Training modules address local skills shortages

Electronics manufacturing services provider TTems is running two practical BTEC modules at its Rogerstone site in a drive to attract more skilled tradesmen to South Wales.

Electronics manufacturing services provider TTems is running two practical BTEC modules at its Rogerstone site in a drive to attract more skilled tradesmen to South Wales.

TTems, with sites in Rogerstone (Wales) and Blyth (Northumberland), is working in partnership with Bettws High School in Newport, South Wales, to provide ten of its pupils with two practical units towards a BTEC certificate in electronics.

The BTEC course, which is modular based, involves a number of practical units to familiarise students with electronic components, circuits and systems and students are required to pass a number of units successfully before achieving certification.

TTems is providing two of these BTEC units - the first, which has already taken place, is based on electronics maintenance fundamentals, and was a two day course conducted by Les Evans, TTems' Senior ICT Test Engineer.

The second unit, due to commence in early 2005, involves training in "working practices" and includes risk assessments, fire evacuation, identification of causes of conflict in the workplace, and administrative communication.

TTems' BTEC course module co-ordinators Geoff Cambray, Operations Director, and Denise Machon, Human Resources Manager, have been in discussions with Shan Schanda, Deputy Head Teacher at Bettws High School for some time and their first joint BTEC project has so far proved to be very successful and well received by the students.

Schanda says: "It is now a common fact that the number of skilled workers has declined greatly and, together with the demise of apprenticeships in trade professions, this trend is seriously affecting UK industry".

"Being able to offer practical BTEC course modules from a successful electronics manufacturing company like TTems really adds value to a vocational course and we hope that offering this kind of practical experience will encourage more young people to participate and continue learning".

Denise Machon, Human Resources Manager, TTems Rogerstone says: "We have welcomed the opportunity to provide practical BTEC courses because the more we can do to encourage school leavers to take vocational courses the better".

"Having so many newly qualified skilled adults in the area also provides the company with a great opportunity for recruitment in the future".

Back to top