A powerful educational partnership in the heart of County Durham is proving that the best way to predict the future is to create it.
By combining PPG Shildon’s industrial expertise with Bishop Auckland College’s classroom excellence, four local staff members are embarking on a journey through high-level apprenticeships.
The collaboration is designed to bridge the gap between theory and the high-stakes environment of the aerospace industry.
For PPG, a global leader in coatings and specialty materials, the goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of local talent.
Stephen Laverick, EMEA Aerospace Learning Partner at PPG, said: “At PPG Shildon, we are making substantial and ongoing investments in the development of our people, with a key emphasis on building skills for today and tomorrow.
“Our relationship with Bishop Auckland College plays an integral part of this, providing opportunities for local talent to come and work at Shildon in highly skilled roles, as well as providing us with long-term capability requirements for the site.”
For three colleagues – Kira-Beth Johnson, Aiden Benson and Sean Wilson – the partnership has provided the perfect springboard following their recent promotions to Cell Leads.
All three are now undertaking the Level 3 Team Leader apprenticeship to master the complexities of frontline management.
Kira-Beth, 24, from Shildon, sees this as a natural evolution. She said: “It has gone great so far. I was keen to do the apprenticeship to move up; it’s the next steps in my career at PPG.”
Her colleague Aiden, 21, from Newton Aycliffe, highlights the support system provided by both the employer and the college.
He said: “The college has been informative early on, and Susan (Mould) there has been very helpful. She has given me a good understanding of what to expect from the course and what is expected from me. My reporting manager has been very supportive … and Stephen has also supported with this.”
Aiden adds that seeing others succeed on site was a major motivator, adding: “Others on site have done a similar course and it has helped them significantly. It also opens opportunities for progression.”
While the Level 3 cohorts focus on team leadership, Arron Briddick is looking toward senior operations. Arron, 35, from Bishop Auckland, currently serves as an Assistant Operations Manager and is beginning a Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship.
Arron said: “I’m always looking to develop my skillset and deepen my understanding of how a business operates.
“The apprenticeship will help me build stronger commercial and leadership capability, strengthen my business acumen, and better prepare me for roles with greater responsibility. Ultimately supporting my goal of progressing into higher-level operations management.”
The success of these four individuals is no accident. It is the result of a deliberate strategy to create a culture of learning, where technical skills are balanced with professional behaviours like communication and safety leadership.
Susan Mould, Senior Relationship Manager at Bishop Auckland College, said: “By working in partnership with PPG, we have been able to tailor training that directly supports their workforce needs.
“Apprenticeships play a vital role in helping employees build new knowledge, skills and behaviours as they progress into different roles. I am looking forward to hearing about the projects and progression all four apprentices make.”
As these four professionals begin their studies, the partnership between PPG and Bishop Auckland College continues to reach new heights.
Stephen added: “Our apprentices and early career colleagues are doing extremely well. They are demonstrating good engagement, growing in both technical skills, and understanding of real-world manufacturing and aerospace industry processes.
“Ultimately, we hope to see the partnership with Bishop Auckland College continue to foster skilled and motivated individuals who can grow with PPG, as well as provide learners in the community with long-term career prospects in the aerospace industry.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
