MP shadows apprentices at Cummins Engines (From The Northern Echo)
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MP shadows apprentices at Cummins Engines
8:00am Friday 10th February 2012 in North-East Business News
A LOCAL MP shadowed three youngsters yesterday as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Jenny Chapman met the engineers, currently on apprenticeships through Darlington College at Cummins Engines.
Apprentice Chris Hardy, 18 from Spennymoor, said working at the state-of-the-art Yarm Road plant had provided an ideal start to his career.
"Its absolutely brilliant working with a company like Cummins because its so vast, and Im really enjoying it," he said. "The college has given us lots of support and every day I feel like Im getting new experiences," he said.
College Principal Tim Grant said: "These apprentices are forging great careers for themselves, and really maximising the opportunity they have been given. We want more companies to come forward and see the benefits that an apprentice can bring to an organisation, and for young people of course, its a chance to learn while they earn.
"Apprenticeships are good for business , they provide real, measurable benefits for employers. They bring productive, enthusiastic and loyal people into an organisation and demonstrate a firms commitment to investing in people to help customers and suppliers.
"Higher Apprenticeship opportunities will be available soon, which means employers will be able to develop their staff to a higher standard and attract the very best candidates to support improved productivity and performance," he added.
Ms Chapman said: "The time I have spent with apprentices in the Cummins workshop has show me that apprenticeships are a great way to begin your career. You earn and learn on the job and at the same time, gain nationally recognised qualifications and get opportunities to progress in your chosen career."
