24 October 2007

NAFC MARINE CENTRE’S MODERN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME IN ENGINEERING CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

 

The NAFC Marine Centre’s Modern Apprenticeship training programme in Engineering, which began this week, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.  This year sees 12 students take up the highly successful scheme that has benefited 80 young engineers in Shetland since its inception.

 

Modern Apprenticeships are organised locally by Train Shetland, with funding provided by HIE Shetland, and operate on a block-release system – combining work experience with academic training.  In the case of engineering related apprenticeships, the academic training is provided by the NAFC Marine Centre.

 

NAFC Marine Centre’s engineering section leader, Duncan Kidson, said: “The engineering courses we provide offer a range of qualifications depending on the level of study which the apprentices decide to undertake and – as block release study – take approximately three to four years to complete.

 

“In this year alone, Train Shetland has recruited 12 Modern Apprentices for local engineering companies, four of which completed our full-time National Certificate in Engineering Practice course in the last academic year, which helped them gain an apprenticeship.  They will now undertake the Level II and III SVQs in Engineering.

 

“We are delighted that we can contribute in this way to help meet the significant demand for engineering skills in Shetland.  Over the ten years, local companies have continually demonstrated their support for the programme – recognising the long-term benefits that this kind of investment can bring.”

 

Further information from:

Duncan Kidson, NAFC Marine Centre, tel 01595 772223, email or visit www.nafc.ac.uk
Or, Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465 or email

 

Notes to editor

 

The Modern Apprenticeship programme covers a wide range of opportunities for young people and provides a structured path into almost any vocation-based career.