John Finley, managing director of Finley Structures on Aycliffe Business Park, has taken part in another awareness programme with local youngsters and says introducing schoolchildren to apprenticeships will play a key part in the country’s recovery.
A number of firms recently worked with young people from Greenfield College on an Apprenticeship Awareness Programme.
The scheme, run by the Engineering Development Trust and funded by Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP), was successfully piloted with Woodham Academy last year.
Year 9 students from Greenfield visited company premises on Aycliffe Business Park and getting an insight into their operation and what they have to offer school-leavers. The youngsters then gave prentations based on their experience during a special event at Greenfield.
Mr Finley, who went straight into a labouring job in a Bakery after leaving school, says there aren’t enough skilled youngsters available these days as the majority of school pupils go into further education.
“We need more school-leavers to go into Apprenticeships,” says Mr Finley. “It has been well documented that we face a skills shortage which is set to increase over the next 10 years, and with an ailing construction industry, I think it’s imperative we look at the basics and start educating children that they can enjoy good, successful, well-paid careers through apprenticeships. Ultimately it will help the manufacturing, construction and engineering industries which will play a key role in this country’s recovery.”
David Priestley, head teacher at Greenfield, says his students have benefited hugely from the programme. “Companies from Aycliffe Business Park have enabled our students to go out there and learn about some of the world-leading businesses that exist right here where we live. “I thought all presentations were exceptional and it was impossible to single one out from another. They were all winners.
“The whole process has been extremely useful, and we’re grateful to all the companies for letting our children go to them to explore the world of work. “t has provided invaluable experiences, and I feel this is just the beginning of what could be a very worthwhile exercise in the long-term.”
Back Row (L-R): Dan Taylor (DPE Automotive), John Finley (Finley Structures), Carole Jordan (Ebac), Pauline Hadwin (Finley Structures), Leanne Kennedy (INEOS), Barry Wilkinson (INEOS), Wayne Harris (livin).
Front Row: Jennifer Manners (A-Tech), Ben Haddon (EDT), David Priestley (Greenfield College), Katy Milne (Greenfield)
