The team at Learning Unlimited in Derby are proud to have played a small part in helping Tidyco to launch a toolbox project designed to help school children develop engineering skills. Now, Tidyco is calling for other engineering companies to support the project to allow them to reach even more young people.
Since the project launched in 2019 hundreds of school children have benefited. The scheme gives tools and deconstructed toolbox kits to schools. This allows them the chance to get a taste of the exciting possibilities engineering offers. Tidyco are looking for more companies to get involved. They are looking for organisations who would like to sponsor the production of the toolboxes. In addition, they need organisations who can give around 10 hours of time to the project.
Tidyco have been supplying hydraulic and pneumatic products to the UK rail industry for almost 50 years. They have a long history of supporting young people into the engineering industry. They have been working with Learning Unlimited since 2008 to develop apprentices and upskill their workforce.
Philip Mason, Production Director at Tidyco told us:
“I often hear engineering businesses say that school leavers are not prepared when entering the world of work with basic engineering/metalworking knowledge and skills.
While working with E4E I visited a local school and was surprised to see that there was not much in the way of engineering equipment and what it did have was mostly hidden away, gathering dust. I was also concerned at the lack of girls choosing engineering as a potential career choice which I hope this project will address.
If pupils are not given the opportunity to do engineering/metalwork in the classroom, how can they possibly be expected to consider it as an exciting future career?”
Before the project launched, Learning Unlimited helped Tidyco to develop a workbook and pay for the printing of the book which was distributed with each toolbox. Other companies got involved to support the development of the toolbox kit and to provide tools to help school students build the boxes.
Nicki Clarke, operations director at Learning Unlimited said:
“This is a brilliant initiative to get local young people interested in engineering. It shows how passionate the people we work with are about giving young people the right opportunities. It is so important industry and educational institutions work together to ensure we have a workforce with the right skills. We were delighted to be part of the project, along with other companies in the area. We work with so many engineering companies who rely on the talent of the next generation to keep their businesses going. I would urge any who are not already involved to consider getting behind the project.”
Find out more about the sponsorship package and get involved. Contact Philip Mason by email on philip.mason@tidyco.co.uk