internationally on major projects for blue chip customers including the NHS, William Hill and Michelin as well as Stoke-on-Trent City Council and local universities including Staffordshire, Keele and Harper Adams.
The £12 million firm operates across three divisions – fire and security, data and communications and mechanical engineering and plumbing.
John added: "We have got a good reputation and have very good working relationships with our customers from inside and outside of the local area.
"As a business, we are bucking the trend. We are Stoke-on-Trent loud and proud and we want to do what we can to push the area forward.
"We want to get the city on the map, we want to bring in much-needed technical expertise and that it why we focus on training and up-skilling our staff.
"Our commitment is towards training and skills. We have spent a lot of money over the years getting our skillset up to the level it is today and we have been rewarded with loyalty from our employees; some of our staff have been with us for more than 30 years."
As well as the recruitment of apprentices, JPR has recently invested in upgrading its North Street headquarters with the installation of interactive screens, video conferencing and up-to-date IT and 3D technology.
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And in the next 12 months, JPR will undergo a rebrand.
Company secretary Paula Fergusson said: "This last year has been our most successful year in history and as we head into 2020 we are looking at moving towards a group philosophy to reflect the fact that we offer a one-stop solution.
"We really want to show people what we can do."