26 June 2017
Record intake of female apprentices expected at the MTC
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), a part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, is gearing up for highest ever intake of female apprentice engineers since launching its apprenticeship programme.
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), a part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, is gearing up for highest ever intake of female apprentice engineers since launching its apprenticeship programme.
The news comes immediately on the back of International women in Engineering Day (23 June), an initiative by the Women’s Engineering Society, which aims to raise awareness of and promote opportunities for women in engineering.
Increased awareness of the range of career opportunities for women in engineering has reaped dividends for the MTC’s Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programme, with applications from young women on the increase, whilst the number of potential engineers joining the course in September could more than double.
“We’ve seen increased engagement at recruitment events, school and college visits and by working with our existing apprentices, who are fantastic advocates for studying at the MTC. There’s still a long way to go, but we’re definitely heading in the right direction.”
Matthew Bastock, Apprenticeship Recruitment Co-ordinator, The MTC
Tilly Brogden, a second year student, was studying vehicle mechanics at college before switching to the MTC’s apprenticeship programme. She said: “Most people are quite shocked when I tell them what I study because it’s traditionally been such a male-dominated industry but I do think this is changing. If you’re interested in engineering then my advice would be to just go for it – don’t be put off by what other people think, it is a fantastic industry with lots of opportunities for young people”.