DPS welcomes £8m funding support to boost training levels
A COMPANY that builds, maintains and extends the life of power plants across the world has welcomed an £8m funding boost designed to increase the number of new trainees entering its sector.
Doosan Power Systems, which has an operation in Tipton, said the funding would see 790 people recruited into the engineering construction sector. The funding has been supplied by the Government and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.
In response to a proposal developed by DPS on behalf of ECITB and its members, the Government is to provide £4m to help local employers fund training under the Engineering Construction Welding – Pathway to Sustainable Excellence through their Employer Ownership Pilot. ECITB will match the investment, bringing the total amount to £8m.
The grant will enable employers to provide training programmes over the coming 18 months. The initiative is aimed at new entrants, such as school-leavers, looking to develop a career in the engineering construction sector.
Martyn Fletcher, Director-Operations Support, DPS, told a meeting at the DPS apprentice training facility in Tipton: “We expect big demand for skilled workers in our industry over the coming years, particularly in light of the nuclear newbuild programme. This grant is essential if we are to provide the skills and expertise vital to supporting the development of the UK’s energy infrastructure.”
David Edwards, CEO of ECITB added: “I am delighted that the UK Government has acknowledged the skills challenges faced by the UK engineering construction sector. By partnering with local industry to fund training, the Government is providing tangible support to employers and promoting our industry as a viable career option for young people.”
DPS builds, maintains and extends the life of power plants across the world. It uses the latest technology to supply a range of power solutions.
Its services range from advanced turbine design and boiler technologies to comprehensive after-build support services. It works across both the traditional and renewable fuels sectors, as well as the industrial and petrochemical industries.
