A Ballymena student has become one of the UK’s youngest trained laser cutting operators, thanks to Northern Regional College’s pioneering Engineering Career Academy.
Jordan Hunter has topped off a work placement at Hutchinson AeroTech with an offer of employment from the firm.
Hid placement was port of the college’s pioneering Engineering Career Academy, which selects approximately 15 full-time engineering students to experience the world of work in local engineering rims to enhance their employability.
William Watson, curriculum manager at Career Academy (Engineering), said: “The Ballymena campus was the first in Northern Ireland to pilot the engineering programme in 2012 and we have had excellent feedback from all the companies we have worked with. “
“This was a great opportunity for Jordan, one which he seized with both hands.”
Jordan, who began studying BTEC Level 3 Engineering in 2013, spent six weeks at Hutchinson AeroTech, and following his initial placement, the company were so pleased with his work that they extended his internship and have now contracted him to work two days per week while completing his studies.
Mark Hutchinson, managing director at Hutchinson AeroTech said: “The programmes works because it brings together students who are committed to learning and gives them a realistic insight into what they can achieve in engineering.”
Jordan added: “Throughout my time on placement I started to understand how to do tasks, even in front of other experienced professionals.”
“I actually began to take my own initiative and became a lot more confident in my own capabilities.”