NSCG Apprentices secure permanent positions with Stoke-on-Trent engineering company, Neida

After successfully achieving 12 GCSE's, grades A-C, Adam Thompson completed work experience with the CNC Sliding head section at Neida's Head Office and went on to secure an apprenticeship.

Like many apprentices, Adam's studies were affected by COVID-19, and as a result, much of his assessment and learning was undertaken remotely on digital platforms. With regular planned contact with his assessor from NSCG coupled with on-the-job training and support from his mentors at Neida, Adam successfully completed his apprenticeship and has now accepted the position of CNC Sliding Head Setter. As a LEvel 3 qualified machinist, Adam's responsibilities include programming, setting and operating CNC Sliding Head machines. All machine setters are operators are required to adhere to Neida's high quality standards, ensuring components and features are manufactured to the correct specification.

Commenting on his achievement, Adam said: "I have received enormous support from my mentors and assessors. They have provided me with all the skills and knowledge to be a competent machine setter. Alongside this, I was given the opportunity of additional training on-site at the machine manufacturer, STAR which was a brilliant opportunity. I chose an apprenticeship to gain the fundamental skills and knowledge to work in the engineering industry long-term.

"During my apprenticeship, I was lucky enough to be involved in setting and producing components required for ventilators during the pandemic. As a company, Neida were asked to produce 12 components, a total of 90,000 parts to be delivered in just seven days. This is something that I'm really proud of."

Alongside Adam, NSCG apprentice, Ethan Rotherham has also been successful in securing a full-time CNC Sliding Head Setter position.

Ethan originally studied an EAL Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations back in 2018, learning the basics of engineering by using machine tools, measuring and inspection equipment and techniques such as fabrication, welding and materials processing. After a week of work experience in both the Rotary Transfer and CNC Sliding Head sections at Neida's Head Office, Ethan was offered a part-time position giving him the chance to work two days a week alongside studying for his Level 2 qualification.

Commenting on his experiences at Neida, Ethan said: "The opportunity of work experience at Neida confirmed that the idea route for me was to achieve an industry-recognised qualification by continuing my learning and starting a career in engineering.

Ethan added: "My Neida mentors have been great. Since my induction, they structured one-to-one training, enabling me to learn specialist skills which can't be taught in the classroom. I have also benefited from both on-site and off-site machine training which has helped me to develop my skills further. I am looking forward to continuing to progress within the growing CNC Sliding Head section and really excited for the future."

Find out more about an apprenticeship with NSCG here.