Every budding engineer counts: Training organisation pledges to ensure all interested are given every opportunity to shine

PARTNERSHIP: Nathan Danial, assistant principal at John Leggott College, left, with Iain Elliott, chief executive of HETA. 

Pioneering collaborations to ensure budding engineers aren’t lost before they get the chance to enter industry are now being established.

Pan-Humber training provider HETA is working with further education providers to keep routes into key trades open for those not quite ready to make the next step - but where a desire to move in that direction has been shown

It could be due to specific grade thresholds not being met or support with softer skills, where further work to bridge the transition from education to a work-focused environment is required. 

Bringing on board schools, colleges and academies, teams at the Grimsby, Hull and Scunthorpe bases have pledged to help those who either don’t make a first cohort, or find the going too tough in the early stages of apprenticeships.

With a burgeoning demand for skills, and an ongoing issue to address concerning ‘NEET’ statistics – numbers of young adults not in employment, education or training – emerging partnerships are seen as having a double-edged benefit for society, as well as providing a safety net for individuals.  

Iain Elliott, HETA chief executive, said: “Teenagers mature and progress at different paces, but we work within a fairly rigid system, governed by academic years. This brings challenges that could be perceived as barriers for those who may be late to blossom and realise their potential, despite having discovered their preferred direction with us.  

“It is something we are very aware of, and are working with other providers to address it. This is a sensible, joined-up approach for all concerned.”

HETA – Humberside Engineering Training Association – has vowed to re-interview all who don’t make a year group 12 months later, while signposting the individual to an alternative opportunity in further education, to help address any gaps in their personal development – be it academic or pastoral. They will also work with the students in the setting, maintaining relations and helping shape a positive future.

The first further education institutes to come on board are John Leggott College in Scunthorpe and Wilberforce College in Hull.  

Nathan Daniel, assistant principal at John Leggott College, said: “Our collaboration provides structured pathways for students who do not secure access to HETA's primary apprenticeship cohorts, ensuring they receive the support needed to succeed in the engineering industry.

“The alliance is focused on increasing student opportunities, developing clear progression links, and securing high-value employability outcomes for young people.”

A key element is the delivery of a HETA-approved Level Two and Level Three ‘Access to Engineering’ programme, designed to upskill those who narrowly miss out on initial entry requirements. It enables a successful transition to an apprenticeship, Higher National Certificate or Diploma course. 

Information and guidance events for parents and students are being delivered, alongside personal development planning and joint curriculum projects. 

The partners have also vowed to work together on strengthening regional skills, uniting for future bids and tender opportunities to enhance educational investment in the communities served. To foster continued engagement and skills development, a ‘HETA Hub’ at the college is also being explored as part of the alliance.