A significant £350,000 investment has been made into the campus facilities, encouraging a record-breaking intake of engineering apprentices. This brings the overall total of Engineering Apprentices supported at the Greenock Campus to more than 100 at various stages of their apprenticeship in the current year with further expansion planned for next year. The College continues to be dedicated to continuing to support the growth of the Engineering Sector which is seen as a key strategic sector within the Inverclyde area and West Region.
Working in partnership with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) the College through their Engineering and Skills programme teams access funding on behalf of the employers that fully funds all the training requirements of the Engineering Modern Apprenticeship Programmes. The College are very keen to expand their current employer partners and would encourage any local employers interested in recruiting an Engineering Apprentices to contact the Skills Programme Team – SkillsProgrammes@wcs.ac.uk
The Engineering framework at WCS is helping to progress local people towards their future Engineering careers with over half of the current cohort having previously completed a course in an Engineering discipline at our Greenock campus, including our full time National Certificate and Higher National Certificate programmes, before securing their apprenticeship roles.
As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, West College Scotland along with partner employers and colleges across the country are highlighting the positive impact of the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) programme, which provides individuals with the opportunity to secure industry-recognised qualifications while earning a wage. It offers people aged 16 and over the opportunity of paid employment, combined with training at different levels.
West College Scotland is delighted to continue to work alongside outstanding local employers such as Fergusons Marine, Dales Marine, Diodes Incorporated, Berry BPI, James Walker Devol and Golden Casket.
James Walker Devol apprentice Jason Baird, 18, a former St Columba’s High pupil, says he is delighted with his opportunity close to home. He said: “My dad works with Svitzer on the tugs so I always knew I wanted to do engineering of some kind." He continued,
"I was delighted to get the chance with a local firm and it is ideal to be coming to the college. I have been working with lecturers who used to work for Devol, so it is so good to have the experience on hand."
It has been a difficult couple of years at school with Covid and I think I suffered from a lack of confidence, but that has gone thanks to the support at college and getting this opportunity.”
Diodes apprentice Lara Graham, 19, from Port Glasgow is busy learning electronics. She said:
“It is great to get such a brilliant opportunity and coming to the college locally really cuts down on costs for us all.”
Alistair Rodgers Head of Engineering at WCS added – “The continual growth of the Engineering Curriculum at the Greenock campus and in particular the ability to support local Engineering employers through the Modern Apprenticeship programme ensures that the College is able to support regeneration within the Inverclyde Area." He continued,
"The overall investment of more than £350,000 on resources and equipment over the last few years ensures that students and apprentices undertaking their training at the Greenock Campus develop the skills required within the various Engineering industries within the local area and beyond.”
HR Business Partner, Shona Darroch of Diodes Incorporated said, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with West College Scotland on our apprenticeship programme for 2022, helping us build our talent pipeline for the future of our site in Greenock.”
