WITH engineering skills and abilities at the height of importance within a variety of modern industries and businesses across the UK, there’s never been a better time to consider training, join the supply chain and aid growth within the sector.

Carr’s Engineering Skills Academy, a collaboration between Lakes College and Bendalls Engineering, has helped to upskill a number of local apprentices and has supported them with their search for employment opportunities and career pathways since first launching in 2022.

Training and apprenticeships are delivered in various roles including mechanical engineering, welding and fabrication, machining, mechanical and maintenance fitting and engineering design.

The academy, based at Kingstown Broadway in Carlisle, features a fully-equipped training facility containing the latest equipment - providing learners with a realistic work environment to learn in.

Tackling the Cumbrian skills deficit in key areas including fabrication, welding and CNC machining is a years-long challenge in which the academy plays its part, and with the support of local businesses, is proving to be successful and leading to positive work placements and permanent employment.

Companies including One-o-Five, Stolle Machinery, Aspatria Farmers, Tweddles Engineering, PMS, Clark Door, North West Engineering, Park Gate and more have supported learners and apprentices at Carr’s Engineering Skills Academy and aided in their career progression through personalised support and feedback.

Bendalls Engineering, founded in 1894 and acquired by Carr’s Group PLC in 1996, has been at the forefront of fabrication technology and production within Carlisle since their early days.

Sean Saunders, managing director, said: “In response to a pressing need for high-quality training options and to address the skills shortage across the engineering industry within our region, we proudly established the academy in collaboration with Lakes College. 

“We are proud to witness this venture, which has rapidly surpassed expectations, initially nurturing our in-house apprentices and now extending its reach training capability to nearly 50 apprentices across numerous employers from the Carlisle area.

“The footprint of the training workshop has doubled in size, making it a thriving hub for development that we are fully prepared to double the footprint of once again when the demand arises.”

Bendalls Engineering are hosting an Apprentice Open Day at their workshops on Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle on Friday, February 16 between 3pm and 6pm. 

Please feel free to pop in for a site tour and more information on the apprentice positions they have available for September 2024 intake. 

For Lakes College, based at Lillyhall in Workington, the academy marks their first major step into educating the people of Carlisle and surrounding areas within the engineering sector.

Gary Martin, director of curriculum and skills (engineering) at Lakes College, said: “Our strong partnership with Bendalls Engineering aids in bringing together years’ worth of knowledge and expertise, which are passed down to our learners through hands-on teaching and practical work.

“We are excited to continue growing our provision and offer within Carlisle and surrounding areas, upskilling the workforce of the future and helping to develop employability skills.”

If you would like to learn more about how Carr’s Engineering Skills Academy could support you or your child’s future, contact Lakes College by calling 01946 839300, visiting their website (www.LCWC.ac.uk) or emailing admissions@lcwc.ac.uk