Velocity Composites PLC, a leading supplier of advanced composite material kits to the aerospace and high-performance manufacturing sectors, is proactively investing in the future of its workforce by embracing the T-Levels programme. This strategic move, championed internally by newly appointed Chief Operations Officer, Oliver Smalley, aims to cultivate a pipeline of skilled talent essential for supporting the company’s continued growth and operational efficiency across its global sites.
T-Levels are a Level 3 qualification equivalent to three A-Levels, designed as a 2-year programme to provide students with the core knowledge and skills needed for entry into various engineering, manufacturing, process, and control occupations. A significant component of the T-Level is an industry placement, requiring a minimum of 9 weeks working with an employer. Students gain an understanding of broad sector issues, including materials and their properties, essential mathematics, design processes, and business awareness. Specialised modules cover areas such as fitting and assembly, machining, composites manufacturing, and fabrication and welding technologies.
Velocity Composites, known for its expertise in manufacturing advanced carbon fibre and ancillary material kits, sees the T-Level programme as a crucial pathway to developing the next generation of manufacturing and engineering technicians, roles directly relevant to careers achievable with this qualification, such as aerospace engineering technician, mechanical engineering technician, materials technician, and welder.
Oliver Smalley, who serves as Chief Operations Officer at Velocity Composites, joined the company recently, with his appointment announced in February 2025. He brings nearly 15 years of experience in the aerospace industry, covering both composites and metallics, providing him with an in-depth understanding of complex manufacturing environments. Prior to joining Velocity Composites, Oliver held senior roles at Buoyancy Aerospace, BAE Systems, and Brookhouse Aerospace, and has a proven track record of building greenfield factories across Europe and the UK. His focus has consistently been on driving business process improvements, digital transformation, engineering excellence, and standardising business practices to optimise operational efficiency and enhance financial performance.
Oliver Smalley commented on the importance of nurturing future talent: “Building high-performing teams is fundamental to our success. My leadership style emphasises collaboration and continuous improvement. Investing in T-Levels allows us to actively shape the skills of the future workforce, ensuring they are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required in our cutting-edge composite manufacturing facilities. This programme is a vital component of our strategy to empower individuals and enable teams to thrive, maintaining a clear focus on our overarching business goals.”
He added, “Drawing on my experience in scaling manufacturing operations and setting up new facilities, I see T-Levels as a direct way to build the skilled base needed for our continued expansion, particularly as we grow our international capability. It’s about securing the talent pipeline that underpins our drive for operational efficiency and supports the strategic aim of delivering tangible benefits to our customers through unrivalled service delivery.”
Jon Bridges, CEO of Velocity Composites, highlighted the strategic significance of investing in skills development: “The long-term outlook for the industry is strong, and shareholders will benefit as production rates increase for both existing and new business. Our ability to meet this demand relies heavily on having a skilled and capable workforce across all our sites. Oliver’s operational expertise and focus on efficiency and team empowerment are invaluable as we implement programmes like T-Levels. This investment in talent is a critical enabler of our growth strategy, helping us to deliver our commitments to all stakeholders and reinforcing our competitive position within the industry for the future.”
By integrating the T-Level programme into its recruitment and development strategy, Velocity Composites is addressing the immediate need for skilled staff and also building a sustainable model for talent acquisition. This proactive approach to workforce development supports the company’s focus on streamlined processes for maximum efficiency and its pivotal role in the aerospace supply chain.
