Ford Aerospace Showcases Apprenticeship Academy

Published: 11th February 2025

During this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, South Tyneside based manufacturing business Ford Aerospace is calling for more young people and businesses to explore apprenticeship opportunities.  

With its own Apprenticeship Academy, Ford Aerospace works in partnership with local colleges to support young people looking to take their first steps into a career in manufacturing or engineering.

First launched in in 2013, the Ford Aerospace Academy has successfully helped hundreds of young people into employment.  

Today, the Academy remains true to its core values – to provide opportunities to young people interested in manufacturing and engineering by helping them to develop the practical skills that employers are looking for as well as access to work placements, while working toward a nationally recognised qualification.

It has two well established programmes with Gateshead College. These pre-apprenticeship programmes are named Ford Aerospace Academy Level 1 and Level 2 programmes, and both full time one-year courses are targeted at school leavers. Covering a host of modules, they include an introduction to working in engineering and electronics, an introduction to Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) and Automated technologies.

In 2024, the initiative expanded and launched a new programme in partnership with South Tyneside College.  Also focused on helping young people to nurture their skills, the latest course is also a pre-apprenticeship programme, where attendees study a City & Guilds Level 2 qualification in Machining and Manufacturing.

Mark Handysides, CNC Team Leader at Ford Aerospace met up with students and lecturer Chay Hobson at South Tyneside College this week. He said: “We are so proud of this programme.  Crucially it is based on employer feedback, so it offers a viable career path for young people which is in line with the needs of industry.

“There are so many benefits to getting involved with the Academy, not least because it supports the next generation of apprentices, but it also because it helps existing members of staff to grow in confidence and develop their own presentation skills.” 

Neil Bowen, Head of STEM and Green Initiatives from South Tyneside College said: “Together with Ford Aerospace and our industry partners, we’re proud to play a role in driving growth and innovation within the engineering sector.

“Engagement with industry is crucial to the success of these programmes, and we are so pleased with how this pre-programme is developing. It provides students with the skills and knowledge essential for a thriving career in engineering, blending hands-on training with a nationally recognised qualification. Through a combination of practical learning and cutting-edge workshops and in-depth class room instruction, students develop a strong foundation in machining and manufacturing.”

During National Apprenticeship Week (which runs from 10 – 16 February 2025) the Ford Aerospace team will also be welcoming students from the Ford Aerospace Academy at Gateshead College to its site, and taking part in a events including My choice at St. James Park and Next Steps Live: Apprenticeships at Jarrow Focus.

All Ford Aerospace Academy programmes are available exclusively via Gateshead College and South Tyneside College. To apply or find out more please visit gateshead.ac.uk or stc.ac.uk