Pupils given insight into apprentice route to work

Darchem Engineering employees James Watmore, 23, and Libby Johnson, 18, gave an account of their experiences as apprentices to final year pupils at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington.

Mr Watmore started an apprenticeship aged 18 after completing his A-levels, and was named UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year in March.

He is now a manufacturing engineer at the Stillington firm and undertaking higher education, supported by Darchem.

Libby is an apprentice welder and one of a growing number of young women entering the traditionally maledominated engineering sector.

About 250 pupils at the school took part in hour-long sessions led by Ben Haddon, of the Engineering Development Trust.

The aim was to teach them how apprenticeships could help them build a career once they have left school.

Darchem employs more than 50 apprentices and aims to take on 15 to 20 each year.

Mr Haddon said: “It is very important that we raise the awareness of young people as to the opportunities available to them when they finish school. By having the apprentices in the school, it gives the pupils information which will help them make an informed decision. For a lot of students, going to university is not necessarily the right alternative.

They have other options, of which apprenticeships is one.

“I think what we have also demonstrated is that apprenticeships are not a non-academic option, which some people do think. For example, James came in after his A-levels and is now doing a degree.”

Foundation for Jobs, launched in January, is a joint initiative between the Northern Echo and the Darlington Partnership, which includes Darlington Borough Council, as well as public and private sector organisations.

Darchem employs about 650 staff at its five business units, covering aerospace, insulation systems, specialist fabrications, thermal protection and nuclear systems for sectors such as the motor industry, defence and oil and gas.