HAVERING College of Further and Higher Education has gained accreditation from The Institution of Mechanical Engineers for its Engineering Technician apprenticeship scheme.The college was proud to welcome the President of the Institution, Professor Isobel Pollock to its campuses.Apprentices Grace Williams and Daniel Clay from Chelmsford-based e2v joined Technology teachers from local schools for the celebration.The certificate presentation is an auspicious start for Maria Thompson as the college’s new Principal and Chief Executive.Mrs Thompson said: “This new accreditation confirms the high standard of quality training the college is delivering to young people who want to pursue engineering careers. We are delighted to have satisfied the requirements of The Institution for accreditation at Engineering Technician level as this will allow our students to benefit from professional membership.”The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is a licensed body of The Engineering Council, which determines the requirements for accreditation. There are three classes of membership: Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer.Havering College is now in the process of seeking accreditation for its higher level Engineering courses which enable students to progress from Level 3 Engineering to HNC, Foundation Degree and B(Eng) Honours.Professor Pollock – who is only the second female president in The Institution’s 165-year history – said: “I am delighted that The Institution is able to accredit this fantastic apprenticeship scheme. The practical skills of Engineering Technicians are vital to industries as varied as aerospace, energy and food manufacturing.“It was hugely encouraging and informative seeing the work being done at Havering College and I wish the Engineering Technicians being trained here all the very best in their future careers.”The tour took in the impressive motor sport and motor vehicle facilities at the Ardleigh Green Campus in Hornchurch as well as the engineering workshops at The Quarles Campus in Harold Hill, where Professor Pollock and Richard Folkson, vice-president of The Institution, spoke with James Mayle, 18, from Braintree.James, who is three weeks into his two year apprenticeship with e2v, told them: “When I was at school, I was interested in Technology and designing things. I decided an apprenticeship was a better option for me, rather than going to university. I am learning on the job and earning money.”Earlier in the day, The Institution invited the college’s acting Assistant Principal of Business and Technology, Stuart Woosnam to join their president on a visit to see the latest Ford projects under development at Ford Dunton.For further information on apprenticeships and Engineering courses Havering College courses at Havering College call 01708 462801, email [email protected] or visit http://www.havering-college.ac.uk/
