PARTNERSHIP Between College And Semiconductor Factory Will Boost Apprentice SkillsGREENOCK semiconductor manufacturer Diodes and West College Scotland are working together to develop engineering skills among Inverclyde’s young workforce.
Five second-year apprentices from the Larkfield factory will undertake the HNC (Higher National Certificate) Electrical Engineering programme at the college’s Greenock campus.
Aimee Cooke, Michael McDermott, Scott Graham, David McLennan and Craig Cunningham will complete the programme on a day-release basis over the next two years.
The joint goal of the partnership is to improve skills provision and apprenticeship delivery within Inverclyde.
Gerry McCarthy, managing director of the Diodes plant, said: “At the heart of our ambition to help Diodes’s growth and profitability is the ability of our employees to develop the skills required to manufacture very high quality, low cost semiconductor devices. Following the acquisition, Diodes invested significantly in new, leading edge equipment for the site.”
“Our Modern Apprenticeship programme has always been critical to ensuring the continuation of very highly talented equipment technicians capable of maintaining highly complex machinery.
“I am delighted that Diodes and West College Scotland are now working together to not only develop young talent but to further showcase what Inverclyde has to offer in terms of world class manufacturing and education.”
Liz Connolly, West College Scotland principal and chief executive, said: “Partnership working is a key strategic driver for West College Scotland in terms of skills development within the Inverclyde area, and the opportunity to partner with a multi-national organisation such as Diodes Incorporated provides a platform to continue the resurgence of the engineering curriculum at the Greenock Campus.”
“We wish the apprentices every success in their studies and look forward to continuing the positive relationship with Diodes as we move forward.”
Diodes Incorporated supported the college further by sponsoring the HNC Electrical Engineering award at this year’s Greenock graduation ceremony which took place last week.
The prestigious recognition went to Andrew Mullen for his dedication to his studies throughout the year.
Aimee Cooke, Michael McDermott, Scott Graham, David McLennan and Craig Cunningham with fellow second year engineering apprentices Christopher Grierson and Lee Donald who had both completed their HNC at the college prior to commencing their apprenticeship with Diodes.
