On Thursday 22 April, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) visited Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) to meet our current Design and Draft scholarship students and hand the ECITB 'Approved Scholarship Provider' plaque. On the day, ECITB members had a tour of the new college building and discussed their programme with employers.
In summer 2020, RuTC was successful in gaining scholarship funding for students to be paid while they learn on a two-year programme and will then progress onto the final years of an apprenticeship programme.
Aiyana, one of the engineering scholars said, "I have always wanted to go into engineering, so when I moved to the area, I applied for a normal vocational engineering course. RuTC recommended the ECITB Scholarship, and I am so glad I chose this course. It has more units than the vocational course and involves a lot of practical work."
Her classmate, Michael, said, "I did my A Levels and then started this course which gives me everything I need to progress to the next stage in my education and career. I really enjoy the skills we learn in the workshop and units on thermo dynamics and CAD. The ECITB Scholarship is very practical which makes it easier for me to learn than when I did my A Levels."
Bryn is also on the scholarship course and said, "I did my GCSEs and have always wanted to pursue a career in engineering. I started a vocational course, but the ECITB Scholarship is so much better for me and my career and it is a great benefit that I am being paid for it as well."
RuTC is pleased to say that the scholarship programme will also continue in the next academic year and the College’s engineering teachers and the ECITB are excited to welcome new applicants to gain skills and knowledge in Engineering Design and Draughting but also in Project Controls. If you know of any prospective students who would like to "earn while they learn" then please apply for the course.
Chris Claydon, ECITB Chief Executive, said: "It was a pleasure to meet the Scholars and the great team delivering the ECITB Scholarship at the impressive new Richmond upon Thames College flagship building. I know the engineering construction employers who joined us to talk with the scholars were really impressed with the young people, the course and the facilities.
"I’m proud of our partnership with the College, which provides a great opportunity for these learners to start out on their engineering careers with a foundation in the critical skills we need for the future."
Sheila Fraser Whyte, Executive Director for Business Development and Innovation at RuTC, said, "Richmond upon Thames College has been working with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board for over 10 years and we are grateful to have now received the ECITB Scholarship plaque. We are proud of our engineering scholars who have successfully completed the first year. The partnership ensures that they will have the skills, knowledge and behaviours to succeed in the engineering sector and we are looking forward to welcome the second cohort of scholars this September."
