Pilot scheme inspires Wrexham’s engineers of the future

A pilot scheme to encourage youngsters across Wrexham to consider careers in engineering and manufacturing has been hailed a success.

45 young people from local secondary schools took part in the Wrexham Industrial Cadets ‘Silver Award’ programme thanks to funding from the UK Levelling Up Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Coleg Cambria and Wrexham Council teamed up with local sponsors JCB, Kronospan, Networld Sports, Pathway to Carbon Zero and Gatewen Training to launch the first industrial cadet’s initiative in the county borough.

The weeklong programme is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, and encourage young people to consider working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) industries and gain an understanding of the exciting careers open to them in Wrexham.

Cadets were given the opportunity to participate in industry-based activities, visit businesses, meet with apprentices and industry leaders, and develop their critical thinking, communication, and organisation and planning skills.

The cadets celebrated their graduation on Friday, July 5, when they were presented with a nationally recognised Silver Level Industrial Award.

Participants in the scheme have praised the experience they had and the opportunities available to them locally.

Nick Tyson, Vice Principal at Coleg Cambria said, “I am hoping that the Year 10 learners who participated not only will consider a career in Engineering and Manufacturing, but will also go back to school this term and share their experiences with their Teachers and fellow pupils.

“Massive thanks to our partner industries who despite their busy production schedules, spared their valuable time to support.”

Craig Weeks, Operations Director at JCB Transmissions, said the initiative “not only provides young talent with invaluable hands-on experience, but also allows us to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.”

These comments were echoed by Ben Spruce, Chief Financial Officer at Kronospan UK, who said: “It was a real privilege to have such an engaged group of students on-site to learn about the varied nature of jobs in industry and engineering and to hear first-hand experiences from some of our former apprentices.”

Gareth Daniel Davies at Net World Sports, said “Net World Sports were delighted to be able to welcome the enthusiastic participants from the Wrexham Industrial Cadets Programme on-site last week. “It was great to be able to show these young students around and to give them an insight into the incredible opportunities we have on offer.”

Rebecca Morgan, Director at Pathway To Carbon Zero, added: “We were inspired by the cadets eagerness to engage in environmental stewardship and we enjoyed the enthusiasm and understanding that they showed over the two days.

“We recognise the future economy will require enthusiastic young individuals who understand this topic and our sustainability needs.”

Julian Hughes, Director at Gatewen, said “Giving learners an opportunity to use state of the art driving simulators has been a game changer. The project has provided young learners with the information they need to make informed career decisions’.

Lead Member for Education, Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said Wrexham Council is “keen to explore opportunities to raise people aspiration” across Wrexham.

“The cadets have grown in confidence over the week as they have developed a broad range of transferable skills, which they can reference in the future on their sixth form, college, apprenticeship or employment applications,” said Cllr Wynn.

“We’d like to thank our secondary schools, local employers and training providers for making this happen, as well as those council employees who’ve played a key role in delivering this project.”