Apprenticeship assistance at hand

Jul 9 2008 by Sue Scott, Evening Gazette

TTE TECHNICAL Training Group and steel giant Corus have joined in a recruitment drive to help learners embark on a variety of apprenticeship schemes.

During four years of intensive training, the learners will secure a wide range of in-depth industrial knowledge and qualifications combined with practical experience of Corus practices and business ethos.

Corus, which will contribute to the cost of the apprentices’ training, is working closely with Middlesbrough-based TTE to make sure it takes on the highest calibre of would-be employees.

The learners will undergo two years of ‘off the job’ training at TTE’s centre in South Bank.

A further two years will then be spent gaining hands-on experience at Corus sites across the Tees Valley.

Keith Leslie, TTE apprenticeship business director, said: “Apprenticeships are an ideal way of steering people seamlessly from full-time education to the world of work.

“As well as leading to recognised qualifications and skills, the apprenticeship route teaches important life skills such as time-keeping, deadlines and teamwork.

“In the past Corus has come in and taken on apprenticec in the middle of their training programme. Changing its focus and being involved from the start of the training fits in with the Government’s preference for training today being employer-led.

“It also means Corus has a bigger input into how the learners develop.”

TTE is working with various Corus business units across the Tees Valley including Teesside Cast Products, Construction and Industrial, Tubes and Special Profiles.

The apprenticeships will be made up of a range of disciplines including electrical, instrumentation, fabrication, and mechanical.

John Baker, HR director for Corus Teesside Cast Products, said: “As a group, Corus is committed to recruiting, developing and retaining high quality people and this new partnership with TTE will further boost our ability to achieve those aims.

“Corus programmes offer a range of advantages including the chance to earn a wage while studying for professional qualifications, hands-on experience in a working environment, and of course the opportunity to work for a world-class global company.

“Young people are so important to the future of our business.

“We look forward to working even more closely with TTE to help the young learners reach their full potential.”