Engineering apprenticeships
23 September 2009
The School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations is working in partnership with the National Apprentices Service (NAS), Connexions and our HR department to pilot the recruitment of three 16-17 year olds on a national apprenticeship scheme.
The recruitment of the apprentices was by competitive interview following an open day, organised by the School and the Equality and Diversity Adviser. Over 50 young people attended the open day with their parents or guardian.
The apprenticeship positions were advertised through NAS, Connexions and their partner agencies. The University received over 80 very high standard application forms and interviewed 20 young people.
The three successful candidates are scheduled to follow the NAS off-the-job training route. They will undertake ONC and HNC qualifications in engineering with a local NAS provider. The apprentices will also undertake the NAS core skills programmes which will develop their numeracy and problem solving skills.
Gareth Jones of NAS said: “We are quite delighted that LJMU is taking the lead to engage with apprenticeships the appropriate way. NAS and the government have highlighted the need for HEIs to engage with apprenticeship schemes.”
At a meeting with the apprentices and their parents, School Director Professor Ian Jenkinson commended Julie Lloyd, HR Director at LJMU, and her team for their support to the School in engaging with the apprenticeship programme. He commented: “The School have had great difficulty in recruiting highly skilled technical staff and it is evident that there is a huge shortage of skilled engineering technicians in industry. This project is an investment for the future and we have an ideal opportunity to train these apprentices with the specific skills we require our technicians to have.”
One of the apprentices said: “I am delighted to be given this opportunity at LJMU. Although I achieved GCSE ‘A’ grades in subjects including Maths and English and had an offer to go to sixth form, the opportunity of training within LJMU was too good to turn down. I wish other departments within the University would follow the School of Engineering’s example and engage with apprentices. There are ‘A’ grade 16-17 year old candidates out there who do not wish to go to sixth form but would prefer a proper apprenticeship programme which is excellent and reliable.”
If you would like to know more about the National Apprenticeship schemes please contact:
Paul Wright, Engineering Technical Manager
Ian Jenkinson, Director of School of Engineering
Moni Akinsanya, Equality and Diversity Adviser
Pictured: Professor Ian Jenkinson (School Director), Julie Lloyd (HR Director), Paul Wright (Technical Manager), apprentices David Whorton, Keith Wright, Alex Fath and Moni Akinsanya (Equality and Diversity Adviser).
