Established last year, Engineering Week is a dedicated week-long work experience programme, ran during the summer academic break, designed specifically for students interested in engineering. During the week, the young people visit a number of local engineering companies to gain an insight into the local industry.

After taking part in Engineering Week last year, Rachel was asked by MPI Offshore to submit her CV for potential future apprenticeships. After an interview process, Rachel successfully secured a position as an Apprentice Draughtsman and started her employment in December.

In her role, Rachel will be predominantly based within the drawing office where she will gain experience of specialised computer software that will over time allow her to produce detailed engineering drawings. Working at MPI Offshore allows her the opportunity to combine office-based work with on-site visits to see the company’s fleet of vessels and work with local fabricators to observe operations first-hand.

Her apprenticeship will take two years to complete and when finished Rachel will have gained a HNC in Mechanical Engineering.

Commenting on High Tide and her new position with MPI Offshore, Rachel said: “I’m am so pleased that High Tide were able to give me the chance to visit MPI Offshore last year which resulted in the company offering me this opportunity. I am looking forward to the challenge and expanding my learning further with the help of my apprenticeship.

“Something I really enjoyed about getting involved with High Tide was being able to go onboard the MPI vessels, being able to look around and talk to the Captain. Also what I found interesting was learning all about what MPI do from the drawings office to the installation vessels.”

Managing Director of MPI Offshore, Peter Robinson, commented: “When students engage with organisations such as High Tide it shows initiative and an enquiring mind. MPI Offshore is a member of High Tide to showcase our business to those most interested students. It is a great starting point for business and students with common goals to meet and on occasions, as in the case for Rachel, to start a working relationship.

“We are delighted to have Rachel on-board and over time, with training, we look forward to seeing her develop into a first-class Teesside engineer upholding the area’s worldwide reputation for engineering talents.”

Take a look at the Engineering Week page for more information and Our Programmes for more schemes and opportunities available to young people on Teesside.