Blackburn College apprentices trained by Darwen's WEC Group

Darwen-based WEC Group, one of the largest engineering and fabrication companies in the UK, has specialised in fabrication, laser and waterjet cutting and milling for more than 40 years. 

It employs more than 900 staff working across aerospace, defence, oil and gas, nuclear, mining and automotive industries. 

Edd Belshaw, group apprenticeship coordinator for WEC, said: “Working with Blackburn College on the new Level 3 Machining Apprenticeship offer is a very exciting opportunity for us here at WEC.  

“The one-day-per-week College Day model fits perfectly into our busy work schedule, meaning our apprentices get the benefit of learning within our workshop and learning the theory side of things at Blackburn College.”

The agreement between Blackburn College and WEC comes as the college looks to expand the opportunities for students looking to pursue careers in engineering through a Machining Apprenticeship. 

WEC was impressed by Blackburn College’s ‘work to classroom’ model.  

The college will first offer a Level 3 Machining Apprenticeship, based on a day release, which includes one day of learning at the college and four days onsite at WEC over four years.

This working model means that students can learn continuously on the job as opposed to spending a block of time learning and a block of time on placement.  

Suhail Khan, engineering development lead at Blackburn College, said: “This apprenticeship model bridges the gap between theory and application.

"It allows us to work closely with local businesses and set our curriculum to their needs, rather than sticking to a standardised national curriculum.” 

Principal and chief executive of Blackburn College, Dr Fazal Dad, said: “We’re proud to be working with WEC.

"The business has an impressive wingspan across the North and the Midlands, and to be a part of training their future generation of workers is a privilege.”