A Skills Academy designed to train the next generation of workers in engineering and business has been launched by Lakes College and Bendalls Engineering, part of the Carr’s Engineering Group, in partnership.

The academy opened its doors at the Bendalls Engineering site on Kingstown Broadway in Carlisle in September 2022 as the company changed its approach to its apprenticeship delivery.

A purpose-built classroom and shopfloor training facility has been created at the site and fitted with the latest equipment to provide learners with an optimal environment to learn.

Training and apprenticeships will be delivered for roles including:

Engineering

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Welding and fabrication
  • Machining
  • Mechanical fitting
  • Engineering design
  • Non-destructive testing
  • Technical services
  • Engineering manufacturing
  • Slinging and lifting
  • Abrasive wheels
  • Gas bottle safety
  • IOSH health and safety

Business

  • Supply chain operations
  • Customer service
  • Team leading
  • Operational management
  • HR
  • Accountancy
  • Project controls
  • Corporate responsibility and sustainability
  • Management
  • APM project management

Why has the academy been established?

The Carr’s Engineering Skills Academy in association with Lakes College was launched to develop a skills base in Cumbria’s engineering supply chain and tackle the skills deficit in areas including fabrication and welding.

Bendalls and Lakes College see this collaboration as a major step forward in training in the county which will benefit the wider community in bringing together industry and academia in the workplace.

Growth in the nuclear sector as a result of vital energy, defence and decommissioning programmes has generated momentum which the Skills Academy aims to harness to encourage more young people into industry.

In addition to the apprenticeship programme, the academy will also provide training for a number of young unemployed people who are over typical apprentice age each year, with the aim of taking on some of the participants who have been unable to start or complete their apprenticeships or training schemes.

These candidates will be trained and developed through to the end of their chosen apprenticeship, supporting them into employment and increasing their skills, knowledge and access to opportunities.

The Skills Academy is a long-term investment by Bendalls supported by Lakes College intended to provide skilled workers with the abilities to hold long term, sustainable and well-paid jobs in Cumbria.

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