An intensive electrical training course heavy on theory but devoid of practical experience was the inspiration behind the creation of Electrician Courses 4U (EC4U). Nigel Best, company director, set up the business in 2010 having undertaken the course which he says was “simply not good enough.”

Bringing training in-house has proved a shrewd investment for County Durham Engineering firm Hydram Sheet Metalwork.

In 2011 the company removed apprentices from the local colleges and training providers to set up its own training department on site in Chilton, Ferryhill – turning to EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry, to support them.

EAL encourages schools to take a step closer to industry

EAL is helping to secure future skills in industry by encouraging schools, academies and University Technical Colleges (UTC’s) to pledge to offer impartial careers advice, have closer ties with industry employers and invite apprentices to talk to students.

The new National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) is opening its doors in October 2015.

EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry, will certify and validate 39 courses at NTAR through its accreditation services, covering traction and rolling stock.