FIRMS need to invest properly in careers advice and work with the education sector to attract prospective students from an early age, a North-East engineering boss has said.
Redcar-based car parts maker ElringKlinger (GB) works with Middlesbrough training provider TTE and Hartlepool College, to select young recruits from the surrounding area for in-house apprenticeships.
ElringKlinger (GB) managing director Ian Malcolm said: “Creating job opportunities for school leavers is a priority and our dedication to providing quality apprenticeships is testament to this.
“UK unemployment figures continue to be a big challenge and in forging stronger links to the education sectors, we are making steady steps towards bridging the skills gap in the engineering sector. From our ‘year in industry’ programme to our continuing work with and development of apprentices, ElringKlinger is reaffirming the need to now, more than ever, highlight the industry’s benefits to the next generations.”
ElringKlinger apprentices:
Name: Liam Campbell
Age: 19
Job Title: Apprentice Mechanical Technician.
Started August 2012 and due to finish July 2014, I plan to stay within the company after I have finished my apprenticeship.
Your experience: I am really enjoying my time as an apprentice at ElringKlinger (GB). My day to day responsibility is maintaining the production machinery. Recently, I was able to get involved in the set up of the new NEFF press that was installed in the shopfloor.
Top tip: My advice to prospective engineering candidates within the Teesside area would be to apply to TTE as this will allow you to choose your field of work from a wide range of engineering choices.
Name: Jonathan Langley
Age: 20
Job Title: Apprentice Toolmaker.
My two years will be completed by July 31 and from there, I plan to stay at ElringKlinger (GB).
Your experience: I have found my apprenticeship very useful as I am a hands-on learner. My day-to-day role is the maintenance of production tools and stand out tasks for me so far have include the modification of tools as I get to express my opinion and actively influence strategy in this department.
Top tip: I would strongly advise young people to pursue a career in engineering because the sector is growing rapidly in today’s economic landscape.
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