Student-engineers manufacture success at Denroy

Instilling key employability skills required for today’s demanding workforce is a key priority on South Eastern Regional College’s curricula. And to illustrate how their efforts are paying off, two student-engineers from the College have gained employment with Denroy as they look to complete their engineering qualifications.

HND manufacturing engineering students Aaron Caughey and Luke Squance gained employment with the Bangor-based manufacturing company having successfully completed their level 3 qualification. The duo have since progressed to the HND qualification which they are set to complete within the coming months. Both are employed as apprentice technicians.

Meanwhile 16-year-old engineering apprentice Neil Murphy, gained employment as a tool room apprentice with the Company having completed his GCSE’s and is currently completing his qualification at SERC on day release.

The trio are the latest in a series of SERC students who have been recruited by the company over the years. The company began recruiting apprentices several years ago, with the number being offered increasing yearly as the company expands.

Denroy Engineering Manager Mike McGrath explains “It is essential we invest in the creation of a skilled workforce to support the growth of our business. We have had a long standing relationship with SERC. From working with them to provide product prototyping, staff training and development to hosting tours for students to get a feel for the industry.

“As a thriving business we are always looking to the future and new ways to improve our products and attract talent. Attracting the right people and developing them within our business is vital for us achieving our business goals. Our collaboration with the College will help us create a new generation of great leaders who can contribute to the future growth of the company.”

As engineers, the students are involved in a variety of projects across the company such as servicing, maintaining and installing machines and equipment.

Aaron said: “The Company is exceptionally innovative and I am very proud to be part of such a talented and experienced team.”

Neil said: “As an apprentice I am really enjoying gaining practical experience and industry knowledge which will prove useful in my role as tool room apprentice.”

SERC deputy head of school for computing and engineering commented: “At SERC we are passionate about finding and supporting talent within the engineering sector. This is a great example of how students can embrace what the industry and the further education sector has to offer and directly benefit from it.

“Our courses combine academic study with on-the-job experience. This means students graduate with a specialised set of skills that meet the specific needs of employers in a particular sector. I am delighted that the students have got this amazing start to their career. It is just the beginning of a great career for them. On behalf of SERC I would like to thank Denroy for their continued support in terms of offering work placement opportunities, site visits and class talks – which enrich the student learning experience.”

SERC provides a range of full and part-time courses designed to give students ‘the edge’. To enrol or to find out how SERC can help you ‘get the edge’ call 0345 600 7555, visit www.serc.ac.uk or find us on Facebook, search: SERC.