Aycliffe Today Business Aycliffe Today Business Issue 38 | Page 13

The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 13 New electrical engineering training course launched at SWDT A new training course is being launched at South West Durham Training (SWDT) designed for people looking for a career in engineering and advanced manufacturing. T he full-time Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations (Electrical and Mechanical) will provide students with practical skills and knowledge of electrical wiring and testing, and mechanical maintenance techniques including fault finding and diagnosis. Students work on electrical panels and mechanical equipment, developing the skills needed to complete the wiring, overhauling and testing activities to the required standards, and acquiring electrical- mechanical maintenance and hand skills. They attend SWDT’s Aycliffe Business Park training centre three days per week, carrying out practical work in its fully equipped workshops. Assessment is through written portfolios and online and practical tests. The Level 2 PEO courses provide opportunities for employment in engineering industries including positions like engineering technician and semi-skilled operator, which can be combined with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This is exactly what has happened to Charlie Bellamy, 17, who has just secured an apprenticeship with Newton Aycliffe security systems supplier Cam-Tec Systems Ltd after completing his Level 2 PEO (Electrical/ Mechanical Maintenance) course at SWDT. Charlie Bellamy, apprentice electrical security engineer at Cam-Tec Systems Ltd. The former Hurworth School student is now taking his Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship (maintenance operations engineering technician) at SWDT alongside his new role as an Apprentice Electrical and Security Engineer at Cam-Tec. Charlie, from Darlington, said: “I am interested in the electrical maintenance side of engineering and this apprenticeship will give me the opportunity to develop skills in a real world environment. I am enjoying my course as it is a hands-on apprenticeship programme which will give me a great insight into the electrical maintenance industry.” Andy Johnson, operations director at Cam- Tec Systems Ltd, added: “In recruiting a new electrical engineering apprentice, we were ideally looking for someone who already had some relevant training and skills. “So we were delighted when Charlie, who had already completed his Level 2 PEO qualification and had started his Level 3 BTEC Engineering Diploma, applied. We look forward to working with SWDT as his apprenticeship progresses.” There are a variety of progression opportunities for students completing the PEO L2 course, including L3 Diplomas, L3 Advanced Apprenticeships and L4 and L5 HNCs and HNDs, which can lead to full honours degrees. For more information about the new PEO Electrical and Mechanical L2 course or other training opportunities at SWDT email [email protected] or call (01325) 313194. Open evening 28.02.19 SWDT’s next open evening event is being held from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday February 28 at South West Durham Training, Durham Way South, Aycliffe Business Park, DL5 6AT. You will have the opportunity to tour the centre’s facilities and speak to specialist tutors and careers staff to find out more about the courses and apprenticeships they offer. The event is open to parents/carers and all family members. South West Durham Training is part of the Bishop Auckland College Group. Kerrie Brown, from Darlington, an advanced technical engineering apprentice with Cummins, completed her HNC in Mechanical Engineering at SWDT last year. Recruiting now for HNCs and HNDs in Engineering South West Durham Training is recruiting now for a range of part- time higher education courses which can lead to full engineering degrees. The Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are delivered over two years at its Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated training centre here on Aycliffe Business Park. They are enrolling now for the following: > HNC/D Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Level 4/5 > HNC/D Diploma in General Engineering Level 4/5 > HNC/D Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering Level 4/5 > HNC/D Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Level 4/5. For more information visit swdt. co.uk or email [email protected] or call (01325) 313194.