Grand designs for new Telford training academy
A recently launched Telford training academy has teamed up with a local college to help engineer a bright future for students.
Recently opened by TDS Midlands, the Computer Aided Design (CAD) specialist for the steel industry, The TDS Academy is forging partnerships with educational establishments and employers across Shropshire to provide local youngsters with the opportunity to study three-year Apprenticeships and learn vital CAD skills and techniques that the building and engineering industries are desperately in need of.
One college already signed up to the initiative is Sutherland Enterprise and Business College in Trench, Telford, who will be sending up to 12 youngsters on the inaugural programme starting in September. Another 12 are expected to be signed up to the programme next year, with the college even supplying the expertise of a member of its staff to teach engineering for part of the course at The TDS Academy.
One eager Sutherland College student who will be joining the new Apprenticeship scheme in September is 16 year old Declan Nicklin, who has already hit the ground running with his career in Computer Aided Design, after recently undertaking a work experience placement with TDS Midlands.
Daniel Leech, Managing Director of TDS Midlands and The TDS Academy, commented: “Declan is exactly the sort of ambitious, hardworking person we’re looking to join us on this exciting new training programme, because this scheme is all about giving a helping hand to young people with the passion and enthusiasm to succeed, but just as importantly, it has massive potential for industry and employers across the county. The construction and engineering sectors are facing up to a huge skills shortage in the not too distant future, and by training the design engineers of tomorrow today, we can help to rectify this problem.”
Lee Taylor, Deputy Head Teacher at Sutherland Enterprise and Business College, said: “This is a really forward-thinking project by The TDS Academy, which we were eager to be involved with from the very start. With the withdrawal of the Educational Maintenance Allowance last year, I was concerned that youngsters may be deterred from working towards their college qualifications. But this scheme has provided a strong incentive and a target for them to work towards, knowing that with a grounding of initial qualifications they can go to The TDS Academy and benefit from the expert tuition, guidance and support required to get a permanent job and enjoy a successful career.
“For youngsters, and for local schools and colleges, this is a perfect partnership. Our students come away with Level Two engineering diplomas in industry skills like CAD, which they can then build upon at the TDS Academy with advanced Level Three qualifications and hands-on experience.”
Apprentices at The TDS Academy will be able to learn vital CAD skills and techniques through a combination of qualifications and practical, work-based on the job learning. Those successfully completing the programme will obtain an ECITB Level Three Diploma in Engineering Construction Design and Drafting, along with a BTEC Level Three Diploma in Operations and Maintenance Engineering – the equivalent of two A Levels.
Daniel Leech concluded: “We’ve had a fantastic response from the local education sector, especially from Sutherland Enterprise and Business College who have completely bought into what we are trying to achieve. There’s still time, however, for other Shropshire schools and college, and just as importantly employers across the county to get involved.”
