Aspiring Apprentices gain Hands-on Experience at our Engineering & Manufacturing Academy

We are proud to be running our sixth annual Engineering and Manufacturing Academy in August 2024.

The academy was set up with the backing of local employers, and is designed to help young, aspiring engineers build the skills they need to progress to an Apprenticeship or further full-time study in a range of Engineering disciplines.

As part of the two-week programme, students are able to take part in hands-on activities such as bench fitting, manual drafting, marking out and fabrication and welding as well as employability and CV writing skills. 

The academy culminates in our hugely successful employer event where recruiting employers are invited in to meet and interview our academy graduates, allowing them to grow in confidence and helping them to discover the world of networking, with the ultimate goal of securing apprenticeship positions with the visiting employers.

Emily North, Employer Engagement Manager for Engineering, Fabrication and Welding and Motor Vehicle, said: “The academy is a fantastic opportunity for school leavers to join us during the summer holiday and gain hands-on experience in our machine shop, as well as gain confidence and communication skills by joining their peers in class. By running our employer event we aim to introduce the engineers of the future to our recruiting employers, at a point when our apprenticeship recruitment is at its peak, securing fantastic career opportunities for our young academy graduates.” 

Tony Sartorius, Chairman at AluCast, said: “The students show real enthusiasm for the course and learned about some engineering principles, as well as gaining practical experience. Alucast were so impressed with the student intake, that we selected three youngsters to join our apprentice scheme at our foundry based in Wednesbury. This course is certainly an innovative way to introduce young people to engineering and promote manufacturing as a career choice, which is so important to the nation’s economy.” 

The academy will return in summer 2024 for its sixth year. If you are an employer keen to learn more and get involved – please contact Emily on 01384 363 106 or emily.north@dudleycol.ac.uk.

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