On Monday Emma travelled to Tyne Dock to visit Ford Aerospace to meet with Chairman Geoff Ford and tour the factory.
Ford Aerospace has been serving the aerospace and defence industries for over 100 years, and is a prime example of the kind of high tech specialist manufacturing that is one of the area’s greatest strengths. Their three factories in the region generate a turnover of over £10m.
This year the firm is providing exciting opportunities for young people in Shields to make a start in engineering, taking on 14 school leavers at its new Ford Engineering Academy. The initiative, in partnership with South Tyneside College, will last 6 months initially, and could turn into an NVQ Level 3 apprenticeship. A further group of young people will join the scheme in January.
Emma said:
“Ford has real roots in our community and is a perfect example of what the North East does best – highly skilled manufacturing that is in demand from some of the biggest companies in the world.
“Geoff has done a tremendous job expanding the business and I’m very excited by the company’s latest initiative, the Ford Engineering Academy. The skills these young people learn will give them valuable skills that will set them on the path to an exciting and rewarding career.”