Birkenhead based Maritime and Engineering College North West (MECNW) today announced it is relaunching what it believes is the most comprehensive range of employer-focussed engineering sector apprenticeships in the region
MECNW skills director Terry Weston said the college had worked closely with employers in the sector to revamp and enhance the 20 maritime, engineering and sector support apprenticeships it runs to provide what he calls a real ‘Apprenticeship Plus’ offer.
“MECNW has improved the provision, content and flexibility of training,” he said. “Of the 20 apprenticeship programmes we run, 15 are engineering focused. The college runs three welding courses in addition to mechanical and electrical engineering, computer aided design (CAD), pipefitting, project control, rigging, steel erection, railway track maintenance, technical support and non-destructive testing (NDT). MECNW also runs a comprehensive range of sector support programmes which include business, customer service, international trade and logistics operations and IT. These could also apply to a wide range of firms working outside the maritime and engineering sector. All of these apprenticeships can be started at any point in the year by young apprentices and existing workers that employers wish to upskill. MECNW can also manage the delivery of apprenticeships outside Merseyside through partner training providers in Chester, North Wales and Greater Manchester.”
Mr Weston urged businesses to seize the highly attractive government funding packages on offer to help pay for apprenticeship training. He said up to 100pc funding is available for apprentices aged 16-18, 50pc for 18-24s and contributions for 25s and above.
Mr Weston also encouraged more local schools to partner with MECNW to take advantage of its two pre-apprenticeship programmes.
“By working with MECNW, schools can broaden their offer with a vocational pathway for their learners,” he said. “The college runs both student and young apprenticeship programmes which seek to give those aged 14-16 a taste of engineering. Students spend between one and three days a week at the college on school release, providing them with an excellent pathway to a full apprenticeship. Parents whose child is considering a career in engineering should contact their school about forming a pre-apprenticeship link with MECNW.”
Mr Weston advised youngsters aged 16 and above who would like to start an apprenticeship – including those not in employment, education or training– to contact MECNW.
“MECNW offers a service to match apprentices with employers,” he said. “However with more than five applications a year for each available place, we advise candidates to get as much experience as they can on their CV to maximise their chances of success.”
Jim Teasdale, chief executive of Mersey Maritime Group that runs MECNW, said it is a time of great opportunity for the maritime sector.
“Wind farms, nuclear power and SuperPort are driving the demand for skilled workers across the sector and its supply chain,” he said. “The maritime sector currently constitutes 15pc of regional output or £2.6bn. Its 28,000 workforce is set to double over the next 10 years. MECNW trains apprentices to work specifically for each company by designing a bespoke training package aimed at meeting the needs of the business. By providing firms with the right skills they can pursue opportunities for growth which will in turn create a stronger maritime and engineering sector for the whole North West.”
For more information please visit www.mecnw.co.uk or contact Annette Parker, Communications Manager on annette.parker@merseymaritime.co.uk or tel: 0151 666 7205.