Partner Article

EDEF provides a spark of hope

The newly formed East Durham Engineering Forum is hoping to revive manufacturing and engineering within the region with the provision of a local support network.

The impact of the current economic climate has caused major job losses at a high rate in the North East. Securing a future in industry is a difficult task at the best of times, but Electrical Maintenance Apprentice, Lee Johnson, found himself in a particularly tricky situation.

Lee was facing an uncertain future after he completed the second year of his four year apprenticeship. Following notification that his employer could no longer financially support his training, he was facing the prospect of ending his career before it had even begun.

EDEF Business Development Manager, Bill Marley, became aware of Lee’s imminent predicament and stepped in to assist. Using the network of contacts established by the forum, Bill began to source new opportunities for Lee to pursue his goals within the region.

Hartlepool-based pipeline services company, BSR, presented themselves as the ideal choice to support Lee in the delivery of his apprenticeship, following negotiations initiated by Bill Marley on behalf of the EDEF.

“This is the best news I have had of late. It is especially pleasing to think that even in these tough times the East Durham Engineering Forum through its contacts are able to help Lee to continue his apprenticeship and form a new career,” said Bill. “Assisting Lee is just one small example of how the forum can benefit the manufacturing and engineering sector. We’ve already secured over 1 million pounds worth of funding for companies in the region within the last 6 months. It’s essential that we all work together to overcome the affects of the credit crunch.”

The East Durham Engineering Forum is aiming to double its member base over the next few months, establishing a wider range of contacts with which to develop the region’s trading potential.

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