A LONG-TERM partnership between Barnsley College and a Barugh Green-based engineering firm will result in hundreds of new apprenticeships being created over the coming years.
AmcoGiffen launched their self-titled academy at the college’s STEM Centre on Old Mill Lane on Monday, after refurbishing a specific suite which will encourage the next generation of engineering apprentices.
Students will study courses which have been specifically designed by both the college and AmcoGiffen, with the aim to attract young people from the local area and develop their knowledge and experience in order to prepare them for a successful career either with the firm or with other companies in the industry.
Coun Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesman for education, told the Chronicle apprenticeships are key to Barnsley’s employment future.
“It’s a massively important partnership as it ties in a proven Barnsley employer in a flourishing sector with the town’s own college that can only be good news going forward,” he added. “In many ways this is the golden nugget as it’ll develop apprentices for years ahead. It’s also a long-term project, which is another key strand as NEETs (young people who are not in education or training) will be able to take advantage of such a great scheme.”
Andries Liebenberg, managing director at AmcoGiffen, told the Chronicle: “We recognise that the industry needs to do more to raise the skill levels in the UK and that all employers have an obligation to ensuring that we have a skilled workforce now and in the future.
“Our new academy has been created to facilitate this aim and I’m proud to be playing a part in it.”
