Member Article

New apprentices sign up for engineering training scheme

Nexus has taken on ten more new apprentices as part of the ongoing expansion of its engineering training programme, which is being delivered in partnership with Gateshead College.

Nexus, which owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, launched a new engineering apprenticeship scheme in March 2013, creating 30 new posts over a three-year period.

The ten apprentices to join the scheme this month are part of the second intake of recruits, as Nexus seeks to revitalise an ageing workforce on the Metro system, some of whom go back to the opening of Metro more than 30 years ago.

Ten apprentices were started last year and a further ten will be taken on in the autumn of 2015.

Nexus is working in partnership with Gateshead College, which is delivering the training.

The college is one of the region’s leading providers of apprenticeships and offers a tailor-made programme covering all aspects of rail engineering including electrical and mechanical, signalling and communications training.

Director of Rail and Infrastructure for Nexus, Raymond Johnstone, said: “The course is an opportunity for the apprentices to learn a range of vocational skills and secure a future in the railway engineering industry.

“We are investing in training so that we have the right people and the right skills in place with Nexus to maintain the Metro system for many years to come.

“This is our second year of major recruitment on our expanded apprenticeship scheme. I’m delighted to welcome the new recruits to Nexus.”

Paul Gough, Strategic Leader, Business Growth and Employer Engagement at Gateshead College, said: “We are proud to be working with an employer that demonstrates such a strong commitment to apprenticeships. Nexus truly understands the value of training and upskilling staff to keep the business competitive.

“We have worked closely with the company to create a flexible training package aligned closely with the needs of the business. As a result Nexus has been able to provide young people with a route to a rewarding career in the industry.

“Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for employers to retain top talent and secure the future of their business. They also offer learners the chance to acquire vital skills while earning a wage.”

Individuals on the apprenticeship programme will spend their first year on block release within the college’s Team Valley campus as well as receiving training in the workplace. This will lead to them achieving an 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, they will continue their studies through day release at college, building on the engineering principles gained in the first year and equipping them with advanced technical skills as they work towards an HNC Level 4 in Railway Engineering.

Anyone interested in applying for the Nexus Apprenticeship Scheme can click here for more information. The next intake of recruitment on the scheme takes place in January 2015.

For further information on Gateshead College apprenticeships, call 0191 490 4636, e-mail apprenticeships@gateshead.ac.uk or visit www.gateshead.ac.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gateshead College .