Partner Article

Youngsters to get help from experts

A Darlington business manager has been appointed to oversee the development of a pioneering manufacturing qualification to help young people into the world of work in the region.

Martin Bevan, UK business manager for global pneumatic component firm SMC’s International Training department, has been named as the new chair of a team behind the new Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design (MPD).

The new industry-led qualification aimed at teaching 14 to 19 year olds about the manufacturing sector will teach them the skills needed to survive and flourish in the competitive market.

Martin Bevan said: “I am looking forward to supporting MPD’s development and I am passionate about ensuring the manufacturing sector in Britain continues to thrive.

“One of the major contributors to future success will be a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, the Diploma is one of the best ways of guaranteeing we have those workers.”

Students learn a broad range of skills needed to work in the industry, studying topics such as business, enterprise and production systems. Their time will be split between school, college and the workplace, with regional companies hosting site visits and work placements.

Martin Bevan added: “Diploma graduates will bring with them a far more usable set of skills than we are used to finding school leavers. As employers we can then fine tune these skills to meet our specific needs.”

For further information call Nexnet on 0113 247 0029 or email joel.turner@nexnet.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .