Member Article

Newcastle College's Higher Apprenticeships for energy industry

Newcastle College has launched a new Higher Apprenticeship to support the development of skilled personnel for the energy sector.

Devised by the College’s School of Applied Science and Technology, the Higher Apprenticeship focus on the key growth areas in the energy sector supply chain, Wind Generation and Marine, which will require a substantial skilled and competent workforce in the near and long-term future.

The College, which is a member of energy sector business development organisation, NOF Energy, will work with industry employers to help create the next generation of skilled engineers.

Businesses interested in adding Higher Apprenticeships to their skills development strategies are encouraged to engage with the College, which will deliver the mix of high quality workplace and college-based learning.

Suitable for new employees and existing technicians looking to develop their skills set, the two-year Higher Apprenticeship is aimed at individuals with A Levels, Engineering Diplomas, Advanced Apprenticeships or have worked in industry to Level 3 standard.

The majority of the Apprenticeship training is achieved through workplace learning, which is assessed by the employer and the College. In addition, Apprentices spend one day a week at Newcastle College working towards a number of the programme’s qualifications.

Delivered as part of the SEMTA Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, the Wind Generation and Marine apprenticeships share key qualifications including NVQ Extended diploma in Engineering Leadership and Essential Skills in Maths, English and ICT.

Wind Generation Apprentices will also undertake a Foundation Degree in Renewable Energy Technologies while Marine Apprentices will work towards a Foundation Degree in Subsea Engineering.

Upon completing the apprenticeship, participants can go onto study for a degree qualification and work towards ‘Incorporated Engineer’ professional status.

Helen Craig, Project Manager at Newcastle College’s School of Applied Science & Technology, said: “The College has been developing Higher Apprenticeships in all engineering disciplines, but the offshore industries, particularly in the emerging renewables sector, will have a particular requirement for skilled engineers when activity in the industry gains pace.

“Supply chain companies will be planning their operations to serve the expansion of the industry, which will include the development of apprentices, which needs to include both Advanced and Higher levels to meet the technological demands of the sector. The Higher Apprenticeship will arm employees with the skills and competencies expected by the sector, which will make them valuable members of the workforce.”

Caroline Lofthouse, Business Development Manager at NOF Energy, said: “The North East has an impressive cluster of energy sector supply chain companies that would benefit from the programmes being developed by Newcastle College.

“As the supply chain gears up for the growth in offshore renewables activities creating a highly-skilled workforce is essential. Not only will the sector require engineers for the next 10 to 15 years to support the construction of Round 2.5 and Round 3 offshore wind farms, there will be the on-going requirement for personnel that can manage the operation and maintenance of current and future wind farms.”

For more information about the Higher Apprenticeship contact Helen Craig on 0191 226 7550 or email helen.craig@ncl-coll.ac.uk

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