Engineering giant opens up Telford plant
Engineering students from Telford College were given the opportunity to visit one of the town’s largest manufacturing companies as part of a new industry placement scheme.
Seven students spent the day with Angelo Fanourakis, chief engineer at GKN Sankey’s Hadley Castle works.
The company is looking to offer work placements to three Telford College students – potentially spanning up to 350 hours.
The site visit was designed to reflect a real interview scenario, with students touring the GKN manufacturing site, including the new combustion press, production lines, and testing laboratory.
They also took part in a series of engineering-themed exercises, and an interview.
Site director Mike Smith said: “There are lots of opportunities in engineering manufacturing in the UK and the country is crying out for young engineers.
“Going to college for your BTEC and HNC or HND qualifications is a well-recognised route, and one that I recommend myself.
“I have always believed in investing in my workforce and seeing engineers work their way through the hierarchy.”
He added: “The biggest threat to UK’s manufacturing industry is running out of engineers.”
Graham Guest, Telford College’s principal and chief executive, added: “This is an exciting opportunity for the college that we hope will develop further.”
