Narec Invests in New Generations

Narec has given three youngsters a head start with their careers in the renewable energy sector by recruiting them as apprentices with the help of Northumberland College.

Narec, The National Renewable Energy Centre, which is home to world-leading research and testing facilities for the sale-up of offshore renewable energy and marine technologies, has recruited three multi-skilled technicians to work at its site along the river Blyth in Northumberland.

The roles will involve assisting the technician team in operational and maintenance tasks, encompassing the delivery of test pieces such as wind turbine blades, drive trains and marine energy devices for client requirements across Narec’s facilities.

Amanda Lingwood, HR Business Partner at Narec said: “With the roles being so specialised we felt it important to invest time and resources equipping these individuals. As a result we decided to go down the Apprenticeships route, providing these individuals with a structured training programme and on-the-job experience, giving them a great start in their chosen career.

“We see them as a long-term investment and have provided permanent, full-time employment contracts to coincide with the start date of their Apprenticeship training which will last for three years.”

The three successful candidates are Vinny Halliburton and Matthew Eltringham, both 19 from Blyth and George Hedley, 18 from Whitley Bay.

Matthew said: “I was thrilled to find out I had been successful in gaining the Apprenticeship with Narec, especially now I know how many other people I was up against.

“I chose to do an Apprenticeship because I wanted to learn on-the-job; I think it’ll be a fantastic way to start my career. I’m really enjoying it so far.”

Should the three new recruits have any questions during their training they can turn to colleague Philip Marshall, who was recruited by Narec as an apprentice technician five years ago. Philip has since completed his Apprenticeship with Northumberland College and is now employed as a technician.

Philip, 25, from Bedlington said: “It’s great to see another intake of apprentices here at Narec. I was lucky enough to secure employment at the end of my Apprenticeship and I think this is a great opportunity for young people in the area. They will be supported in their roles and I’m sure I will be able to guide them through some difficult parts of their course.”

Northumberland College offers Apprenticeships in over 40 different subjects and works with over 700 employers across the region in a wide range of industry sectors.

Press release, April 22, 2014; Image: Narec