Two apprentices who have completed Norbord’s four-year apprenticeship programme at its Cowie plant have completed the SEMTA Modern Apprentice framework for Engineering and achieved the Engineering Maintenance Vocational Qualification at SCQF level 6, including a Higher National Certificate (HNC) qualification.
The apprentices completed a 26-week programme of intensive hands-on practical training designed to give them solid broad-based engineering skills at MetTECH in Grangemouth before embarking on their planned periods of on-the-job training at Norbord.
The apprentices also attended Forth Valley College one day per week to complete a National Certificate (NC) in mechanical or electrical engineering before going on to gaining their HNC in third and fourth year.
Alexander Gordon successfully completed his Modern Apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering, while Cameron Reid undertook the Modern Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering.
Both apprentices have been offered permanent contacts at Norbord’s Cowie plant following completion of the modern apprentice programme.
Norbord has always had a strong commitment towards supporting apprentices, with 11% of its overall work force at the Cowie facility starting off on an apprenticeship.
Nick Fedo, General Manager at the Norbord plant in Cowie, said: “Norbord recognises that the engineering sector remains key to the UK economy, so providing an opportunity to educate and develop young people to tackle the engineering skill gaps in our industry remains a priority for us.
“Our well-rounded programme is a fantastic way of training our apprentices on the varied work systems that we have in place and offers them a clear path on which to progress at Norbord.
“Both Cameron and Alexander have proved to be fantastic additions to our team and we are proud to have watched them progress over the past four years.”
Pamela Ringrose, Director at MetTECH said: “We’re extremely proud to see Alexander and Cameron grow throughout their apprenticeship. Both apprentices have worked very hard to gain complex skills and demonstrate occupational competence in mechanical and electrical engineering and we are pleased to have been part of their journey.
“We’ve always had a close connection with the team at Norbord and it’s excellent to see their continued commitment to investing in young workers in the region.”
