A PETROCHEMICAL firm has backed an apprenticeship training programme, which bosses say can help the North-East bridge an engineering skills gap.

National Oilwell Varco (NOV), based in Gateshead, has worked with Sunderland Engineering Training Association (SETA) on manufacturing engineering advanced apprenticeships to more than 50 of its workers.

Working together, the firm, which supplies equipment including cranes, winches and drill bits, and the college have now revised the programme to deliver learning over nine months.

Bosses say the vocational course, rather than a college-based route, leads to higher levels of skills among trainees.

Martin Cram, NOV's process integration manager, said: “Vocationally related qualifications deliver more hands on training so apprentices gain the technical skills they need sooner.

“This not only makes a huge difference to their competency but to their motivation too.

“When our apprentices have finished their workshop and technical training, they are much more work-ready and this has a big impact on what they are able to deliver throughout the rest of their time with us.

“They emerge from this part of the course with a deeper knowledge and understanding as well as vastly enhanced skills which they are able to put to use immediately.

David Hickman, SETA's business development manager, added: “There is a very obvious engineering skills gap in our region and more needs to be done to try and bridge this gap.

“The only way this can be achieved is to help apprentices become technically competent quicker and to equip them with essential skills and practical, hands-on experience.”