The college says that a ‘bespoke, collaborative approach’ has helped it work in partnership to support over one thousand local employers.
By identifying local businesses’ needs, the College has implemented a number of apprenticeships, traineeships, business development and further education programmes which have allowed the companies to be directly involved in the skills development of their employees.
Patrick Wallace, Principal Lecturer in Engineering and Motor Vehicle at Northern Regional College, explained more: “We work with SMEs right through to large companies with more than 250 employees and our partnership and engagement approach with local industry has proved very successful.”
Me, Wallace also added: “My role is to link with industry, discuss their training opportunities, and then develop these training opportunities to help the company realise their full potential.Outcomes of such discussions have resulted in upskilling courses for organisations, the development of innovation initiatives, and of course, apprenticeships.”
RELATED: Start2Thrive’ entrepreneurship programme open to female students at further education colleges
Close industry and education partnerships mean that students who study at Northern Regional College receive an education which goes beyond theory. Students get valuable, practical experience which fully equips them ahead of graduating from the College and entering the world of work.
Recently, Harland & Wolff partnered with the College to develop a bespoke training programme for Level 2 apprentices, providing them with the opportunity to develop a wide range of broad-based skills in engineering.
The programme will see the rotation of apprentices around the maritime and offshore engineering sections allowing them to understand how the company operates, the diversity of skills within the organisation and the processes that components involved in the manufacturing process.
The College also works closely with Harland & Wolff’s management and supervisors to develop the relevant skills that apprentices will need for working on-site.
RELATED: Sync NI - New programme to help young people connect with tech and develop digital skills
Steven Wright, General Manager of Harland & Wolff said the company had benefited from its relationship with the College stating: “Our supportive and collaborative relationship with Northern Regional College has allowed us to create a unique and valuable learning experience for our apprentices. By working in close partnership with us, Northern Regional College has been able to understand our core company values and in response, offer accredited in-classroom learning to students.”
Aaron Horner who is doing the new Level 2 apprenticeship also added: “After being made redundant, I saw the advert for Harland & Wolff apprenticeships which was open to mature applicants. I initially thought I would like to retrain as a welder. Having started my course at Northern Regional College, which covers a wide range of practical skills, I have found that I am really enjoying the mechanical manufacturing aspects which will prepare me for work as a bench fitter.”
Source: Written from press release.
