Member Article

Durham fabricator recruits local apprentice to strengthen team

Wessington Cryogenics, established in 1984, have established themselves as an international cryogenic vessel manufacturer with an ever growing reputation for quality and reliability. In 2012, Tyne North Training recruited 3 welding apprentices to support the growing need for skilled trades within the company. Such was the success of the programme, Wessington have continued recruiting engineering apprentices and have since recruited an additional five apprentices.

In Spring 2014, Wessington contacted Tyne North Training with a request to find a further two welding apprentices. The Wessington site which is located in Houghton le Spring needed to attract local school leavers who could get to work in the morning on time and be able to attend the college for 3 years on a block and day release basis. Colin Kelly, TNT Training officer commented “Wessington have been determined to support their business with apprentices and have successfully recruited now for 3 years. Having been heavily involved in the programme at Wessington for a few years now, we knew exactly what sort of apprentice they wanted. We tested and interviewed a number of young school leavers in the Spring and we shortlisted a number of really good candidates. Two new apprentices were subsequently recruited and are doing very well at college and cannot wait to get into the workplace in March 2015.”

Having now recruited 8 apprentices, the company will be securing its future for many years to come. Typically the fabrication and welding trades have long been associated with ship building and heavy engineering on the River Tyne and River Wear. In a region which is more associated with high volume manufacturing, Wessington is a great example of a company which is looking at supporting the traditional crafts of the North East.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tyne North Training Limited .