Partner Article

FABRICOM ENGINEERS BRIGHT FUTURES FOR APPRENTICES

Three apprentices from North East-based engineering firm Fabricom Offshore Services are celebrating this week after learning that they have passed their HNC courses with flying colours.

Carl Blewitt, 22 from North Shields, Jordan McGovan, 21 from Jarrow and Jamie McDonald, 21 from Wallsend have all completed their apprenticeships with Fabricom Offshore Services Ltd through a 4 year Modern Apprentice Scheme, managed in partnership with Tyne North Training Ltd.

The advanced engineering apprenticeship in Engineering Technical Support offers various ways in to the business but Blewitt, McGovan and McDonald have all chosen to follow an engineering design pathway.

The scheme reinforces theoretical knowledge with practical training, providing a more rounded experience than those offered by traditional craft apprenticeships or academic-only routes.

The first year of the course is both theory and practical based which provides grounding in the key areas required for a career in modern engineering. The next 3 years are based on site at Fabricom’s Head Office (located on the Quorum Business Park, Longbenton) undertaking ‘on the job’ training and experience.

Due to their hard work, developing skills and continuing commitment the three apprentices will now go on to study industry specific degrees in September. Carl and Jamie, will study for their BENG (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at Northumbria University, whilst Jordan will undertake an Instrumentation and Control Degree at the University of Teesside. The courses will be fully funded by Fabricom and the apprentices will continue to gain valuable work experience and develop core skills while they study.

Fabricom MD Allan Cairns said: “Training is a key aspect of our business strategy and it is hoped that the investment which we are making in this area now will pay dividends in the long term providing both Fabricom and the North East with a highly skilled workforce in the engineering sector. I am delighted with the progress that Carl, Jamie and Jordan have made over the last 4 years. They have already proved to be a great asset to the company and I look forward to supporting them through their next stage of career development.“

In order to identify these engineering stars of the future, key personnel at Fabricom work closely with Tyne North Training, an engineering apprenticeships & workforce development agency based in Wallsend. Business Development Manager Andrew Thorpe said:

“Traditional craft apprenticeships have been delivered by Tyne North Training for over 40 years and continues to be an essential part of the region’s engineering growth. In addition to the craft apprenticeships typically delivered such as electrical, mechanical, machining and fab and weld, our Engineering Technical Support Apprenticeship is now becoming a pathway which enables young people to enter the engineering profession down route which exposes the learner to CAD design, planning, quality, project management and engineering support.

When the three apprentices approached Tyne North Training 4 years ago it was clear that their future was within design and project management. This apprenticeship was carefully designed by Fabricom and Tyne North Training to enable them to achieve the levels of competence and knowledge to become valued members of the Fabricom team.“

Fabricom are currently searching for several advanced apprentices in Engineering Technical Support. The new cohort starts mid September 2012. For more information please contact Andrew Thorpe at Tyne North Training; 0191 262 6860.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jodie McAndrew .