ECITB recently launched an exciting new 16-week programme in collaboration with Pembrokeshire College, local employers and the Department of Work and Pensions.
The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) is employer-led and focuses on core skills and qualifications needed for the development needed for the trade industry.
The programme is divided up into a 13-week learning programme with an additional 3-weeks at work placements involving trades such as welding and mechanical maintenance. Learners will be following a vocational qualification where they will be upskilling in fabrication and welding processes, maintenance techniques and hand-fitting skills. This allows the learners to be work ready and semi-skilled to meet local industry demands.
Martyn Johnson, Head of Strategic Engagement explained the vital importance this programme has for industry: “The ECITB has, in its current strategy ‘Leading Industry Learning’, pledged to expand entry pathways into the engineering and construction industry. The work ready programme is an excellent example of such a pathway and is a collaborative and co-funded model between local employers, Pembrokeshire College, DWP and the ECITB. Work ready utilises existing funding mechanisms, which makes it scalable, to lever benefit for its partners and more importantly for the wider engineering and construction industry.”
During the programme learners will work closely with Providence Training Ltd to complete additional site-ready qualifications such as CCNSG, confined space training, working at heights and abrasive wheels.
The process of interviewing learners before joining the programme was generated through local employers working closely together. These employers were Rhyal Engineering, Jenkins and Davies, Puma, Department for Work and Pensions and EDF energy.
Curriculum Area Manager for Engineering, William Bateman, explained: “This is an amazing opportunity for learners to restart their career and is a great course where learners will be focusing on their core skills in engineering that we have discussed with employers. I am looking forward to finding out their destinations at the end of the programme. This could not have been achieved without the amazing support of ECITB and the great input from employers.”
