GE's Nantgarw Aircraft Engine Servicing business has stepped in to give a group of 8 engineering apprentices the chance to continue their training following the planned closure of the Robert Bosch Miskin Plant near Cardiff in 2011.
GE's Aircraft Engine Servicing business in Nantgarw, Wales, has stepped in to give a group of engineering apprentices the chance to continue their training following the planned closure of the Robert Bosch Miskin Plant near Cardiff in 2011.
The 8 lucky individuals who were enrolled in a Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering at the automotive plant, will transfer to GE in April , joining GE's 59 existing engineering apprentices. This means that, instead of facing redundancy, they will continue working towards a set of industry recognised qualifications, with the opportunity for a permanent role at GE's Aircraft Servicing business at the end of the three year apprenticeship programme.
Comments GE's Chris Doherty: "GE's Aircraft Engine Servicing business has been in South Wales for over 70 years and we are a major employer in the area. We invest heavily in apprenticeships and hire around 20 engineering apprentices each year. many of whom we typically go on to employ.
"Our decision to take on the Bosch apprentices follows discussions with Bosch, the Welsh Assembly and SEMTA. It is a reflection of our commitment to growing the local talent pool and working closely with other local employers to benefit the community. As a result of our decision we hope that the 8 apprentices will eventually find permanent employment here at Nantgarw, repairing and maintaining commercial jet engines. Or, at the very least, we are giving them the chance to gain recognised qualifications that will put their engineering careers on track for the future.
The 8 engineering apprentices, all from the local area, are due to transfer to GE in early April. Those in their first year will be based at the Colleg Morgannwg MTTC (Manufacturing Technology and Training Centre) during term time, learning basic engineering and mechanical engineering theory. Then, in year's two and three they will spend most of their time picking up skills and practical knowhow 'on the job', attending college on day release to gain their vocational qualifications.
Concludes Chris Doherty: " Here at GE's Aircraft Servicing site in Nantgarw we have a strong reputation for the quality of our products and services, This is a testimony to the skills and professionalism of our people. The apprentices of today, like the 8 young people joining us from Bosch, are critical to maintaining our talent pipeline so that we can maintain a highly skilled workforce on site and continue meet the needs of our customers, both now and in the future."
Mark Maguire
GE
[email protected]
+44 20 7302 6068
+44 7717 517071
Sara Cruz
[email protected]
0207-534-0623