Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships » PP Apprenticeship open day » PP Control & Automation

The PP Control & Automation open day is the perfect opportunity to see what life as an apprentice is really like, with a facility tour that will open your eyes to a modern manufacturing environment, along with the production and engineering disciplines and skills you’ll learn throughout your apprenticeship.

South Staffordshire College will also be onsite to help you understand the academic portion of an apprenticeship, the career benefits, and life skills you’ll learn along the way.

Apprenticeships Open Day at
PP Control & Automation


Date: 4th April 2024


Time of Arrival: 12PM


Duration: Approx. 4 hours


Location: PP Control & Automation, Landywood Green, Cheslyn Hay, WS6 7AL


Contact: Scott Ward, Continuous Improvement & Training Coordinator, scott.ward@ppcanda.com


PP Control & Automation is developing the next generation of engineers and specialists in the exciting world of manufacturing automation and digitalisation, through hands-on experience.

PP C&A apprentices are amongst the best in the country and have received national recognition at various awards.

Why choose an apprenticeship with PP Control & Automation?

The investment in, and development of young, ambitious and motivated individuals is a fundamental cornerstone for the progress of the business.

PP C&A has grown into the largest independent supplier of control & automation solutions in Europe, respected by many of the most successful machinery builders in the world.

To ensure the continued growth and development of the business, numerous opportunities are available through an apprenticeship program. PP C&A work closely with schools and colleges in promoting an exciting career in manufacturing.

PP C&A apprentices will gain experience throughout the business. They will be learning from departmental experts in every area; from design to manufacturing to business administration, all developed and supported though the PP C&A world-class Excellence School.

Tailored internal training and associated academic education enable an individual to familiarise themselves with the application of critical skills, designed to support both the future of the business and the individual’s career.

Apprentice Criteria

What traits are important for an apprentice?


Ambitious and motivated


Patient and persistent


Good communicator


Flexible and able to adapt to change


Has clear focus and attention to detail


Embraces and applies learning


Reliable, dependable, honest and responsible


Potential progression opportunities include (but not limited to):

Manufacturing Engineer

Design Engineer

Business Administration

Supply Chain

Leadership/Management



Quick snap case study


From Cabinet Builder to Board Director

Ian Knight started his career at PP Control & Automation as an apprentice building control panels and cabinets on the shop floor. Over the course of his career, Ian has taken on the roles of Operations Manager, Director of Operational Excellence and now the Chief Information Officer for the business. Apprenticeships with PP C&A will open doors to a successful career in the industry of manufacturing.

Apprenticeships » PP Management Team L2 » PP Control & Automation
Directors L-R: Tony Hague (CEO), Stewart Robertson (Finance Director), Sean Cayley (COO), Ian Knight (CIO), Garry Myatt (Sales Director)

Apprentice stories

Blogs and stories about exceptional young engineers, training and apprenticeships.

Winning hearts and minds

Malcolm Condon believes a collective push needs to be made to change perceptions of industry and influence at grassroots level to attract the next generation of talent.

This is exactly what UK manufacturing needs more of

Encouraging young people into engineering is not only critical as the skills gap grows, but it’s essential for future-proofing the UK as an innovative nation, capable of helping to solve some of the world’s biggest problems.

Rising engineering star bangs the drum for more ‘girl power’ in industry

Attracting more females into engineering is the mission for a Black Country electrical engineer that has won a clutch of awards in the early part of her career.

A young pioneer amongst the top 100 industry talents | Sophie Young named in The Manufacturer Top 100

The Manufacturer Top 100 celebrated the exceptional achievements and contributions of individuals within the manufacturing industry and among the 100 remarkable talents was our very own Sophie Young.

EMA Shortlisted: Industry Leader & Rising Star

PP C&A is pleased to share that CEO, Tony Hague, and apprentice, Sophie Young, have been shortlisted for prestigious accolades at the Engineering & Manufacturing Awards.

Sophie tells her story as GBSIoT platform launches to help inspire young people into engineering

Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) has launched their much-anticipated online and interactive platform, created to engage young people and showcase the possibilities and pathways behind an exciting career in engineering and manufacturing.

Sophie’s electric as PP C&A engineer wins major Engineering & Manufacturing Apprenticeship Award

A female electrical engineer, who has already delivered a £1m plus new product introduction, was named as the Black Country’s best Engineering & Manufacturing apprentice on the evening of Thursday 3rd November.

Gen-Zeal: The eager desire of a new generation of engineers

From where to invest large sums of money, to which market sectors to target, young engineers face the ‘difficult’ work life questions.

Young engineers hit the headlines with Design & Make triumph

Three schools from the Black Country and Warwickshire have been crowned as the main winners at one of the biggest independent manufacturing-education events in the UK.

PP C&A targets training boost with investment in Bright Sparks initiative

PP C&A has signalled its intentions to ramp up investment in its recently launched Bright Sparks University (BSU).

Training Providers

PP C&A work with leading local training institutions.

It is vital that PP C&A work alongside providers that share the same dedication to shaping the future of UK manufacturing, bridging the skills gap and making a lasting impact.

Working within modern manufacturing facilities, disciplines from process and theory to advanced engineering are provided and help to make new learners develop into specialist engineers for life.

Take the next step

If you would like to find out more about our apprentice program, or you are a school or college looking to develop collaborative links with a UK manufacturer – we would love to hear from you.

Prospective learners should use the form below to apply for our apprenticeship program.

Schools and Colleges can contact us on +44 (0)1922 419109 or by emailing apprentices@ppcanda.com