MIDDLESEX Group is working in partnership with BCoT to sponsor all BTEC Level 2 Engineering full-time courses at the college – with a view to taking students on to apprenticeship programmes on completion of their course.

Middlesex Group is a long-standing provider of engineering apprenticeships in the local community. Sponsoring the engineering scheme at BCoT is an investment in the future development of engineering, and will allow students to develop their skills and gain qualifications to HNC/HND and on to degree level.

The sponsorship scheme is aimed at entry level students who wish to pursue a career in engineering and is a move away from the traditional post-graduate selection process that many companies adopt.

Christian Clifford-Jones, head of engineering at BCoT, said of the partnership: “Middlesex Group is a fantastic supporter of apprenticeships in the community.

“They work hand-in-hand with us at BCoT to provide an outstanding apprenticeship framework for both the technical certificate and NVQ programmes.

“Recently, engineering and manufacturing companies have struggled to recruit qualified, skilled engineers because of the skills shortage. This sponsorship recognises the need to train and develop the next generation of engineers.

“At the end of their training, the apprentices will be fully qualified engineers with highly successful and well-paid careers ahead of them.”

Laurie Foulds, co-owner and managing director of Middlesex Group, said of the partnership: “We highly value our continuing partnership with BCoT who have produced excellent employees over the years. More than half of the Middlesex Group management board are ex-apprentices.”