Training female learners for the automotive industry

Female learners will be given the opportunity to find work in the automotive sector when they are released, thanks to a partnership between Novus and NAC Training.

The North East is renowned for automotive manufacturing. There are more than 240 automotive companies in the region, employing 30,000 people. Future growth and expansion is set to generate thousands of new jobs in the next decade. This new partnership with NAC Training will give female learners the chance to gain a career-relevant qualification and thrive in the world of work upon release.

The joint collaboration has already proved successful, with two male learners from HMP Northumberland being amongst the first to secure employment. They both achieved an EAL Level 2 Certificate in Preparation for Working in the Engineering Manufacturing Industry (WEMI). Following the success of the pilot, this opportunity will now be offered to learners at HMP/YOI Low Newton in County Durham.

Joanne Watmore, Novus’ Cluster Manager for the North East, said: “Both Novus and NAC Training want to encourage women to work in the automotive sector.”

It is a very exciting time to be a part of this innovative project. Learners have so much to gain. We are looking forward to rolling it out at HMP/ YOI Low Newton, and have also just introduced it at HMP Holme House.

Private training provider, NAC Training, identified that the WEMI certificate and an employability qualification would be the most relevant for the automotive industry. The organisation took its equipment into HMP Northumberland to replicate it’s community-based set-up, and enable tutors to deliver the WEMI qualification.

So far, 39 learners have achieved the qualification and completed their employability programme. This will give them the necessary awareness and attitude to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.