RS Components supports local charity in efforts to encourage tomorrow’s engineers

RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents, is supporting a Northamptonshire-based charity in its mission to encourage youngsters into engineering. Northamptonshire Industrial Training Association Ltd (NITAL), a provider of training and apprenticeships for young people looking to enter the industry, is being given product donations by RS for use in NITAL’s Training Academy, based in Kettering.

Founded in 1969, NITAL is a charitable organisation which encourages students to go into engineering and take on one of its apprenticeships. It provides first class, accredited training working in conjunction with Sector Skills Councils, the Education and Skills Funding Agency and various awarding bodies, and delivers a wide range of Level 2, 3 & 4 Apprenticeships.

Tracey Taylor, community manager for RS in the UK, said: “I visited NITAL’s facility and was amazed by the programmes and remit. Not only is there a great workshop and training equipment for all types of engineering, but NITAL also customises the training according to the prospective employer’s industry – providing robust training and making the apprentices truly job-ready. RS is delighted to be supporting this initiative which is aligned with our efforts to raising awareness of a career in engineering and encouraging uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects.”

Alan Smith, NITAL CEO, said: “The product donations from RS are greatly received. At our new purpose built Training Academy, we offer day release provision, full time off the job training for employers with Apprentices and full time programmes for those looking to secure an engineering Apprenticeship. We design and develop bespoke training for employers to retrain and up skill existing staff. We cover everything from Computer Aided Design (CAD), engineering and manufacturing to welding training – so with such a full schedule, we’re always very appreciative of support from industry.”

NITAL also holds annual awards to recognise apprentice and industrial organisation efforts and inspire those in the industry, or those looking to enter it.