A pilot scheme to encourage young people to consider careers in engineering and manufacturing has been hailed a success.
The Wrexham Industrial Cadets ‘Silver Award’ programme has worked with 45 young people from across local secondary schools thanks to funding from the UK Levelling Up Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Coleg Cambria and Wrexham Council have teamed up with local sponsors JCB, Kronospan, Networld Sports, Pathway to Carbon Zero and Gatewen Training to launch the first industrial cadet’s initiative in the county borough.
The weeklong programme is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, and encourage young people to consider working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) industries and gain an understanding of the exciting careers open to them in Wrexham.
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The cadets were given the opportunity to participate in industry-based activities, visit businesses, meet with apprentices and industry leaders, and develop their critical thinking, communication, and organisation and planning skills.
The cadets celebrated their graduation on Friday, July 5, when they were presented with a nationally recognised Silver Level Industrial Award.
Nick Tyson, Vice Principal at Coleg Cambria said, “I am hoping that the Yr. 10 learners who participated not only will consider a career in Engineering and Manufacturing, but will also go back to school this term and share their experiences with their Teachers and fellow pupils. Massive thanks to our partner industries who despite their busy production schedules, spared their valuable time to support.”
The scheme has had fantastic feedback. Read these comments from some of the young people who took part…
Louie Williams, Ysgol Bryn Alyn
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience this week, especially the time that we spent at JCB. I’m very excited about the opportunities available to me.”
Ryan Morris, Ysgol Rhosnesni
“I’ve had a really great time. It was amazing meeting new people and trying new things – it was one of the best weeks of the whole year.”
Harvey Roberts, Darland High School
“The programme has been really enjoyable and has given me a real insight into engineering career pathways available.”
Llewelyn Crewe, Ysgol Morgan Llwyd
“Personally, I’ve really enjoyed this opportunity to do something different and it’s given me a new outlook on what I would like to do in my future.”
Quinn Nevin, St Joseph’s High School
“It has been a really fun and interesting week. I’ve learnt a lot and been inspired to look into future job opportunities in Wrexham.”
Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said, “We are keen to explore opportunities to raise pupil aspiration here in Wrexham, so it’s been satisfying to see this project deliver such a valuable experience for the young people involved.
“The cadets have grown in confidence over the week as they have developed a broad range of transferable skills, which they can reference in the future on their sixth form, college, apprenticeship or employment applications.
“We’d like to thank our secondary schools, local employers and training providers for making this happen, as well as those council employees who’ve played a key role in delivering this project.”
Craig Weeks, Operations Director at JCB Transmissions, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Industrial Cadets on this exciting on-site project.
“This initiative not only provides young talent with invaluable hands-on experience, but also allows us to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.”
Ben Spruce, Chief Financial Officer at Kronospan UK, said: “It was a real privilege to have such an engaged group of students on-site to learn about the varied nature of jobs in industry and engineering and to hear first-hand experiences from some of our former apprentices.
“I know the team from Kronospan thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Industrial Cadets Programme and we hope to see this grow and support more young people in the future.”
Gareth Daniel Davies at Net World Sports, said “Net World Sports were delighted to be able to welcome the enthusiastic participants from the Wrexham Industrial Cadets Programme on-site last week. It was great to be able to show these young students around and to give them an insight into the incredible opportunities we have on offer.”
Rebecca Morgan, Director at Pathway To Carbon Zero, said “We were inspired by the cadets eagerness to engage in environmental stewardship and we enjoyed the enthusiasm and understanding that they showed over the two days. We recognise the future economy will require enthusiastic young individuals who understand this topic and our sustainability needs.”
Julian Hughes, Director at Gatewen, said “Giving learners an opportunity to use state of the art driving simulators has been a game changer. The project has provided young learners with the information they need to make informed career decisions’.
Councillor Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism would like to thank Wrexham businesses and local education providers as this project shows great collaboration and will help future proof the industry sectors with a new interest from diverse young people who have experienced real life employment opportunities within the Wrexham County Borough.
