Engineering leaders are helping future employees to design their dream careers, thanks to higher technical training delivered at Middlesbrough College.
Two apprentices are progressing in their careers and are being funded through their University qualifications at Middlesbrough College’s University Centre. Lewis Mount and Abi Foy are both studying the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, which is an Institute of Technology (IoT) recognised qualification.
Middlesbrough College is a partner college in the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT) and is the sole deliverer of IoT accredited courses in the Tees Valley. The prestigious IoT status ensures that the College delivers high-quality technical qualifications and bespoke training and provides routes for people of all ages and existing employees to gain industry specific skills.
22-year-old Lewis Mount completed his apprenticeship with PD Ports in September and is now working for the shipping and logistics company as a Crane Electrician. Lewis said: “I’ve really enjoyed studying at Middlesbrough College. I studied my Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the College and have progressed to study at the University Centre- the only bonus this time is that I’m learning and earning at the same time! It’s brilliant that my employer is funding me through my University qualification and the course is helping me to excel in my career.
“Studying at Middlesbrough College’s University Centre has allowed me to develop and enhance my technical skills and knowledge. I work with motors as part of my role and the HND has provided me with a deeper understanding of this and I’m more confident in the workplace as a result. I would definitely recommend studying the HND programme, especially if you have ambitions of working in a senior role within the engineering sector. I’m hoping to progress in my career with PD Ports and become a Chartered Engineer.”
20-year-old Abi Foy from Middlesbrough also studied the Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Middlesbrough College and has progressed to a higher-level apprenticeship with Sulzer. Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering and Abi works for the organisation as a Winder Fitter. She said: “Studying at Middlesbrough College has opened up doors to lots of opportunities for me. I first worked at Sulzer as a work placement student when studying my Level 3 Diploma at the College and from there was offered an apprenticeship.
“I currently study the HND part-time and put the knowledge I am learning at College into practice in the workplace, which has been massively beneficial in both my learning and my career progression. The facilities at the College are fantastic and the tutors at the are also outstanding. They will go above and beyond to support you and answer any questions you have.
“I think it’s very important to champion women in STEM. Working in a male dominated profession can feel daunting but I would encourage young women to consider working in engineering- you can do it!”
The exciting range of IoT accredited courses at Middlesbrough College range from Level 3 to Level 6 and include specialisms such as electrical and electronic engineering, manufacturing engineering, building services engineering, civil engineering, construction management, business and computing.
The College’s £20m STEM Centre was also recently expanded to include a dedicated higher educational environment in a technical setting. The purpose-built University Centre features a bespoke higher education study area, classrooms and tutorial zones, with easy access to the technical and specialist industry equipment and facilities required for a range of technical courses.
Find out more and apply to study in September 2023: mbro.ac.uk/institute-of-technology
