Ford Engineering, one of the most successful engineering businesses in our region, has teamed up with Gateshead College to set up the Ford Engineering Academy.
Designed to help you to build the skills, knowledge and confidence employers are looking for.
The academy will put you in the best possible position to go onto successfully securing an engineering or manufacturing apprenticeship or your first job in the industry.
Key benefits
About the academy
Pioneered by the late Geoff Ford MBE, the academy was set up to give young people the skills, knowledge and experience they need to start a successful engineering career or find an apprenticeship.
As Chairman of Ford Engineering, a multi-million pound business that supplies precision machined components to the global aerospace market, Geoff recognised a need to provide good quality, foundation training that focused on developing both the skills and attitudes that employers are looking for and was passionate about developing a skilled engineering workforce of the future.
The year long programme will include the key skills and knowledge of engineering:
The qualification will also cover:
You will need 3 GCSEs at grade 3 or above in maths, English and a Science subject.
You will require an assessment and interview to assess your level
This qualification gives you knowledge and understanding of a broad range of engineeringcompetencies.
It covers the intermediate knowledge, understanding and skills that are required by someone working in the engineering industry.
It takes a hands-on approach to intermediate engineering training by providing you with:
Our highly skilled and experienced team of engineers will work with you to help you build the skills and knowledge employers require for your career in engineering.
Each of the team has served their time in their industries and can use their skillset to help prepare you for your career.
You will take part in a meaningful work experience placement with one our of partners.
The placement will be designed to help you put your learning into practice and will offer a valuable opportunity to get a taste of the real world of work, feedback from engineering mentors and the chance to see for yourself what an apprenticeship or job in engineering might be like.
Our partners include:
Our workshops and equipment are industry standard and include a range mechanical maintenance equipment including:
When you finish the course, you can:
There may be a cost for a uniform such as safety boots and overalls.
We’ll let you know more about this during the enrolment process.
“The training gave me the skills, experience and confidence I needed to start my apprenticeship. Now I can continue to learn my trade on the shop floor at a great company whilst earning a wage.” – Rhys Donald, Ford Engineering Apprentice.
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.
We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
Our specialist teams can help with:
See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free or reduced price course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 years over, you can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan or pay the fee upfront in full and qualify for a 10% discount.
You can get more information at our enrolment events, by calling 0191 490 0300 or email us at [email protected]
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.
Enrolment Event
Monday 12 May 2025
HTQs Online Information Session
Wednesday 21 May 2025