A leading UK electric carmaker is the first to launch an electric vehicle apprenticeship scheme, set to be based in North East England.
Smith Electric Vehicles, a top manufacturer of commercial electric vehicle launches today its own training scheme in partnership with Gateshead College. The four-year course will see young people gain practical experience at the firm’s headquarters in Washington, Tyne & Wear while the college will provide classroom teaching.
The course is designed to provide students with a nationally recognised qualification that will equip them with the skills to work within the production and maintenance of electric vehicles. The course will allow students to complete a Level 3 framework; the equivalent to three A Levels. Apprentices will gain practical, work-based knowledge and skills through an NVQ Level3 in Engineered Systems and a City & Guilds Level 3 in Engineering, along with functional and key skills. They will then have the unique opportunity to progress onto a Foundation Degree in Engineering, Maintenance Operations or Electric Vehicles.
Geoff Allison, Managing Director of Smith Electric Vehicles, said: “If Britain is going to become a world leader in the production of electric vehicles, we have to start training the next workforce generation now.
“Smith Electric Vehicles has always invested in apprentices, but we are particularly proud to be leading the way in the development of the specialised skills our young people will need in the low carbon economy.”
Mick Brophy, Managing Director for Business, Innovation and Development at Gateshead College, said: “It’s estimated that by 2020 they’ll be up to 400,000 new ‘green’ jobs in the UK.
“By identifying, developing and delivering specialist training in these emerging green technologies, we’re at the forefront of being able to successfully equip the region’s workforce with the skills they need to meet this demand.”
Founded in 1920 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Smith Electric Vehicles is the world’s oldest surviving manufacturer of EVs. Once a major producer of milk floats, the company now offers a wide range of leading edge electric vans and trucks. Its Edison vehicle, a pure electric version of the Ford Transit van, is the world’s best-selling electric light commercial vehicle. Customers include Royal Mail, Transport for London, Coca-Cola, DHL, TNT and Sainsbury’s.
Smith expects to take on six apprentices in 2010, out of classroom of 16. Entry criteria include Maths GCSE at A* – B grade, plus grades A* – C in English, a Science and at least one other GCSE. Applicants will also undergo psychometric testing.
The firm is holding an open morning for prospective candidates at its Vigo Centre facility in Birtley Road, Washington, on Tuesday, June 22nd, 9am-noon.
For further details, or to book a place at the open day, please contact Cathy Homer, HR Officer, on 0191 461 6807 or email cathy.homer@smithelectricvehicles.com.
