Over 60 guests were in attendance at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester to see the apprentices presented with their certificates at a graduation ceremony on 15 July. Among the guests were Juergen Maier, CEO, Siemens UK & Ireland and Mike Houghton, managing director of Process Industries & drives (PD).
At the ceremony, each graduate gave a presentation on their apprenticeship, before the group took part in a Q&A with the audience. Maier then presented the apprentices with their certificates and gave a speech that provided advice for the graduates’ future careers.
Each graduate undertook a tailored four-year Advanced Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing. They were given different ‘pathways’ depending on the area of the business they were involved in. These included mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and engineering operations. The apprentices then completed their on-the-job training at one of Siemens’ sites in Leeds, Manchester, Wythenshawe or Congleton.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Jason Phin, apprentice scheme coordinator – DFPD Manchester at Siemens UK & Ireland, said: “Our apprentices now have first-hand experience working for an industry-leading, international company which is involved in high-profile, innovative projects across the globe. This, combined with the theoretical knowledge they obtain, makes them well-placed for a successful career in the future.”
Such is the success of the Advanced Apprenticeship programme, Siemens are planning to develop its offering in Manchester by partnering with the University of Salford. The two organisations will provide a degree solution that incorporates Siemens’ PLC programming training accreditation.
