Darlington College / trackwork training apprentice success
03 Nov 2011
A new generation of apprentices are on the right tracks after being rewarded for their achievements in railway maintenance.
More than 100 students were presented with their railway engineering certificates in front of dozens of invited dignitaries and community partners, at The National Railway Museum, Shildon.
The course, developed in a unique partnership between Darlington College, Locomotion, Shildon, and Trackwork Training, offers a recognised NVQ route to working on the railways through the City & Guilds Permanent Way Renewals course.
College principal Tim Grant said: “This is a very important day for the college, our students and the community in Shildon.
“The great thing about getting a qualification in railway engineering is that it provides an opportunity for many of our apprentices to have a fresh start and build a new future with an invaluable set of skills needed to boost our economy.
“This event acknowledges the hard work and commitment shown by everyone involved in the scheme and it is fantastic to celebrate in such a unique setting.”
The 10 week scheme for school leavers, or long term unemployed, offers apprentices an NVQ Level 2 technical certificate, alongside key skills and practical experience, including training in the use of hand-tools and power-tools.
Director of Performance Development Ltd David Dougal said: “We have been running apprenticeship franchises in partnership with Trackworks for seven years.
“Developing this course with Darlington College has proved a great success and the support of Locomotion in providing the training facilities; right here in the very home of the railways, has given us the historical links to the past to provide the future of railway engineering.”
Apprentice Tramaine Williamson, 21, of Darlington added: “I’ll be finishing the course in four weeks and I have absolutely loved it. I always wanted to do something that challenged me.
“I like being hands on and working outdoors and working on the railways is what I want to do in the future.”
The partnership is expanding to the Newcastle Stephenson Railway Museum later this month. Enrol now on the college website www.darlington.ac.uk, and courses start every 6-8 weeks so applications are welcome all year.
To find out more about the course contact Trackwork on (01302) 888666 or Darlington College on (01325) 503035.
For more information on events at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon, please contact:
George Muirhead
Museum Manager
01388 771440
george.muirhead@durham.gov.uk
george.muirhead@nrm.org.uk
Pam Porter
Events Officer
01388 771445
pamela.porter@durham.gov.uk
pam.porter@nrm.org.uk