Ainscough partnership delivers Apprenticeship boost

Myerscough College is working with Ainscough Crane Hire to recruit 15 new Apprentice Crane Mechanics across the UK. The programme, which runs for three years, will see young people recruited to work full-time at one of Ainscough’s depots throughout the UK, whilst receiving Plant Maintenance training at the specialist Crane Academy inside Myerscough College’s brand new £4.4 million Engineering Centre in Preston.

Commencing in October 2012, the programme highlights Ainscough’s commitment to develop the next generation of crane mechanics and invest in the future of the industry. The apprenticeship programme is designed to provide a pathway into a long-term career in the industry for young people.

Apprentices will spend twenty weeks at Myerscough College in year one, ten weeks in year two, and six weeks in year three. They are trained in every aspect of crane maintenance and by the end of the programme will have achieved Level 2 in functional skills and NVQ Level’s 2 and 3 in Plant Maintenance, leading to the Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction Plant Maintenance at the end of the three year programme.

John Holden, Head of the Crane Academy at Myerscough College, said: “We have been working closely with Ainscough to promote the apprenticeship scheme and have had a fantastic response in just one week of advertising. The college has received over 200 applications for these positions in just one week, which shows just how much young people value these sorts of opportunities”

“This is great news for both Myerscough College and Ainscough; confirming our belief that young people see construction as a rewarding career choice.” 

Ainscough has provided Myerscough College with a fully operational crane to assist with the apprentices’ training development along with many other crane specific components, allowing the college to provide a complete training package on site at their specialist Crane Academy. Apprentices also receive a comprehensive toolbox and starter kit worth around £700.

Commenting on the apprenticeship scheme, Steve Cooke, Engineering Director at Ainscough said: “We firmly believe in investing in the talent of tomorrow and are confident that this year’s intake of apprentices will once again provide us with valuable and skilled employees.

“Once we have selected our apprentices from the applications, they will spend two weeks on site at their local depot to get to know their engineering mentors and become more familiar with the cranes before they start at the college.  Apprentices who are successful in completing the combined three year course will then undertake a final improvement year at the workplace before fully qualifying through the Ainscough apprenticeship programme.”

The 2012 apprenticeship programme builds on the existing partnership between Myerscough College and Ainscough Cranes, which began in 2003 and has already seen many young apprentices go on to successful careers in the industry.

To learn more about Apprenticeships at Myerscough College please click here, and for more information on Plant Maintenance training or the College's dedicated Crane Academy please click here