Ford trainees encourage others to join up

Trainees at a new academy for future engineers have joined the business boss who pioneered its opening by hailing it a success – and urging others to follow suit.

A first group of 12 teenage recruits started at the Ford Engineering Academy – established by Geoff Ford MBE, Chairman of Ford Aerospace Ltd and Ford Component Manufacturing Ltd (Ford) – in September.

Partnered by South Tyneside College and supported by a number of high-profile North East engineering and manufacturing firms, it gives young people initial skilling, helping them on the road to well-paid jobs while also filling a sector skills gap.

Trainees have already learned vital skills, praising academy instructors for instilling them with fresh confidence and inspiration to reach their goals.

Daniel Chapman, 16, of Waverdale Way, South Shields, said: “I’ve always wanted to be an engineer, I even bought my own lathe.

“I did well in engineering at school, but it’s so much better doing it within the academy. It’s a professional work environment and you are treated as an adult and behave as one.

“We’ve touched on a wide variety of engineering areas and I’ve learnt a lot. It’s an inspiring place to be and I’m determined to do well and make this my career.”

And Xanthe Wilson, 17, from Jesmond, Newcastle, added: “I’ve been interested in engineering for years. I’ve got some engineering equipment at home, such as a soldering kit, and I knew it was what I wanted to do but, I attended a girls’ school and it wasn’t something that was done.

“I did a week’s work experience at Ford Aerospace during the summer and then applied for the academy and got in. It’s going really well and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

“I’m playing my part in filling the skills gap, and I’d encourage anyone interested in engineering to apply for this great opportunity.”

Trainees are taught by South Tyneside College lecturers during the six-month course, six weeks of which is a work experience placement with a North East engineering firm.

On completing the programme three options are available – moving into full apprenticeships within organisations, gaining interviews for any job vacancies, or taking a Level 3 college apprenticeship course.

Haas Automation, the world’s largest CNC machine tool manufacturer, and Cromwell, a leading provider of cutting tools and industrial supplies, are supporting the academy by providing precision equipment and other backing.

Aspects of engineering the trainees have so far learnt include milling, hand fitting, welding and lathe work.

A second cache of apprentices will start in February, and applications are open to any 16 to 18 years old interested in signing up.

Mr Ford said: “The academy is providing trainees with the basic skills they need to enter a highly-valued industry, and develop fulfilling careers.

“It’s just weeks into their training but they are already talking about how much they are enjoying being part of this academy, how inspired they are, and how beneficial it is.

“I’m delighted that it is enthusing them to do their best. This is just the first step, and I’m very much looking forward to our next trainees joining us.

“We are also looking for organisations that can offer our trainees real work experience placements and I would ask that anyone looking to get involved, contact me.”

Alison Maynard, Principal, South Tyneside Professional and Vocational College, said: “It is really good see that these young people are doing well and enjoying their work, that’s always very important.

“The academy provides a great platform to learn about engineering from an exceptional team of lecturers, some of who have worked in the industry before going on to teach.”

The Academy was also recognised at the recent EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2013, in a ceremony held at Rudding Park in Harrogate.

Ford was announced as the runner-up of the Partnership with Education Award, for setting up the Academy which will train hundreds of apprentices in the North East in the next few years. The awards recognise manufacturers that engage with educators to promote engineering and manufacturing to students of all levels.

Andrew Tuscher, Region Director for Yorkshire and the North East at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “Ford Component Manufacturing Limited and Ford Aerospace Limited are a true North East business success story that highlights the role the region plays in driving the UK economy forward.

“By taking bold steps and investing in its people, resources and technology, they have grown their business despite the challenging economic climate. Ambitious companies such as Ford are an asset to the region and are very worthy of their success.”

Anyone interested in becoming an Academy trainee should contact Marie Flatman, South Tyneside College on 0191 427 3900 or emailmarie.flatman@stc.ac.uk.

Anyone who would like further information on offering a trainee a six week work placement should contact Geoff Ford, on 0191 454 0141 or email geoff.ford@ford-aerospace.com.