Wilton Engineeringhas reaffirmed its commitment to providing the very best development and training opportunities after strong success of its graduate engineering apprenticeship scheme, with more recruits in the pipeline.
Ethan Downes and David Murdoch have embarked on a five-year degree apprenticeship in design engineering, facilitated by Teesside University.
Ethan, 18, joined Wilton Engineering as an apprentice design engineer following the completion of his A-Levels. In a short time, he has showcased his potential by leading on a number of work packages focused on the design and draughting of complex engineering structures.
David, 33, has almost two decades of engineering experience and holds a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in engineering. As a structural draughtsman at Wilton, he joined the firm in 2020 and is now pursuing a degree apprenticeship to further enhance his expertise and contribute to his professional development.
Wilton Engineering's apprenticeship programme provides an immersive experience for its apprentices. Both Ethan and David spend four days onsite at the company's extensive 112-acre facility located on the banks of the River Tees, stretching across Port Clarence and Haverton Hill.
This hands-on approach exposes the apprentices to real-world challenges and fosters practical skills. Additionally, one day each week is dedicated to study at Teesside University, further enhancing their theoretical knowledge by completing a Mechanical Engineering degree.
With an impressive order book of projects for the design, manufacture, blasting, and painting of large modular complex steel structures, primarily for the offshore oil and gas and UK defence sectors, Wilton Engineering is committed to building a long-term, sustainable portfolio. To achieve this, the company not only attracts talented individuals into its workforce, which currently stands at 350, but invests in the comprehensive development of its future workforce.
In 2022, Wilton Engineering launched its Apprenticeship Academy, welcoming a cohort of 30 plating/welding apprentices ranging in age from 16 to 32 and they have continued their apprentice intake during 2023 and will continue to do so year on year. Moreover, the company offered apprenticeship opportunities to existing employees seeking to upskill or retrain, providing a pathway for personal and professional growth.
Michael Jorgenson, Head of Projects at Wilton Engineering, said: “I am exceptionally proud of Ethan and David, who are showing great dedication and passion for their training and development and have become valuable members of the team.
“By pursuing a degree apprenticeship with us, this means they can spend more time on the shop floor working alongside their colleagues gaining invaluable experience working on some complex projects.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming our next intake of apprentices to the team very soon.”