Training produces skills. But skills need to connect with opportunities. That is why EDWartens has built a hiring network of over 50 companies who actively recruit engineers trained through our programmes.
Why a Hiring Network Matters
The gap between completing training and landing your first automation role can be daunting. Traditional job searching is time-consuming and uncertain. Our hiring network shortens this gap by creating direct connections between trained engineers and employers who trust the quality of our programmes.
How the Network Works
For Students
When you complete a CPD-accredited course with EDWartens, you gain access to:
- Direct introductions to hiring managers at partner companies
- Priority consideration for open positions at network companies
- Employer events where companies present opportunities and meet candidates
- Referral support from our team who know both your skills and the employer's needs
For Employers
Partner companies benefit from:
- Pre-qualified candidates with verified, CPD-accredited training
- Reduced screening time because skills have been independently assessed
- Reliable quality — our training standards are consistent and transparent
- Tailored pipelines — we can direct candidates with specific platform skills to employers who need them
- Ongoing development — through nxtED AI, employees continue developing after placement
Network Sectors
Our hiring partners span the full range of automation-dependent industries:
System Integrators
Companies that design and build automation systems for end users. These are often the first employers for new automation engineers, offering exposure to multiple projects, industries, and PLC platforms.
Manufacturers
End-user companies in automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and general manufacturing. These roles involve maintaining, upgrading, and optimising existing automation systems.
Utilities
Water companies, energy providers, and infrastructure operators with large installed bases of SCADA and PLC systems. These sectors offer excellent job security and long-term career development.
OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
Machine builders who design and construct automated production equipment. OEM roles develop skills in both mechanical understanding and control system design.
Consultancies and Engineering Firms
Companies that provide automation expertise to end users through design, project management, and commissioning services.
Building Trust Over Time
Our hiring network has grown organically through:
- Graduates performing well — Every successful placement strengthens the relationship with that employer
- Consistent training quality — CPD accreditation gives employers confidence in every graduate
- Open communication — We listen to employer feedback and adjust our training to match evolving needs
- Long-term partnerships — We build relationships, not transactions
The OFORO AI Connection
Our hiring network is enhanced by OFORO AI, which uses artificial intelligence to match candidates with opportunities based on detailed skills profiles. Partner companies can use OFORO to search for candidates with specific platform expertise, industry experience, and career preferences.
The combination of human relationships (our hiring network) and AI-powered matching (OFORO) creates a powerful career support system for our graduates.
Success Metrics
The effectiveness of our hiring network is measured by:
- Time from course completion to first employment offer
- Employer satisfaction with candidate preparedness
- Long-term retention rates of placed candidates
- Salary levels achieved by graduates
- Career progression of candidates over time
These metrics consistently demonstrate the value of our integrated training-to-employment approach.
Joining Our Network
For Engineers
Every student who completes a CPD-accredited EDWartens course automatically gains access to our hiring network. No additional registration or fee is required.
For Employers
If your company hires automation engineers and you would like to access our pipeline of trained, CPD-accredited candidates, we welcome partnership enquiries. Contact us through edwartens.co.uk to discuss how we can support your recruitment needs.
You can also register on OFORO AI and SEEKOF to access our talent pool through our digital platforms.
Our hiring network is one of the most tangible ways we support the engineers who train with us. It transforms training from an educational experience into a career launchpad, connecting skilled professionals with the opportunities they deserve.