Tees Components shortlisted for apprenticeship award

A family-run heavy engineering company has been recognised for its focus on apprenticeships.

Tees Components is on the shortlist for the North East final of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2019.

The firm, based in Skelton, east Cleveland, has been nominated in the SME Employer category at the awards, which take place on September 16 at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton.

Winners on the night will progress to a national final later in the year.

Managing director Sharon Lane, who swapped studying a degree for an apprenticeship in engineering, said the firm is thrilled to have been recognised.

She said: “Apprenticeships have always formed the bedrock of our workforce development and will continue to do so, which is why it is so important for employers like us to have good relationships with schools, colleges and training providers.

“I am extremely passionate about skills retention in the North East and ensuring our local young people can have access to positive work experience and employment opportunities.

“I have seen first-hand the benefits of apprenticeships, for my own career, but also for a large group of talented people we have in the business.

“We are keen, as well as supporting apprenticeships for our business, to also encourage other employers to do the same.”

Tees Components has been recruiting and developing apprentices since it was established in 1963.

It creates roles for an electrical engineering apprentice, a business administration apprentice and up to four machine apprentices annually.

As a result of its training programmes, 80 per cent of apprentices are offered permanent positions on completion.

The business is currently expanding its workforce through its apprenticeship programme with the recruitment of two new mechanical engineering apprentices.

Taking Tees Components’ apprenticeship cohort to six, the new apprentices will specialise in machining, spending up to four years training with the company, depending upon any previous industry-related qualifications.

The company’s continuing commitment to apprenticeships is reflected by the fact 40 per cent of its skilled workforce are former apprentices.

It also has strong links with local schools, offering work experience, factory tours, mock interview practice and CV workshops, and works with colleges and training providers to support science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) career paths for youngsters.