First NMITE graduates enter workforce
9 Jul 2024
The first tranche of students from the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) have graduated with job offers from a range of leading firms.
Balfour Beatty, KIER, Mondel?z International and Oakwrights are among the first employers of alumni from the Herefordshire organisation which opened in September 2021, with an emphasis on hands-on and project-based study, ensuring that students gained practical experience.
President and chief executive James Newby stated: "Our first cohort of graduates represents the culmination of years of dedication and innovation in engineering education. Their success is a testament to NMITE’s academic rigour and unique learning model, which emphasises practical experience, problem-solving skills, and close collaboration with industry partners.”
Supporters of the venture include Tom Newton, engineering and design director at Balfour Beatty, whose company has been a partner of the institute.
He said: “Over the last twelve months we have actively contributed to the NMITE curriculum through our partnership, with a number of our experts supporting teaching modules, outlining what it takes to work in our industry.
“With the first cohort of students now entering employment, alongside our colleagues at NMITE, we have successfully delivered what we set out to do, opening doors to young people and arming them with the tools needed to excel in their careers.”
Fin Neate, who previously studied primary education, joins Mondel?z International after graduating with an MEng (Hons) Integrated Engineering degree, admitted:
"I never considered a career in manufacturing until I participated in NMITE’s project-based challenge on the subject. The feedback I received during my job interview was overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting my experience at NMITE and my ability to solve real-world problems."
Fellow student Kimberley Pickett, who graduated with a BEng (Hons) Integrated Engineering degree and recently became a section engineer at KIER, commented:
"After completing my undergraduate degree in business and working in the automotive trade, I wanted to follow my passion for civil engineering projects. NMITE provided the perfect place to transition into this field, and I am thrilled to be doing a job I love."
Since its inception NMITE has criticised aspects of traditional courses, including inviting applicants with qualifications outside the normally tight range of STEM subjects and emphasising the need for more creative approaches to teaching and recruiting for engineering.
The college claims its accelerated MEng degree, alongside a BEng, allows students to enter the workplace earlier, permitting those who cannot afford the traditional Masters route access to a degree that promises to leave them work-ready.
NEWS: Skills shortages in engineering have continued to grow, with applications falling in April. claims the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo). It asserts that data provided by Veritone Hire showed a continued downward trend in permanent jobs in over three months, with April reporting a 3% fall month-on-month. Contract jobs were also down 11% between March and April 2024.
In April, the number of people applying for permanent engineering jobs dropped by almost 40% month-on-month, with an annual fall of 23%. Contract applications were down 44% between March and April 2024.
