The Institution is committed to working with industry to train engineers to
the highest possible professional standards, and recognising companies which
encourage their engineers to become professionally registered and undertake
professional development. The Institution, therefore, is delighted to
announce the approval of The Wright Group’s apprenticeship scheme – the first
approved Institution scheme in Northern Ireland - and the successful Annual
Network Rail Apprentice Presentation Day.
The Wright Group Apprenticeship Scheme gains Institution approval
The Institution is delighted to have been able to accredit the dedicated
apprenticeship NVQ programme of The Wright Group, the Co Antrim-based bus
builder. The accreditation means that from now on, any apprentices
completing the company’s apprenticeship scheme can achieve full Institution
membership (MIMechE) and EngTech registration in recognition of this
professional development achievement.
The Wright Group Apprentice Scheme has been running since the company’s
inception in 1946. In 1999, the company gained City & Guilds Approved
Centre accreditation enabling them to provide Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship
programmes in conjunction with Seven Towers Training, Ballymena, which is a
Department for Employment and Learning registered training provider. The
apprenticeship lasts for up to four years and combines studying for nationally
recognised qualifications with essential on-the-job training. This is the first
approved Institution scheme in Northern Ireland and recognises the company’s
commitment to the training and development of engineers and technicians.
The company’s dedicated apprentice training facilities cater for up to 35 new
recruits per year. The facilities for apprentices include a modern
IT suite, workshop and classrooms that provide a vibrant training environment
where they gain first-hand experience within a company that is recognised the
world over for its cutting-edge technology and design.
Mandy Knowles, HR & Welfare Director, the Wright Group said:
“Manufacturing is a vital part of the Northern Ireland economy and our
apprentice training programme shows our commitment to ensuring the future of
this vital sector.”
“The apprentice training scheme is a key element of our strategy to maintain
high levels of manufacturing competence and quality control, and to provide
world class products and services to customers, it is the talent of our people,
their innovation, creativity and tenacity that make the difference. The
recognition of this by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers is indeed an
accolade particularly for those staff who have put in the hard work to ensure we
met the membership requirements and for the apprentices who can now gain a world
class professional development accreditation.”
The Engineering Apprenticeship is supported by the Department for Employment
and Learning, and training is provided through the Wright Group in partnership
with Seven Towers Training. Participants with no formal training can achieve an
NVQ Level II in Engineering after 78 weeks, while candidates with an NVQ Level
II in Engineering or equivalent can achieve an NVQ Level III in Engineering
after 78 weeks (formal certificate provided). Upon successful completion of the
full apprenticeship ‘graduates’ will now also benefit from the kudos and title
EngTech IMechE as recognition of their accreditation.
Anyone interested in applying for the Wright Group apprenticeship programme
should contact the Training Department, The Wright Group, Galgorm, Ballymena –
028 2564 1212 www.the-wright-group.com
or
alternatively Seven Towers Training, 56 Henry Street, Ballymena – 028 2564 4003.
www.7towerstraining.com
Network Rail Apprentices recognised
On 11 June, the Institution’s Business
Development Executive, Paul Tabern, attended the annual Network Rail Apprentice
Presentation Day. Each year, first year apprentices are presented with
certificates marking the end of their time at HMS Sultan – the home of the Royal
Naval School of Marine Engineering in Gosport, Hampshire - where
apprentices complete the residential section of the three year IMechE Approved
Apprenticeship.
With approximately 200 places on offer on the scheme and applications
received from nearly 10,000 budding apprentices, competition is strong to secure
a place on this renowned scheme.
“Britain’s railway touches almost every community in the country,” commented
Bill Alexander, National Apprentice Manager. He continued: “Three
million journeys are taken every day, helping people get to work and school.
It’s vital for the transport of goods and business and for tourism. To
continue to deliver a successful railway we need the very best people. What
better way to achieve this, than train them yourself. Today’s apprentices will
become the backbone of Network Rail, helping to deliver a vital service that
millions of Britons depend on every day.”
Alex Khan, Managing Director for Education & Training at Babcock added:
“This apprenticeship programme sets a standard for vocational learning. As
differing educational methods and their delivery come under ever closer
scrutiny, the partnership between Network Rail and Babcock demonstrates a
comprehensive and far reaching learning programme that will ensure the future
success of Network Rail and the apprentices who are embarking on their
careers.”
The event also gave opportunity to recognise those apprentices who had
excelled in their training and Paul Tabern was delighted to present the IMechE
sponsored trophy for Network Rail Best in Year Apprentice, Electrification and
Plant to Aaron Jones. Paul commented: “Network Rail has been approved now for 2
years and is a fantastic ambassador for engineering apprenticeships. The
training that the apprentices undertake puts them at the forefront of their
industry and the IMechE is delighted to be able to work with such a progressive
company.”
For further information about the Institution’s support for apprentices, or
about gaining EngTech status for yourself or your team, please contact Paul
Tabern Email p_tabern@imeche.org Tel.
07894 480458
Visit www.imeche.org/apprentice