Workers of future can do their part
A Wearside car parts firm is looking to produce the next generation of workers with a series of events to mark Apprenticeship Week 2017.
As well as launching Training Academy during the week, Unipres has organised a host of projects to inspire young people to explore the potential of a career in manufacturing and engineering during the week which starts today.
Unipres, which produces car parts for global giants such as Nissan and Renault, has launched an engineering-themed project with Northern Saints Church ofEngland Primary School, is hosting a careers fair for secondary school pupils and will be using its Industrial Cadets for an event to introduce young people to employment opportunities in engineering.
The Unipres Training Academy will be officially opened by MP for WashingNorthern ton and Sunderland West, Sharon Hodgson, on Thursday in a ceremony set to be attended by business people and dignitaries.
Plant Operations Director John Cruddace, said: “Apprenticeship Week is such a vital event for highlighting the importance of apprenticeships, not only as a gateway to employment for young people, but for the many benefits they bring to business.”
Unipres apprentice ambassador Rhys Goulden is delivering an engineering project with pupils from Saints Primary School, alongside Teacher Calum Rowland at the new academy.
Pupils will demonstrate finished projects and compete for a place in the Primary Engineer North East Regional finals at the Discovery Museum, in May.
“The importance of capturing a young person’s imagination at such an early age cannot be underestimated,” said Rhys.
“We want people to feel excited by engineering and also experience the satisfaction of overcoming a challenge.”