Sunderland College supports ZF’s recruitment drive

Sunderland College is proud to support ZF as the global automotive technology leader continues to invest in future talent. 

The Peterlee-based company, which produces camera safety equipment found in vehicles across the world, works with Sunderland College to recruit and train people across a range of disciplines such as engineering, maintenance, finance, HR and logistics. 

Over the past few months, ZF has recruited several new starters who will study a range of courses at college – from Level 2 diplomas to HNDs and accounting qualifications – alongside hand-on training and development with the company, continuing a successful partnership which started in 2015. 

In addition, three apprentices – including Make UK 2020 North East, Yorkshire and Humberside Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Jake Richardson – have transferred to the Peterlee plant from the Sunderland factory. 

And in line with its policy of rewarding those who show potential and the right work ethic, five individuals have secured permanent roles after competing their apprenticeships. 

Carolyn Bird, Senior HR Advisor, said: “ZF Peterlee has been working with Sunderland College for the provision of apprentices for both technical and administration positions across the business since 2015. During that time, we have developed an open and positive relationship with both staff and assessors working to recruit and develop apprentices. 

“ZF is committed to the recruitment of apprentices as part of its talent pipeline, and many have been retained within the business with multiple permanent contracts being offered to apprentices on completion of their programmes.” 

As well as providing the educational element of the apprenticeship programme, Sunderland College also manages a robust recruitment process for ZF by administering assessments and interviews to ensure they have a suitable selection of candidates who are work-ready and will add real value as soon as they start. 

Each apprentice is fully supported by a college-appointed assessor who will help learners complete their qualifications, evaluate their competence in the workplace and make their journey into employment a success. 

Sunderland College’s expert Business Development Team has also worked closely with ZF to develop a range of bespoke training solutions to upskill the company’s workforce with English and maths courses and higher-level qualifications, as well as providing guidance on grants and funding available. 

Chris Small, Business Development Executive, added: “ZF and Sunderland College have built a strong working relationship and it’s grown from strength to strength. Having regular meetings throughout the year allows us to identify any opportunities for improvement which maintains the level of consistency and allows us to plan for the next intake of apprentices. 

“ZF also support their staff providing other streams of learning, from functional skills to specifically identified commercial training, they are a very forward-thinking company and see true value in offering further educational options to their employees.” 

Sunderland College is part of Education Partnership North East, one of the largest college groups in the country, which specialises across more than 40 business sectors including advanced manufacturing, engineering, construction, digital and IT, healthcare, professional business services, public services, land-based industries, and the visitor economy. 

Supporting over 1,000 business across the region in recruiting and training apprentices, finding the right talent to compliment and motivate their current staff, the group works closely with organisations to offer impartial advice and guidance about apprenticeships from understanding the Apprenticeship Levy, explaining off the job training, to assisting with recruitment and providing ongoing support. 

To find out how Education Partnership North East can help your business develop a workforce for the future, visit www.educationpartnershipne.ac.uk, call 0300 7701000 or email info@educationpartnershipne.ac.uk.