Building services engineering design consultancy, Desco, is helping to combat skills shortages in the construction industry by supporting young engineers in their future careers. The company has invested in a special training programme that combines a university degree with on-the-job learning and is supporting its trainee engineers with funding towards their course fees.To date, the firm’s scheme has helped almost 30 young people including Rachael Smith, 23, who is based in Desco’s Sunderland office and Jim Clark, 27, who works at the company’s South East office in Epsom, Surrey. Both are in their final year at university and spend four days a week working as part of the Desco team. They enjoy a varied role and responsibility on a range of exciting projects.Mechanical engineer Rachael is studying part-time for her building services degree at Northumbria University. Electrical engineer Jim is studying part-time at London South Bank University, for his degree in building services.
Building services engineering design consultancy, Desco, is helping to combat skills shortages in the construction industry by supporting young engineers in their future careers.
The company has invested in a special training programme that combines a university degree with on-the-job learning and is supporting its trainee engineers with funding towards their course fees.
To date, the firm’s scheme has helped almost 30 young people including Rachael Smith, 23, who is based in Desco’s Sunderland office and Jim Clark, 27, who works at the company’s South East office in Epsom, Surrey. Both are in their final year at university and spend four days a week working as part of the Desco team. They enjoy a varied role and responsibility on a range of exciting projects.
Mechanical engineer Rachael is studying part-time for her building services degree at Northumbria University. Electrical engineer Jim is studying part-time at London South Bank University, for his degree in building services.
As well as its work placement and bursary scheme, Desco works in partnership with schools, universities and careers advisors to inspire people at an early age.
Director David Wright said: “Engineers are increasingly in demand and we need to continue to invest and support young people into engineering as a career choice. We’re optimistic about the future of the construction industry but we’re also in a situation where a significant amount of work needs to be done to attract more people into this sector.”
He added: “Working alongside our industry partners, there are practical steps we can all take to improve the image of engineering. I’d urge more companies to support talented young people and the engineers of the future.”
Desco is currently on a recruitment drive to find more mechanical and electrical engineers, opening up a range of job opportunities for people starting out and already established in the industry. The practice will shortly be relocating its South East team from Epsom to Croydon in order to accommodate this further growth.
To find out more about job opportunities at Desco, visit www.desco.uk.com