Training opportunities in the engineering sector are being showcased to school leavers and young people at a special event in South Tyneside.
The Ford Engineering Academy information evening, on Wednesday December 2, will focus on the recruitment of a new take of trainees with places being available in September 2016.
The Academy, a pioneering partnership between Ford Engineering Group and South Tyneside College, offers traineeships to 16 to 24-year-olds who are eager to work, but need to learn extra skills before they can gain an apprenticeship or a job.
The event, which is supported by the National Careers Service and South Tyneside Council, will take place at the Academy, based at Ford Aerospace, Tyne Dock, South Shields.
Year 11 students, their parents and guardians are being invited to attend the event, where they will be able to speak to Ford Engineers and Apprentices, South Tyneside College’s education specialists and current Academy Trainees.
Carly Hinds, Partnerships Manager in the North East for the National Careers Service, said: “This event fits into the region’s careers education agenda and will be a fantastic opportunity for Year 11 students to find out about the options open to them at the Ford Academy.
“We hope the information evening will help young people in South Tyneside make informed choices about their futures in the lead-up to leaving school.”
Geoff Ford, Chairman of Ford Aerospace, said: “We need to harness the talent and ability of young people and demonstrate to them what the Academy can do to help them pursue successful and fulfilling careers in a high growth, valued sector.”
Renee Laming, Work Based Learning Manager at South Tyneside College, said: “The event will help empower young people to make the right decisions as they consider their next steps for when they leave school.”
Andy Ritchie, South Tyneside Council Service Manager, said: “The Council is committed to inspiring young people about potential careers, including showcasing the training opportunities that are provided by excellent organisations such as the Ford Academy.”
Young people attend the Academy for six months during which time they learn a range of employment skills, can brush up on literacy and numeracy, and experience the workplace first hand with six weeks’ of placements.
The trainees also gain a level two qualification in Performing Engineering Operations and are guaranteed an interview with a local employer.
A significant proportion of young people who have ‘graduated’ from the Academy, since its launch in September 2013, have progressed to a Level 3 apprenticeship, employment or further education.
The recruitment event is being held at on December 2, starting at 6pm, at Ford Aerospace Ltd. East Side, Tyne Dock. South Shields, NE349PT.
Places are limited and should be booked via the National Careers Service by calling 0191 500 8717 between 8 am and 6 pm.
