Redcar-based automotive-parts manufacturer Elring Klinger (GB) (www.elringklinger.com) is celebrating the success of its ‘Routeway to an Apprenticeship’ student sponsorship programme in partnership with Middlesbrough College (launched in September last year).

Nine individuals looking to kick-start their careers in engineering have so far been given the opportunity to undertake a year of studies at the college funded at Elring Klinger’s expense.

On completion, they will be in with a chance of becoming an apprentice with the company.

Joshua O’Connor (17) and Ethan Young (17), both from Rye Hills Academy in Redcar, are among the first intake of students to benefit from the new programme, having previously completed work experience placements with Elring Klinger.

Following the success of the first intake of young people, the company will soon be looking to recruit a second phase of students to join the scheme this September.

Elring Klinger’s new sponsorship programme launches alongside its increased commitment to supporting the workforce of tomorrow, as the company prepares to recruit more university students to its ‘Year in Industry’ programme and to strengthen its relationship with local education providers through organised work experience placements with secondary-school pupils.

Ian Malcolm (pictured), managing director of Elring Klinger (GB), said: “As a business, we see bridging the skills gap in the region’s engineering and manufacturing sector as paramount.

“The success of our long-standing apprenticeship programme has highlighted that offering hands-on training to young ambitious individuals is an excellent way to do this.”