Castings Technology, a leading manufacturer of complex high-integrity metal castings, has appointed Curtis Oxborough as training and development manager as it expands its workforce to meet rising demand from global OEMs.
The new appointment addresses industry-wide retention challenges, with 97% of manufacturers citing hiring and retaining skilled labour as a barrier to growth. Castings Technology’s induction programme has achieved zero dropout rates among recent recruits. The company is investing £18m in new Sheffield premises to enhance one of the most advanced foundries in the world and the only commercial titanium facility in the UK.
Curtis, 29, who joined Castings Technology five years ago as a melting operative and progressed to melting manager, leads a two-week programme providing dedicated training before new starters work on production components. The approach combines safety training, departmental familiarisation, and hands-on equipment practice in a supportive environment.
Recent recruits include Katie Webber, a former pub owner who had not used power tools before joining. After completing the training programme, she now works alongside experienced operatives on production processes. “I’ve never worked for a company that cared about its team like this before,” she said. Katie has since asked to bring her daughter in for an interview.
Four new starters from diverse backgrounds – including military and glass manufacturing – have joined in the past month. Curtis also supports more senior recruits, including a new quality engineer undertaking a detailed departmental training programme, and expects to extend this approach as the company grows.
Castings Technology manufactures complex high-integrity castings in titanium and steels for customers across a number of global sectors. The company employs highly qualified engineers and technicians specialising in state-of-the-art design and production across its 102-strong workforce. It operates an apprenticeship programme in partnership with AMRC Training Centre.
Curtis said: “This role is a dream come true. I’ve always been passionate about teaching and education, and then I went into the foundry industry with my dad. Now I get to combine that passion with 10 years’ technical knowledge. Everyone gets dedicated time to learn at their own pace in a safe, supportive environment before working on production components.”
Managing director Richard Cook said: “Curtis’s appointment reflects our commitment to investing in people as we expand to serve growing global demand. That growth depends on attracting and retaining skilled workers through proper training and clear progression pathways. With the right support, people can build highly successful careers in advanced manufacturing.”
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Castings Technology expands training as global demand drives growth – The Manufacturer
