The availability of engineers influences decisions by companies thinking about moving into Wales, the latest graduates from the Ford C2K Saturday Club were told.
Mrs Anne Reynish, a senior business development manager in the Welsh Government, was speaking to over 20 students aged 14 or 15 who have given up their Saturday mornings for the last three months for the course in Waterton Centre.
The students graduated with Crest certificates proving their competence in basic automotive engineering, electrical and pneumatics which they can now put into personal cvs when they go into higher education or seek jobs.
Ford BEP plant engineering manager Mark Thomas told the students and their parents at the presentation evening that the breadth of possible careers in engineering is immense and the Waterton course opened the door and the students’ eyes to what careers they might follow.
Mrs Reynish (pictured above with Mr Thomas) added that her job entailed meeting with possible investors who wanted to know what skills were available and where they should locate.
“We are supporting the Saturday club because we know how important it is for young people to get into engineering at an early age if they are to develop their careers and be there for the businesses which want to come into Wales or expand operations in Wales.
“Engineering is important to our economy and you have to decide from a young age if you want to do STEM subjects. We want young people to understand engineering is a valuable and viable career to follow.”