Wilton Engineering expands apprenticeship programme

Wilton Engineering has welcomed 16 new apprentices, bringing its total cohort to 45 as part of its commitment to developing the next generation of skilled engineers.

The recruits have begun training at Hartlepool College of Further Education’s Fabrication and Welding School before moving to Wilton’s 113-acre Port Clarence site to work alongside experienced staff on complex projects.

Apprentices will also continue learning at Wilton’s on-site academy, supported by NVQ assessors as they work towards Level 3 qualifications in Metal Fabrication or Plate Welding.

The intake includes two existing employees retraining from trade assistant roles, reinforcing the company’s strong pipeline of future talent.

Wilton’s apprenticeship programme has a long history of progressing participants into senior positions, underpinning its workforce strategy and supporting skills development in the Tees Valley.

Bill Scott OBE, chief executive of Wilton Engineering, said: “Apprenticeships are absolutely vital to the sustainable future for all companies, and we are committed to a continual cohort of apprentices for many years to come. at. 

“With a long-term and growing order book, we need a regular intake of motivated and talented people who can develop with us and contribute to the success of our business.

“We are immensely proud of our apprenticeship programme, which not only provides opportunities for young people but also for those already in our workforce who want to upskill or retrain. 

“Seeing apprentices progress, achieve their qualifications and then go on to play key roles in our projects is hugely rewarding.

“I’d like to thank Hartlepool College of Further Education for their continued support. From the foundation skills developed at the Fabrication and Welding School to the ongoing guidance while apprentices are earning and learning on site with us, their contribution is an integral part of making this programme a success.”

Gary Riches, vice principal of Hartlepool College of Further Education, added: “We’re proud to work with proactive employers like Wilton Engineering, which see the clear benefit in apprenticeships.

“We talk about transforming lives at the college and what that means is we give the apprentices the knowledge, skills and behaviours, as well as the attitude and confidence that will help them thrive.  

“We do that in a safe and inclusive environment so they can learn all the practical skills they need to go on to become qualified tradespeople.”

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