A MANUFACTURING leader is putting his weight behind apprenticeships, after it was announced that Terry Scuoler will be speaking at an event that celebrates training and development.
Scuoler, chief executive of EEF, the manufacturer’s organisation, will be one of a number of high-profile guest speakers attending a special apprentice reunion event at SW Durham Training (SWDT).
Scuoler, who joined EEF after 10 years as managing director of leading aerospace and defence markets supplier Ferranti Technologies Ltd, believes that apprenticeships will play an increasingly important role in the development of the North East’s manufacturing landscape.
He said: “Manufacturing is a sector that I believe can be a cornerstone of the UK’s economic growth and prosperity, and as such, we absolutely rely on people power – the skills, commitment and hard work of people in the sector – to drive it forward.
“A culture of and commitment to excellence is something that has always kept the UK front of mind when it comes to manufacturing and engineering, and it is organisations like SWDT that make this possible.
“For 45 years, SWDT has been equipping people with both new and additional skills to ensure that the UK’s manufacturing businesses benefit from the most highly-skilled staff possible, and this is something that should be commended.
“The ongoing growth of the sector relies on the development of the best people, and with centres like SWDT in the North East, I am sure there is a genuine opportunity for the region to further develop its reputation as a genuine hub for engineering and manufacturing
He will deliver a speech, along with a number of former apprentices who passed through training programmes at SWDT in Newton Aycliffe on October 30.
Charles Erasmus, head of operations at SWDT, said: “For 45 years, we have delivered training that has helped to get many hundreds of successful careers under way, and to stage an event that will bring them together, while demonstrating the important role that training plays in the development North East’s manufacturing landscape is great.
“We’re very much looking forward to the event.”
Any former SWDT student keen to attend the event should contact David Allison, health and safety and facilities manager at SWDT, on 01325 313194 or email dallison@swdt.co.uk
