13 July 2015, 08:00
Motherwell-based truck manufacturer, Terex Trucks, runs a three-year apprenticeship foundation programme in collaboration with East Kilbride & District Engineering Group Training Association (EKGTA) – a training provider for the engineering industry – in order to invest in young talent.
One of Terex Trucks’ first year apprentices, Ross Kerr, has already excelled in his training, having received two awards from EKGTA. For five months, Terex Truck apprentices were assessed on their welding skills. In this module, Ross scored 92 out of a possible 100, the highest mark in his class, earning himself the Lincoln Electric Award.
Ross was also part of a team which received the Chairman’s Award for the best group project. Both trophies were presented to him at EKGTA’s award ceremony on the 21st of May, held at its Engineering Training Centre in Law Place, Nerston Industrial Estate, East Kilbride.
“I couldn’t praise Ross enough for his work ethic, skill and responsibility – his awards are very well deserved,” said Alan Wilson, Engineering Instructor at EKGTA.
To win the Chairman’s Award, EKGTA trainees took part in an engineering project to design and manufacture a model motor vehicle. The aim of the project was to bring together all aspects of their training to develop vital employability skills, including communication and planning skills, teamwork, and time management.
Facing tough competition with 18 teams taking part this year, Ross was shortlisted as one of six finalists. The finalists presented their projects to a board of judges, which included Paul Hudson, operations director for Terex Trucks, and Derek Syme, EKGTA training manager.
During the awards ceremony, Gordon McGuinness, deputy director for Industry & Enterprise of Skills Development Scotland gave a guest speech. Attendees also included Hugh McKinnon, chairman of the Board of Directors of EKGTA and the association’s General Manager, Tom McBrearty, who introduced and announced this year’s award winners.
“As part of our commitment to investing in young, local talent, we have been running the apprenticeship scheme for four years now,” said Paul Tierney, HR Director for Terex Trucks. “As well as providing valuable work experience and skills, the apprenticeship scheme ensures Terex Trucks avoids a talent gap in the future.”
The programme combines on-the-job training with college studies, meaning apprentices are able to complete nationally-recognised academic qualifications and gain invaluable work experience whilst earning a salary.
Ross’s apprenticeship is in manufacturing and structural engineering, and next year will be split between fabrication and manufacturing engineering.
Source: Terex Truck