adi shapes future engineering careers with its fourth intake of pre-apprentices

Twelve year 10 pupils, will learn hands-on engineering skills as part of the programme which has seen nearly 50 students, including 10 females, take part since its introduction in 2016.

Kings Norton-based adi has already exceeded its own commitment to having five per cent of its workforce made up of apprentices by 2020. So far, nine graduates from the scheme have gone on to become full-time apprentices at the firm.

Commenting on the new intake and success of the scheme run in partnership with North Bromsgrove High School, adi Group strategic account director James Sopwith, said:

“This is something that was the first of its kind to launch in the UK, and to date we’ve had some huge successes.

“Not only has it been a launchpad for nearly 50 students to begin their careers in engineering at adi, but it is also a fantastic template for other schools and employers from right across the region to replicate its success.

The commitment is not limited to a few visits; one afternoon a week for two years, students get the chance to earn an EAL accredited qualification through the pre-apprentice scheme, undertaking a variety of skills such as fabrication, welding and control panel assembly.

North Bromsgrove headteacher Nick Gibson said: “The pre-apprentice programme gives our students incredible motivation and really is the jewel in our offering.

“It has allowed our students to flourish, igniting their passions and in turn helping to play a part in developing the next generation of UK engineers.”

Earlier this year, one of the pre-apprenticeship scheme success stories, Abbie Beaver, was selected for the prestigious WES50 – a list by the renowned Women’s Engineering Society, that celebrates the top 50 women engineers in the UK.

The firm boasts 30 specialist engineering divisions and plans to more than double its £95 million turnover to £200 million in the next four years.