Employers in Derbyshire have pledged their support for the next generation of engineers at an open day of Smart Energy Training’s Ashbourne facility on Wednesday 26th August.
The training provider has launched its Essential Trade Futures campaign, which invites employers and industry partners to make practical pledges to help the next generation access apprenticeships and build careers in vital trades.
The campaign aims to address the growing shortage of skilled tradespeople while helping more young people aged 16 to 24 access meaningful career opportunities, including those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Adam Kolaszynski, Smart Energy Training centre manager, says: “It was fantastic to welcome both future apprentices and employers to our flagship Ashbourne facility. Alongside showcasing the revamped facilities to visitors, we also launched our Essential Trade Futures campaign, which looks to unite the industry in a concerted drive to help address the skills shortage.
“As part of that we have committed to increasing access to high-quality trade training across the UK, and this week we launched our new electrical and plumbing apprenticeships to complement our existing gas and low-carbon heating apprenticeship provision.”
The company has recently expanded its training offering through a series of acquisitions and continued investment in its training centres, increasing its capacity to deliver apprenticeships across the country.
Deputy Mayor of Ashbourne Town Council, Ms Sue Moore (pictured above) attended the open day. She said: “This training centre is a fabulous asset for Ashbourne. The facilities are state-of-the-art and I met so many people passionate about sharing knowledge and teaching the next generation of apprentice engineers. It’s great to see the new heat pump technology being taught alongside long-established gas. I wish the centre all success for the future.”
Former BDO World Champion, current Sky Sports pundit and one-time plumber Mark Webster also attended the event to take on visitors in a special darts challenge, with prizes for anyone who can beat the Welsh icon.
