The North East's Express Engineering schools’ initiative secures engineering skills

A North East manufacturing, assembly and testing specialist is linking up with local schools and training providers in a new initiative to attract engineering apprenticeship talent and secure future skills.

The move sees Team Valley-based Express Engineering partner with apprenticeship training providers TDR and Seta to provide practical insight, work experience and guidance for students considering a career in engineering.

The engineering sector is currently facing a skills gap that has led to a shortfall in the number of skilled engineers. Express Engineering has recognised the challenge and is investing in recruiting a new generation of apprentices to help it expand in the coming years and strengthen its workforce with skilled young talent.

Sixth Form BTEC engineering students from Emmanuel College in Gateshead together with their assistant vice principal Rebecca Argent, have been the first to visit Express Engineering’s facilities under the initiative to see what working for a leading engineering firm involves and the different type of jobs available.

Sixteen-year-old Ethan Stephens and Oliver Wilson, 17, who are currently sixth form engineering students, said the visit was a good experience, providing a chance to see the engineering technologies, techniques and opportunities on offer to young apprentices.

Student Emily Chowdhoy, 16, added that she was excited to see the increasing numbers of young women pursuing engineering careers: “It can be a very different yet rewarding career for women, who can bring new perspective and additional skills to the sector.”

Express Engineering will be linking up with other schools in the coming months, allowing it to reach a range of young people interested in engineering careers. The visit also comes as St Aidan’s Catholic Academy student Patrick Tobin looks forward to starting at Express Engineering as an apprentice in September following a successful work placement.

Currently employing a 220-strong workforce, Express Engineering is a leader in manufacturing, assembly and testing solutions for the subsea energy industry. It is currently looking for a potential six engineering apprentices to join from early autumn 2023, with possible opportunities for other apprenticeships in support functions.

Jessica Dobson, HR manager at Express Engineering, who together with her colleague Bill Mole hosted the students, said securing more skilled engineers will help maintain growth as the company continues to invest in resources and workforce capacity at its North East facilities.

“We need to attract new engineers willing to come into the industry,” she said. “Skills gaps need to be filled and one effective way to do this is through apprenticeships and training.

“It’s why we are linking up with our training partners to offer students effective work experience and beneficial insight with the hope that they will consider apprenticeships. These offer a hands-on, work-based route into a chosen career, gaining the qualifications and skills to become a skilled engineer with Express Engineering.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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