Business joins Tipton school in apprentice project

A major manufacturing business in the West Midlands has teamed up with a Tipton school in a partnership that will create 12 apprenticeships for students

Engineering company Caparo has joined forces with the RSA Academy in a scheme which hopes to improve the employment prospects of its pupils.

As well as the 12 apprenticeships, the company will also offer a university scholarship for one RSA Academy student with engineering aspirations. The firm, has more than 20 companies in the region.

These include Wednesbury, Willenhall and Oldbury, employing more than 1,600 people.

Over the last couple of years Caparo has been working closely with the RSA Academy which is based in Bilston Road.

This year the business is launching its government supported apprenticeship programme which gives work experience to young people and supports the local community.

Under the new scheme, academy students aged over 16 will be able to apply for the apprenticeship positions.

The successful candidates will spend part of each week at various Caparo sites, getting hands-on experience of a wide range of skills and processes.

At the same time they will continue with their studies.

In addition, at the end of the academic year one of the top engineering students at the RSA will receive a Caparo funded university scholarship.

Caparo chief operating officer Douglas Dawson, said: "At present, when young people are struggling to secure employment due to lack of work experience, we are stepping in to help bridge the gap and provide youngsters with real opportunities and make a career in manufacturing a realistic and exciting choice."

RSA Academy principal, Michael Gernon, added: "I am really excited about this further collaboration with Caparo and I trust that we will work together for many years to come for the benefit of Academy students, the future of the Black Country and the Tipton area in particular."