To celebrate 50 years of engineering, Tridan Engineering has set its sights on the next generation of young engineers and has awarded an apprenticeship to the winner of its ‘Vehicle of the Future’ competition.
The competition saw students from Clacton County High School’s science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) group submit designs of how they think vehicles will be in the future. Finalists were invited to showcase their work at the company’s 50-year celebration employee BBQ, with the judging panel awarding sixth-former Ollie Oughton the fantastic opportunity of an apprenticeship with the internationally renowned company.
“We are passionate about encouraging the next generation of engineers”, said managing director Paul Hawkins. “So it was only natural that we celebrate 50 years in the industry by trying to inspire those who will take engineering into the future. Ollie’s design really impressed us and since starting his apprenticeship he’s shown a real potential. Over the coming months he will be trained in all aspects of the production control role and will gain the skills required to enable him to understand principles of engineering.”
Tridan Engineering has come a long way since its beginnings as a local job-shop in 1968, and the past 50 years has seen it become a globally-recognised provider of high precision components. Now one of the largest employees in the area, the company started its apprenticeship scheme in 2007 and they have developed a close relationship with Clacton County High School to help young people see engineering as a possible career. Since then, it has seen 13 of the 70+ strong team complete their apprenticeships and a further six are currently enrolled on similar schemes.
“We are very proud of our relationship with Tridan and their continued involvement in our STEM group,” explained Elizabeth Watson, lead practitioner in science and STEM coordinator at Clacton County High School. “This competition was a great success and really helped to engage our students. Tridan has been working closely with the school for two years now and this gives the students get a great insight into the wider world of work within STEM and engineering, making them more aware of the opportunities available to them within the industry on a local level.’
Commenting on his winning apprenticeship, Ollie Oughton said: “I spent long hours and extra college days to try and get my design noticed above the rest, and it really paid off. Tridan is a brilliant place to begin my career and I’ve learned more than I could’ve imagined in such a short space of time. Every day I learn something new and I’m excited to see where this opportunity will take me.”
