THE FIRST year of a training partnership between Birmingham Metropolitan College, Caterpillar UK Ltd and Sigma has been a resounding success with 225 apprentices working at the construction equipment manufacturer’s plant in Desford, Leicestershire. Recruitment is now underway for an additional 200 apprentices to take on roles as Assembly Technicians and Logistics Operatives as part of Caterpillar’s assembly facility.

As part of a one-year fixed term contract, apprentices complete an NVQ qualification and, on successful completion of this programme, then have the opportunity to apply for permanent contracts at the Caterpillar plant. Based at the onsite, purpose-built Caterpillar Skills Development Academy, the Apprentices work towards achieving an NVQ in Logistics or Engineering, as well as gaining key/functional skills and literacy and numeracy support.

“We have been delivering a comprehensive training programme that has significantly improved the employment prospects of all of the apprentices,” commented Trudy Burrows, Executive Director at Birmingham Metropolitan College.

“The tremendous response to our recruitment initiative indicates that a significant number of 18-20 year olds can see the potential in pursuing a career in engineering and manufacturing.

“Now that we are into the second year of this thriving partnership, the college is continuing to ensure that young people can access the workforce skills and experience they need, while enhancing the training portfolio available to Caterpillar employees.”

Aaron Woods began working at the Desford Plant after finishing a BTEC engineering qualification at college and deciding to forgo university in favour of the workplace.