AN enhanced college course is helping to propel an apprentice to the depths of subsea engineering.
Darlington College student Victoria Bennett is reaching new depths after completing an industry placement with Subsea Innovations Ltd as part of her Level 3 engineering course.
Victoria, 18, of Catterick Village, is hoping to be offered a full-time apprenticeship with the Darlington-based company to deliver innovative solutions in the global offshore and subsea markets.
“My granddad and dad are both engineers and from being very young I have helped them tinker with engines on their custom cars, so I think it was inevitable that I’d follow them into the industry one day,” said Victoria.
“Getting a full-time apprenticeship will enable me to gain invaluable experience and allow me to complete my HNC and HND.
“The course at Darlington College has been brilliant and a real stepping stone to propelling me closer to my goals.”
Victoria was one of nine engineering students to be presented with an industry placement certificate after completing 315 hours of experience.
The initiative is part of the Government’s industrial placement scheme which is being rolled out in preparation for the delivery of new T levels courses in 2020.
The two-year courses, which will follow on from GCSEs, will be equivalent to three A Levels and have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses to meet the needs of industry and prepare students for work.
T Levels will offer a mixture of classroom learning and on-the-job experience during industry placements of at least 315 hours, approximately 45 days, providing the knowledge and experience needed to open doors into skilled employment, further study or higher apprenticeships.
Darlington College industry placement reviewer for engineering Catherine Melbourne said: “This really helps to boost their confidence and gives them the experience of working in a professional environment.
“We have around ten major local engineering firms that are currently working with us and I hope that seeing the success of this initiative will encourage more companies to come on board.”
Darlington MP Jenny Chapman, who helped to present certificates alongside college principal Kate Roe, added: “Darlington College is doing a fantastic job to help build an understanding with employers to give students the best opportunities to experience the world of work.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.