Member Article

Top Graduates celebrated by Darchem Engineering

MORE than 50 apprentices have been honoured at a celebration event at one of the region’s leading engineering firms.

The learners, all of whom are studying for advanced welding and fabricating qualifications at Hartlepool College, were recognised at engineering specialist Darchem’s plant in Stillington near Stockton.

In all, 14 apprentices have graduated with Darchem following four years of work-based learning and have set the standard for a further 44 first, second and third year students.

The event marked the first graduation of students since Hartlepool College became the sole provider of Darchem’s higher education and commercial training requirements.

Billy Meijer, MD of Darchem, was at the celebration to present awards to individuals recognising the best performance for a number of specific skills. Afterwards he gave a brief address highlighting the company’s commitment to the ongoing development of skills in the region.

He said: “There is a substantial skills shortage in the specialist engineering/manufacturing industry and so it is our duty to develop the workforce and train them up to a very high standard.”

Darchem specialises in Insulation Systems, Structural Components and Special Fabrications for the Aerospace, Nuclear, Marine, Oil & Gas, Off Highway and the Formula 1 industries. It is part of the US quoted company Esterline and employs more than 900 staff.

Billy added: “The business has grown strongly over the last five years to reach £83 million turnover. We continue to train because without core skills and flexibility the company cannot move forward, and so apprenticeships are a key part of our growth strategy. We have over 900 employees at Darchem of which 7% (and climbing) are currently going through our apprentice training programme.

“Partnering with Hartlepool College has been a key to meeting our strategic objective. They listened to what we required from a training provider and tailored the apprentice courses to ensure we got what we needed to meet the demands of the specialist industry sectors that we serve. The quality of the apprentices being recognised today is testament to the quality of training and support they have received over the last four years from the College.”

Darren Hankey, Principal at Hartlepool College, said: “Darchem Engineering is an excellent example of a company which is looking to the future and preparing for a major skills shortage. Their continued support and investment in our students will ensure they will have educated and skilled labour for years to come.”

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