Forth Valley College is set to be the first training provider in Scotland to deliver an innovative Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Scholarship Programme.
The ‘ECITB Scholarship’ course has been introduced to help create a pipeline of new talent into industry while employers rebound from the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis.
The two-year course will be delivered at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus, four days per week from August 2021 to June 2023. Course outcomes include a HNC in Engineering Systems, the Performance Engineering Operations qualification and Level 7 skills specific training in their elected discipline.
The varied programme will also include industry talks, employer visits and a simulated project. Candidates will be supported throughout by both the ECITB and FVC staff to enhance their opportunities to progress onto employment in the engineering industry. They will also receive a weekly £140 training allowance from the ECITB.
Prospective candidates can apply now via the College’s website. The ECITB is keen to boost diversity in the engineering construction sector and encourage applications from female candidates, people from BAME backgrounds and those who are coming from more deprived areas, aged between 16 – 19 years old.
All applicants must have Highers at grade C or above in both English and Maths as well as a Higher in a Science subject. Closing date to apply is Friday 30 July. Interviews for the programme will take place soon after.
Dr Ken Thomson OBE, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “This exciting new scholarship is another example of the excellent relationship we have with the ECITB and we are delighted to be the first college to be able to offer the programme.
“Both the ECITB and Forth Valley College will be playing an important role to support the Scottish economic recovery from the Covid pandemic. The ECITB has a tremendous reputation for training and developing new en gineering and construction professionals and this scholarship will enhance that even further. This innovative Scholarship Programme will show how serious we are in supporting the Scottish economic recovery along with our partners as we emerge from the last 16 months of Covid restrictions.”
Adrian Wookey, the ECITB’s Head of New Entrants, said: “We look forward to working in partnership with Forth Valley College as they launch the first ECITB Scholarship in Scotland.
“The Scholarship gives learners the opportunity to enter the workforce at a critical time and reflects the ECITB’s support for a new generation of engineers prepared with the skills and knowledge we need for the future of our industry.”
To find out more about the course, click here.