Diodes Incorporated and West College Scotland are placing developing Inverclyde’s young workforce and improving skills provision within the Engineering sector as a top priority. Diodes Incorporated (www.diodes.com) is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of semiconductor products, with 28 sites across the world, serving the consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial and automotive markets.
West College Scotland are delighted to support a group of 5 2nd year Diodes Engineering Apprentices at our Greenock Campus to undertake the HNC (Higher National Certificate) Electrical Engineering programme. Aimee Cooke, Michael McDermott, Scott Graham, David McLennan and Craig Cunningham will complete the programme on a day release basis over the next two years. The 5 apprentices are pictured along with fellow 2nd year Engineering Apprentices Christopher Grierson and Lee Donald who had both completed their HNC at the College prior to commencing their apprenticeship with Diodes.
The College has a historical relationship with this Inverclyde firm. Prior to Diodes Incorporated acquiring Texas Instruments in 2019, saving over 300 jobs, the College delivered an HNC Electrical Engineering programme for a group of staff who were facing the threat of redundancy at a time when the plant was facing closure.
Following the acquisition by Diodes Incorporated, the College are delighted to have the opportunity to continue to develop and grow this relationship with a joint goal of improving skills provision & apprenticeship delivery within Inverclyde.
Gerry McCarthy – Managing Director of the Diodes Plant in Greenock said,
“At the heart of our ambition to help Diodes’ growth and profitability is the ability of our employees to develop the skills required to manufacture very high quality, low cost semiconductor devices. Following the acquisition, Diodes invested significantly in new, leading edge equipment for the Site.”
"Our Modern Apprenticeship program has always been critical to ensuring the continuation of very highly talented equipment technicians capable of maintaining highly complex machinery.”
“I am delighted that Diodes and West College Scotland are now working together to not only develop young talent but to further showcase what Inverclyde has to offer in terms of world class manufacturing and education.”
Liz Connolly, West College Scotland Principal & Chief Executive echoed this sentiment saying,
““Partnership working is a key strategic driver for West College Scotland in terms of skills development within the Inverclyde area and the opportunity to partner with a multi-national organisation such as Diodes Incorporated provides a platform to continue the resurgence of the Engineering curriculum at the Greenock Campus."
"We wish the Apprentices every success in their studies and look forward to continuing the positive relationship with Diodes as we move forward.”
Recognising the importance of skills development within the College environment, Diodes Incorporated has supported the College further by sponsoring the HNC Electrical Engineering award at this year’s Greenock graduation ceremony which took place last week. The prestigious recognition has been awarded to HNC graduate Andrew Mullen for his dedication to his studies throughout the year.