TT2 Limited, the operator of the Tyne Tunnels, has created the UK’s first tunnel operations apprenticeship.
Mackenzie Sharpe, 16, and Daniel Parkin, 18, have been employed as Apprentice Tunnels Officers, as part of the unique programme delivered by TT2 in conjunction with TyneMet College.
As part of their apprenticeship Mackenzie and Daniel will complete an in-house Level 3 Diploma in Road Tunnel Operations and a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Customer Service with TyneMet. The scheme was created by TT2 to complement its existing apprenticeship programme training engineers for the maintenance of the tunnels.
The apprenticeship’s strong focus on customer service reflects TT2’s commitment to providing the best possible experience for the tens of thousands of motorists that use the tunnels each and every day.
Mandy Watson, Human Resources & Payroll Manager at TT2 Limited said: “At TT2 we have a well-established track record of offering apprenticeships to local young people. The academic route isn’t for everyone, and the vocational path offered by apprenticeships opens up great career opportunities for many young people.
“We created the Tunnels Officer apprenticeship to ensure we have well trained staff who can manage the day to day running of the tunnels and deliver caring and considerate customer service.
Alexandra Park, Business Development Executive at TyneMet College said: “We’re delighted to have worked with TT2 to create the Tunnels Officer Apprenticeship programme. This is a great example of how flexible apprenticeships can be and how, we as a further education provider can tailor what we do to suit the needs of local employers.