Engineering firm aims to inspire next generation (From The Advertiser Series)

Engineering firm aims to inspire next generation

8:00am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in Business By Lauren Pyrah, Deputy Business Editor

TWO new programmes to boost North-East apprenticeships have been launched by a North-East firm with ambitious plans to become the UK's only washing machine manufacturer.

Newton Aycliffe-based firm Ebac Group, which produces water coolers, dehumidifiers and air coolers, is taking on apprentices in a programme which will provide a wider education on how businesses work.

It is also working with nearby steel firm Aycliffe Fabrications on a second scheme to increase awareness among young people of what apprenticeships can offer.

The programme, which sees the firms team up with Newton Aycliffe school Woodham Academy, is funded by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership.

Pamela Petty, managing director of Ebac, left school at 16 and wants others who do not wish to follow an academic path after GCSEs to be aware that other options are available and rewarding.

Ebac's own scheme will see the two young people initially spend time in each part of the business, before focussing on a specific trade or role.

Mrs Petty said: "We have found that sometimes it is not the best way forward to pigeonhole someone into a particular trade from the outset.

"It can be the case that a young person may fall by the wayside, because they feel the role they have been given is simply not for them.

"That is why we have established a new style of programme where we will be taking in apprentices and initially giving them experience in all parts of the business, so that we can fit the individual into a programme to which they are most suited."