Nexus announce 30 new apprenticeships to ‘revitalise’ workforce

Travel company Nexus has announced that it is creating 30 new apprenticeship positions to ‘revitalise’ an aging workforce.

The new opportunities come as part of a major expansion of its engineering training programme as Nexus seek to rejuvenate their workforce.

The new scheme will see Nexus more than doubling its intake of apprentices, going from four to 10 per year.

The company, who own and manage the Tyne and Wear metro system, wish to increase the number of new starters so that vital skills are retained as the current rail engineering workforce nears retirement age.

Gateshead College will work in partnership with Nexus topl provide expert training to the new apprentices, starting in September this year.

10 new starters will be taken onto the advanced engineering apprenticeship scheme for the next three years, and Nexus are currently recruiting for applicants.

Apprentices will spend their first year on block release within the college’s Team Valley campus as well as receiving training in the workplace.

The trainees will earn NVQ Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations and BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering. They will also gain English, Maths and IT skills at Level 2.

In the second and third years the apprentices will build on their qualifications to learn advanced technical skills as they work towards an NVQ Level 3 in Railway Engineering.

Bernard Garner, Nexus Director General, said: “We are investing £385m to modernise Metro but it is just as important we maintain and reinvigorate our workforce with new talent.

“This is why we have made the commitment to appoint 30 new apprentices and work with an expert training partner in Gateshead College.

“We are acting now to guarantee cherished engineering skills and expertise are not lost as people retire, ensuring that we are able to continue to provide the best service for the 38 million passengers who rely on Metro get the highest standards of reliability.

“Alongside our recent creation of 60 new posts in rail maintenance, the 30 new apprenticeships demonstrate how investing in Metro modernisation is creating and sustaining skilled jobs in our region.”

Although primarily aimed at 16 to 18 year olds, the apprenticeship will be open to anyone, who have gained or are expected to achieve in 2013 four GCSEs at grade A to C or equivalent including English, Maths and Science or Engineering.

Apprentices will earn an annual salary of £8,400 with a potential for an £1,150 bonus subject to performance.

Mick Brophy, managing director of business innovation and development at Gateshead College, said: “It’s great to see another major North East employer investing in apprenticeships.

“They are a highly beneficial way for a business to retain skills and talent and secure the future development of the workforce.

“The commitment to a long term programme like this provides a strong foundation for individuals to flourish and develop.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to build a career by gaining skills and training while earning a wage.

“The opportunity to join Nexus is good news for anyone looking for an interesting career offering new challenges every day, and we’re delighted to be working with Nexus.

“The college is committed to apprenticeships and this is another great example of how we partner closely with North East employers to deliver the qualifications and training they want.”

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