Author: Emily at the Pod

AN INNOVATIVE scheme backed by EDF Energy to help youngsters land prestigious engineering apprenticeships is being trialled at three locations in the UK, including Lancaster and Morecambe College.

The new Access to Apprenticeship course starts in September and is partnership between EDF Energy and the college.

Two other schemes will be running at colleges in Bridgwater and Gloucester and if they prove successful the courses could become part of the colleges' regular curriculum.

Kevin Demain, Heysham Power Stations' apprentice training and recruitment co-ordinator said: "During the recent recruitment round for our own apprenticeship scheme we received 360 applications for 13 roles so there is a demand.

"This pilot scheme will give youngsters, both female and male, who may be very good with their hands but perhaps don't have the right academic qualifications a chance to get the qualifications they need to apply for an apprenticeship via a different but recognised route.

"And then they can apply to EDF Energy and any other firm which has an engineering apprentice scheme."

The year-long course will take on up to 18 people, and give them a grounding in engineering skills, boost their maths, English and science knowledge but also, with support from Heysham power stations' own team, offer them help with job applications and interview skills as well as their personal development

They will be taken to see the EDF Energy apprentice training facility at HMS Sultan, in Portsmouth, and get to meet senior managers and key people in EDF Energy who will be guest speakers throughout the programme.

David Wood, Principal and Chief Executive of Lancaster & Morecambe College, which is already training 2000 apprentices, said: "We are delighted to be working with EDF Energy on this innovative employer-led programme.

"As a college we are constantly developing our offer to respond to the local job market; engineering is a growing sector locally and we are supporting young people from the area to access these new jobs.

"Working closely with employers such as EDF Energy means that the courses we develop are led by the industry and increase our students' chance in a challenging job market.

"This new course is all about getting young people into work and supporting the local economy.'

For more information please visit http://www.edfenergy.com/careers/apprentices-trainees/technical-foundation.shtml