Local engineering apprentices return to practical training after workshop revamp

Engineering Apprentices from local employers commenced their practical workshop training in the revamped workshop at The Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA). For some this is a return after their training was cut short due to the Covid-19 lockdown back in March, and for others it is a brand new start to their engineering career.

SETA based in Millbrook, Southampton, used the time that the doors were closed to apprentices to reconfigure the workshops and classrooms to ensure that social distancing measures are adhered to as part of the new operational procedures.

All apprentices and visitors to the centre can now expect to have their temperature taken on arrival, declare any symptoms they have and be advised to wear a face covering. These measures go some way in helping to minimise the spread of the virus.

With apprentices training in several engineering trades including electrical, mechanical maintenance, engineering fitting, design & draught and metal trades (such as welding and fabrication), the centre will have a buzz about it once again.

The classrooms will not remain silent either as learners will be commencing the first year of either their Level 3 BTEC or Level 4 HNC Technical Certificates in General Engineering, or returning for their second year. Both certificate courses are available on a commercial basis, as well as part of an apprenticeship.

Pete Hurlstone, Quality & Compliance Manager said, “Staff have worked tirelessly to get the centre ready for the return of the apprentices and ensuring that we opened our doors again as a Covid-19 compliant organisation.”

He continued “Commercial learners were able to come back to SETA in the dedicated classrooms and assessment areas earlier in the year. The rest of the workshop and classrooms have now been revamped and we are looking forward to the return of the apprentices.”

If you would like to speak to SETA about either becoming an apprentice or are an employer that would like to know more about taking on an apprentice then please contact our Apprenticeship Team via recruitment@seta-training.co.uk or telephoning 023 8077 1908.

Pictured: temperature taking on arrival at SETA as part of the new operational procedure.