Smith Electric Vehicles

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UK's First Electric Vehicle Apprenticeship Launched

Smith Electric Vehicles, the world's leading manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles, is proud to announce the Smith Electric Vehicles Apprenticeship Programme, based in North East England:

- UK's first ever apprenticeship dedicated to electric vehicles
- Partnership between Smith and Gateshead College
- 4-year apprenticeship specialising in EVs
- Option to continue studies on a Foundation Degree
- Places for 16 young people this year

THE first ever apprenticeship dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs) is launched today in North East England.

The four-year course will see young people train at Smith Electric Vehicles, the world's leading manufacturer of electric vans and trucks. The scheme combines workplace training at Smith's headquarters in Washington, Tyne & Wear, with education at Gateshead College.

Geoff Allison, Managing Director of Smith Electric Vehicles, said: "If Britain is going to become a world leader in the production of electric vehicles, we have to start training the next workforce generation now.

"Smith Electric Vehicles has always invested in apprentices, but we are particularly proud to be leading the way in the development of the specialised skills our young people will need in the low carbon economy."

The brand new, nationally-recognised course will see learners completing a Level 3 framework, the equivalent to three A Levels. Apprentices will gain practical, work-based knowledge and skills through an NVQ Level3 in Engineered Systems and a City & Guilds Level 3 in Engineering, along with functional and key skills. They will then have the unique opportunity to progress onto a Foundation Degree in Engineering, Maintenance Operations or Electric Vehicles.

Mick Brophy, Managing Director for Business, Innovation and Development at Gateshead College, said: "It's estimated that by 2020 they'll be up to 400,000 new 'green' jobs in the UK.

"By identifying, developing and delivering specialist training in these emerging green technologies, we're at the forefront of being able to successfully equip the region's workforce with the skills they need to meet this demand.

"The partnership with Smith Electric Vehicles forms a significant part of this work and we're delighted to be the first college to develop this unique framework and offer an apprenticeship in electric vehicles.

"In Smith, we have found a partner with real foresight. Together we are creating a course that can be a blueprint for low carbon vehicle training across the UK."

Founded in 1920 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Smith Electric Vehicles is the world's oldest surviving manufacturer of EVs. Once a major producer of milk floats, the company now offers a wide range of leading edge electric vans and trucks, powered by the latest lithium-ion batteries. Its Smith Edison, a pure electric version of the Ford Transit van, is the world's best-selling electric light commercial vehicle, while the Smith Newton is the market-leading all-electric truck. Customers include Royal Mail, Transport for London, Coca-Cola, DHL, TNT and Sainsbury's.

As part of the partnership, Smith is donating vehicle chassis and components to Gateshead College, worth in excess of £100,000. Smith will provide a dedicated mentor on site and Gateshead College will reciprocate with a single lead engineer conducting all classroom training.

Smith expects to take on six apprentices in 2010, out of classroom of 16. Entry criteria include Maths GCSE at A* - B grade, plus grades A* - C in English, a Science and at least one other GCSE. Applicants will also undergo psychometric testing.

Smith Electric Vehicles is holding an open morning for prospective candidates at its Vigo Centre facility in Birtley Road, Washington, on Tuesday, June 22nd, 9am-noon.

For further details, or to book a place at the open day, please contact Cathy Homer, HR Officer, on 0191 461 6807 or email cathy.homer@smithelectricvehicles.com.

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