Birmingham-based ADI Group, an engineering solutions company, has selected a new batch of students to join its pre-apprenticeship scheme for 14- to 16-year olds, taking the total number of students on the scheme to 24.

Launched in 2016, the ADI pre-apprenticeship scheme aims to introduce young people to the world of engineering at an early age, and it offers them practical training in a real-world environment.

Twelve Year 10 pupils from North Bromsgrove High School are set to join the scheme in September, spending half a day each week in a workshop at ADI’s headquarters in Birmingham as part of their EAL Level 1 Engineering and Manufacturing qualification.

Alan Lusty, ADI Group CEO, said: “I started out as an engineering apprentice, so I have experienced the benefits of such schemes at first hand.

“The Midlands is known for its world-class engineering; as a company, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of hands-on engineers and providing employment opportunities across the region.

“Over 600,000 people in the Midlands work in manufacturing, delivering over 21% of the UK’s annual manufacturing output. As a result, it is vital to ensure that young people receive the training they need to take on the high-skilled jobs of the future.”

For those interested in adopting the pre-apprenticeship model in their own business, an information pack — Inspiring the Workforce of Tomorrow — is available to download for free from the ADI Web site (www.adiltd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/adi-Pre-Apprenticeship-Pack.pdf).