Scheme is just the job for Kibble youngsters
Paisley charity teams up with uni’s research centre
Kibble has joined forces with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland to support care experienced young people into employment.
Bosses hope the collaboration will encourage young people to consider a career in STEM - science, technology, engineering and maths.
The partnership includes plans to welcome young people from Kibble on regular visits to Inchinnan to visit the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre ( AFRC), one of the specialist technology centres within NMIS, when current Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
The organisations kicked off the partnership with a special virtual assembly for Kibble young people.
Two of the AFRC’s engineering technicians, who have taken alternative pathways into employment at the centre, spoke to the young people about accessing a career in manufacturing, while taking them on a virtual tour of the facility.
Jayne Clark started as an apprentice at the AFRC in 2014 through the University of Strathclyde’s modern apprenticeship programme.
She learned on the job and now has a full time role at the centre.
After completing her apprenticeship, Jayne moved on to successfully complete a degree in computer- aided manufacturing engineering and is now undertaking a postgraduate degree in advanced manufacturing: technology and systems – all while still working full time at the centre.
Josh Walker studied mechanical engineering at college and, after attending an open day at the AFRC in 2014, decided to apply for an entry role.
He successfully joined the centre’s metrology team where he learned all about engineering measurement.
He’s since moved to the world-renowned residual stress team and is now the centre’s lead technician in this highly specialised area of materials science.
Jim Gillespie, chief executive of Kibble, said: “Creating real-life tangible opportunities for our young people is an important part of our role as we prepare them for their future.
“We are excited about the prospects this new partnership with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland brings, as we collaborate locally and encourage young people to think about their future career paths and the opportunities available to them working within STEM.”
Jim Hannig an, head of skills capability at the NMIS Manufacturing Skills Academy, added: “Through our Manufacturing Skills Academy, our aim is to transform the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow, creating opportunities for people to have flourishing careers.
“It is incredibly important that we support local young people and educate them about the various routes into the sector, supporting them along the way and providing the chance to experience what a career in manufacturing could look like.”
Creating real-life tangible opportunities for is young people is an important part of our role