THE VALE of Rheidol Railway, Aberystwyth, is involved in a new partnership to produce the next generation of engineers for manufacturing and engineering companies.

Eleven apprentices and six employ­ers have been signed up to launch a foundation apprenticeship in engineering programme, which is being funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.

The foundation apprenticeship is the result of a partnership between Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, NPTC Group of Colleges and Myrick Training Services, Montgomery, a member of the Coleg Cambria Partnership.

They have pledged to provide a pathway for young people to follow towards a rewarding career in engineering and manufacturing.

During a survey of its members, MWMG discovered that a shortage of trained engineers in mid Wales is impacting on business performance and restricting expansion and development.

In the past two years, MWMG has generated interest in manufacturing by involving young people in company visits and engineering challenges with the backing of SEMTA.

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