homas Dudley Ltd, one of the largest employers in the Black Country, has taken on the first two trainees under a groundbreaking new foundry apprenticeship scheme.
Thomas Dudley worked closely with Dudley College and the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers to develop the apprenticeships that will provide a unique opportunity for people to gain recognised qualifications combined with expertise in real life engineering disciplines.
Martin Dudley, Thomas Dudley’s Joint Managing Director explained “we currently employ around 250 people overall with 100 in our foundry division. Despite the continued recession, we have invested heavily over the last few years in our capabilities and people. When recruiting though, we have noticed a definite skills shortage within the foundry industry and, after discussions with Dudley College and ICME at the beginning of the year, decided to help develop a scheme that would benefit foundries throughout the West Midlands”.
Practical hands-on experience and technical training…
Nathan Tucker and Aaron Mills joined Thomas Dudley’s foundry division at the beginning of August as Apprentice Foundry Technician and Apprentice Maintenance Electrician (Foundry) respectively. The structured Advanced Apprenticeship programmes will see both youngsters gaining 39 hours practical, hands-on experience each week as they work towards gaining recognised NVQ qualifications.
In addition, Nathan will attend Dudley College on day release whilst studying for a Diploma in Casting Technology. This new professional qualification incorporates specific technical training designed by the College and ICME to compliment experience gained within the workplace. Aaron will also attend Dudley College in order to attain a BTEC Level 3 in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Lowell Williams, Principal at Dudley College added “Dudley College is delighted to be working in partnership with Thomas Dudley in this groundbreaking new Foundry Apprenticeship scheme. We are proud to be taking a leading role in the development of young talent and in helping to create a workforce which can support UK manufacturing in the future.
“Dudley College has a long history of working with employers to find the best solutions for their current and future skills needs. We plan to continue working closely with innovative companies such as Thomas Dudley to provide facilities, resources and expertise to support the industry across the Black Country and further afield.”
5 apprentices to be recruited during 2012…
Yvonne Walker, Engineering, Development and Business Systems Director at Thomas Dudley continued “we clearly understand the role that our people play in the continued success of the business. We are therefore delighted to welcome Nathan and Aaron as they embark upon their two year apprenticeships with us. Furthermore, we are planning to roll out specialist Adult Apprenticeships across our plastics division and offices. These should see 5 apprentices within the organisation by the end of the year”.
Thomas Dudley recently announced that a brand new £4.5 million moulding line will be officially unveiled within the foundry division by Lenny Henry on September 28th.
Press enquiries: For further information and images, please contact Andy Burton, Marketing Manager on 0121 557 5411 or email aburton@thomasdudley.co.uk.
