8:04 am, February 27, 2009
FORD apprentices now have a brand new Ford workshop in the south east, helping feed the demand for apprenticeships.
The new site at Central Sussex College has just been opened by skills and apprenticeships minister Lord Tony Young, to help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
The blue oval has kitted it out with 3 cars, engines, gearboxes and tools. It will be used by the 120 apprentices taking part in the Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme.
They’re among 1100 Ford UK apprentices, who follow a 3 year course. This includes on-the-job training, plus training at one of 7 local colleges selected by Ford’s training partner Skillnet.
Apprentices also train at Ford’s Henry Ford College in Daventry. They cab choose from 11 subjects including car and commercial vehicle servicing; service, accident repair and parts advice; and vehicle sales.
Mike Willis, principal of Ford College, said: ‘The Ford Masters Apprenticeship Programme is an exciting route into the modern, high-tech working environment of today’s dealership workshops.
‘New vehicles depend on highly sophisticated technology and require servicing by technicians with the advanced skills and knowledge provided by this programme.’
Richard Brooks, Central Sussex College director of technology, said: ‘Investing in today’s trainees is essential for the continuing success of the motor industry.’
