A TRAINING provider will work in partnership with a Basingstoke college to sponsor an engineering course.

West Berkshire Training Consortium (WBTC) has agreed to sponsor all BTEC level 3 engineering full-time courses at Basingstoke College of Technology.

WBTC is a longstanding provider of training for a wide range of apprenticeship programmes, and also offers commercial training for employers.

The sponsorship at BCoT is an investment in the future development of engineering and will allow students to develop their skills and gain qualifications to HNC/HND and on to degree level.

The sponsorship scheme is aimed at entry level students who wish to pursue a career in engineering, and is a move away from the traditional post-graduate selection process that many companies adopt.

Engineering students will progress into employment or further their development through an engineering apprenticeship.

Christian Clifford-Jones, head of engineering at BCoT, said: “WBTC is a fantastic supporter of apprenticeships in the community. They work hand-in-hand with us at BCoT to provide an outstanding apprenticeship framework for both the technical certificate and NVQ programmes.

“Recently, engineering and manufacturing companies have struggled to recruit qualified, skilled engineers because of the skills shortage. This sponsorship recognises the need to train and develop the next generation of engineers.

“At the end of their training, the apprentices will be fully qualified engineers with highly successful and well paid careers ahead of them.”

Matt Garvey, managing director of WBTC, added: “We have worked with BCoT for over 15 years in the delivering of engineering apprenticeships and we recognise it as one of the most outstanding colleges in the region. Many people in West Berkshire commute to work or study in Basingstoke or vice versa so there are strong links between the two areas.

“This collaboration means that young people will be offered the highest quality training as apprentices and employers will benefit from a highly skilled workforce.

“I am personally delighted to be sponsoring BCoT full-time students, many of whom will progress into apprenticeships here in West Berkshire and neighbouring areas.”