Member Article

Tharsus aids community education project

A local engineering firm has offered its support to the Blyth Tall Ship Project, which promotes skills training and careers in engineering.

Tharsus design and engineering will provide project materials and apprenticeship prospects to the scheme, which teaches almost 100 young people each year about the benefits of a career in engineering.

The project will use historical ship building skills to help inspire a sense of entrepreneurial spirit, as well as providing skills and experience which can go towards building a CV. It is hoped that 40 youngsters will find education or engineering apprenticeships as a result of the scheme.

Dame Ellen McArthur and the charity’s patron, the Duchess of Northumberland have already endorsed the project.

Tharsus marketing manager Jacky Farrington hopes the scheme will encourage more young people into careers in engineering and manufacturing.

She commented: “Tharsus is very proud to be associated with such a positive and valuable scheme.

“As an employer in the region we are conscious that there is a skills gap, particularly in engineering and manufacturing and we are looking to support, develop and ultimately recruit local talent for the long term growth of the company and local community.”

The project aims to inspire young people in an area with high levels of unemployment to make positive decisions that lead to jobs and education.

Blyth Tall Ships project manager Clive Gray expressed his delight at Tharsus’ decision to become involved in the scheme.

He added: “Participants can expect to achieve an NVQ in engineering and we also support attendees in helping them find apprenticeships and further education outside of the scheme, which is also where Tharsus can help.

“Being based in Blyth, as well as providing apprenticeship schemes means the opportunity to work with Tharsus in the future is very much a reality for our project participants. It’s something they can aspire to upon completion.”

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