Telford firm launches college partnership
A Telford-based training provider has launched a new partnership with Dudley College to meet the future skills challenges for the engineering and construction sectors.
Cadcoe, or the Construction and Design Centre of Excellence, has been delivering advanced apprenticeships in digital design since 2011, helping school and college leavers build the skills to develop their careers as computer-aided design engineers with businesses throughout the UK.
Apprentices receive a 20-week fast-track course in 2D and 3D computer aided design as part of an ECITB accredited advanced apprenticeship in engineering construction.
From September, Cadcoe students will complete their 20-week course at Dudley College's new Advance II Facility, a centre for advanced building technologies.
Daniel Leech, director of the Hadley Park firm, said: “Dudley College is one of the country’s top three providers of apprenticeships and a leader in its forward thinking and innovative approach to education.
"Through working together, we are really looking forward to being able to offer students a first-class experience, with the most current and advanced learning technologies for those looking to pursue digital careers within engineering and construction.”
The partnership has recently secured backing from Mark Farmer, chief executive of Cast Consultancy and author of The Farmer Review – a report commissioned by the government on the future issues the UK construction sector is facing, including a huge skills shortage.
Neil Thomas, vice principal at Dudley College has been one of the driving forces behind the development of Advance II and was keen to involve Cadcoe in its new educational offer.
He added: “Cadcoe and the college have a similar approach to training the next generation of design engineers, we both want learners to acquire real skills as soon as possible, so they can make significant contributions to the companies they work for. Jointly we will be able to provide a better training offer to the construction sector both here in the West Midlands and across the country.”
Cadcoe is the only provider of its kind to offer apprenticeships in computer aided design and 3D modelling, specifically for the steelwork industry. It currently has over 70 apprentices completing qualifications with businesses both locally and further afield in locations such as London and Ireland.
