Employers join apprentices and students at engineering masterclass

Selected leading employers from across the North were invited to the Centre of Engineering Excellence at Burnley College to showcase their businesses to Themis Advanced Engineering Apprentices and Advanced Burnley College Sixth Form Centre students.

Employers were also invited to host workshops throughout the day, producing real work components to give a true insight into the real-world applications of Apprenticeship and Advanced Vocational courses.

The Engineering employers who attended the masterclass and spoke to students and Themis Apprentices were Weir Minerals, The Canopy Company, Pennine Tools, Safran Nacelles and Burnley-based refrigerated vehicle and vehicle insulation kit company Coolkit Ltd. Also joining them were Themis trainers who were available throughout the day to answer questions and give further information about future careers within engineering and Higher Apprenticeships in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering.

On the day, Advanced Apprentices and students had the opportunity to work with components brought by each employer and in the afternoon the group were given the task of stripping down and re-fitting a refrigerated vehicle with insulation kit supplied by Coolkit Ltd.

Head of engineering Neil Burrows said: “The masterclass was an excellent opportunity for our Advanced Engineering Apprentices and students to meet some of the biggest employers in the area and for those employers to see the enthusiasm and talent each of our students and Apprentices have in mechanical and electrical engineering. The event was a huge success and I’d like to thank our employers for helping to create an inspirational day of activities.”

Managing director of Coolkit Rupert Gatty said: “Coolkit was excited to be a part of this inspirational masterclass event, especially given the importance of educating newcomers about future skills within Engineering. The Engineering Masterclass was a fantastic opportunity to showcase to Advanced Engineering Apprentices and students the variety of career options available to them after they complete their qualifications and we look forward to working closely with Themis and Burnley College Sixth Form Centre.” Director of Themis Simon Jordan said: “Giving students and Apprentices the opportunity to work closely with employers is what makes our Centre of Engineering Excellence such an outstanding place to work and study. The Engineering Masterclass was a great example of employers, tutors and trainers coming together to provide high level training and real working experience.”