AMP builds for future growth

Darlington-based AMP Consultants' move from premises in Morton Road to its new 1,000- sq ft office in Morton Palms Business Park coincides with the appointment of two apprentices. Structural engineering apprentices Haydn McKenna, 17, and Matthew Baker, 20, both from Darlington, have added to the five-strong team.  

Matthew, a former Army engineer explained why he chose to gain additional experience instead of returning to college. “I’m really glad to be working here as it’s much more realistic than college. Here I know that everything I put down on paper is going directly into live projects,” he said.  

Haydn said: “There’s plenty of room here for me to develop and take on additional responsibilities as well as build on my knowledge around structural engineering.”

Recent contracts undertaken by AMP Consultants includes an aircraft hanger in Birmingham, designing elements of a science, technology, engineering, mathematics and media school in Blackburn, as well as providing designs for an extension at Lincoln University and also at a factory in Gateshead.

David Hodgson, managing director of AMP Consultants and regional chairman of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), said: “It’s really encouraging to continue growing at a time when things are still very uncertain.

“Being the product of an apprenticeship scheme myself, I feel it’s right for engineering companies to take on apprentices, not only for the young people concerned, but also for future growth. Haydn and Matthew are a great asset to the team here and are already able to contribute to our live projects, and we hope that many more companies will take on apprentices to help drive forward the engineering sector in the North-East over the coming months.

“Providing apprenticeship opportunities means that you can train your candidates to develop the skills they need to succeed within your sector, and this is crucial within this current climate.”