A group of 32 successful candidates have now enrolled on the scheme and are studying at Gateshead College’s purpose-built Skills Academy for Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing and Logistics, which contains the latest cutting-edge machinery and tooling equipment.
Explains Gateshead College deputy principal Chris Toon: “We’re thrilled to be working with an internationally renowned engineering firm. The aim of the programme is to help Ford Engineering and the broader engineering community of the North East build an even stronger, productive workforce that can drive business growth and protect the company against future skills shortages.
“Together we can achieve this by giving young people the best preparation for the world of work. This scheme will provide them with the tools to embark on a successful apprenticeship and make their first step onto the engineering career ladder.
“This is one of a number of ways we are supporting these industries by working in partnership with employers and key industry professionals across Europe to introduce more people to STEM careers and subjects.”
Designed to help people move into an apprenticeship or a job, the programme equips trainees with core skills and competencies needed for key engineering tasks such as preparing and using milling machines and lathes, and producing mechanical engineering drawings using computer aided design (CAD) technology.
It also covers health and safety, work preparation methods, and literacy and numeracy skills which allow students to gain essential English and maths qualifications. They also embark on a four-week work placement that is aimed at providing valuable experience of a real-life engineering environment, and are given the chance to secure an apprenticeship at the end of the programme.
Ford Engineering and Gateshead College launched the scheme in a bid to help manufacturing and engineering firms plug skills gaps and build sustainable workforces for the future.
Adds Ford Engineering chairman Geoff Ford: “The training facilities at the academy are unrivalled and we’re glad to be working with a nationally recognised education provider that clearly understands the skills needs of businesses in the local engineering sector.”
PICTURE CAPTION: Student Shaun Evans, Geoff Ford MBE, Chris Toon of Gateshead College and student Courtney Davidson
