2021 Apprentices Welcomed at Hydram

Engineering Apprenticeships at Hydram

Hydram Engineering welcomed the newest group of engineering technician apprentices to the business in September 2021. Six young people from across the region began their apprenticeships, bringing the number of current apprentices studying towards the nationally recognised Engineering Technician level 3 qualification to nine. Hydram has always had a strong ethos in workforce development and apprenticeships in particular, offering apprenticeships to the workforce at qualification levels ranging from level 2 up to master’s degree level 7.

Hydram Apprenticeship Centre

Hydram began delivering its own engineering apprenticeship programme in 2011 having previously worked closely with local colleges which supplied candidates and delivered training. Since bringing the whole process in house Hydram is now able to deliver full Apprenticeship Standards at Level 3, along with a range of other qualifications at various levels as an EAL recognised centre; EAL being one of the leading awarding bodies for manufacturing and technical qualifications.

In recent years the programme has expanded, with applications increasing rapidly along with the quality of the candidates, strengthening the Hydram team and securing a sustainable workforce for the future. It has also gained accreditation from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) allowing apprentices direct entry to EngTech status upon completion, and even gaining access the National Union of Students NUS Extra program. Hydram has a dedicated training centre equipped with all of the required technology apprentices need to achieve their individual learning goals.

“This is a great opportunity for young people with an interest in engineering. They are gaining knowledge and experience from an established team of engineers within Hydram, and from a company perspective they are learning exactly what this business needs to continue its expansion within the sheet metal sector,” said Neil Mawson, Hydram’s Training Manager.

About Hydram’s Apprenticeship Programme

A formalised training programme exists which has fixed training plans and progression routes for all apprentices. Apprentices develop practical skills in line with the core business of Hydram whilst completing their technical studies. Apprentices gain not only the technical knowledge which is delivered onsite by members of Hydram’s training team, but also the necessary practical skills on the latest production machinery: CNC laser cutting machines, punching machines, press brakes, milling machines and the paint and assembly facilities to name a few.