North East teachers learn the benefits of engineering

North East employers have taken teachers out of the classroom and into the workplace to help promote careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering.

Representatives from more than 80 secondary schools and colleges across the North East visited Nissan’s Sunderland plant, giving teachers responsible for careers advice a greater insight into the opportunities available for their students.

The event was organised by the North East Skills Alliance for Advanced Manufacturing (NESAAM), which is playing a leading role in trying to educate teachers, parents and young people themselves as to the benefits of a career in engineering and manufacturing.

NESAAM, run by Semta, which is ‘Engineering Skills for the Future’, has brought together all 12 of the region’s local authorities with champion employers, the National Apprenticeship Service and Stemnet (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network) to launch a series of initiatives to get the message across.

Ann Watson, Semta’s chief operating officer, said: “We need to attract students with practical ability but also the very brightest if we are to close the skills gap in advanced manufacturing and engineering.

“We know there are 8,500 workers needed in this region just to replace workers who will retire by 2017, with many more required as businesses win new contracts and expand.

“There was a real buzz in the room as teachers spoke first hand with young people at various stages of their apprenticeship and others who have progressed through the ranks.”

An open discussion was held where teachers and employers were able to exchange views and come up with ideas to improve the information available as well as practical ways to positively promote engineering as a career.

The event was chaired by Graham Payne outgoing chief executive of Teesside-based Darchem Engineering while apprentice Ryan Tweddell, who works at Chirton Engineering in North Shields and graduate Jonathon Booth of Darlington-based Cummins Engines shared their experiences with the audience.

“Poor career advice has been highlighted time and again as an issue in attracting talent into industry,” said Mrs Watson. “There has been academic snobbery towards vocational education born out of ignorance. By bringing teachers into the workplace we can show them just how rewarding a career in engineering and advanced manufacturing can be and they can raise issues directly with employers.

“This partnership, part-funded by NAS is a real step forward appreciated by both employers and teachers. It is a great platform for us to have a more co-ordinated relationship between employers and schools to increase the number of young people seeing engineering as a real career opportunity.”