Engineering training provider South West Durham Training is celebrating after winning an award for its apprenticeship scheme.
SWDT was nominated by businesses on Aycliffe Business Park for the Apprenticeship and Training Award, sponsored by Gestamp, for implementing an apprenticeship scheme as an integral part of developing its workforce.
The 400-hectare business park is home to more than 500 businesses employing around 10,000 people and its fourth annual Make Your Mark Awards ceremony at The Xcel Centre.
SWDT, which marked its 50th anniversary last December with a big ceremony of its own led by BBC Breakfast’s Steph McGovern, is well known for training apprentices for other companies. But it also employs its own apprentices.
Laura Pickford, 17, from Barnard Castle, joined on an 18-month level 3 apprenticeship in business administration in March.
She said: “I’m still learning the important academic skills necessary for the role, but I’m also getting to know the ropes of the office, doing general admin jobs, data cleaning, printing, filing and dealing with people on the phone, and I’m loving it.”
SWDT general manager Jason Howe said: “The award is special as it is nominated and judged by companies on the Aycliffe Business Park.
“It is great recognition for the continued hard work and commitment of our staff and fantastic students.
“We are obviously enthusiastic exponents of apprenticeships, and we keep in touch with many of our former apprentices who have gone on to have very rewarding careers in industry.
“Our message to the region’s employers is continue to invest in apprentices – our future workforce.”
• Pictured above (left to right): Business apprentice Laura Pickford, electrical tutor Ryan Blewitt, general manager Jason Howe, school liaison and careers officer Matt Gatiss, BTEC & higher education coordinator Brian Corker and Andy Dunn, Chair of SWDT executive council.
