SKILLS Firm boxes clever for metalwork initiative


Derby-based Tidyco, a supplier of hydraulic and pneumatic products to the UK rail industry for over 40 years, has launched a project to ensure all Derby secondary schools offer metalwork as a subject. After identifying Littleover


Community School as a good place to launch the pilot scheme, Tidyco planned how to turn the idea into a model that was achievable and could be scaled up as more schools signed up to the challenge. It then looked to various local engineering companies to help support the project to enable it to start building the prototype tool boxes. Further support with the fixings required meant that after eight months, Tidyco produced the first tool box. All the hard work was rewarded


when the Tool Box Challenge was launched at the Littleover Community School Engineering Club. A group of almost 20 Year 10 students turned up in their own time and, with guidance from the DT staff at the school, a good start has been made. Philip Mason (pictured),


Production Director for Tidyco, has been instrumental in devising the initiative to bring engineering back on the secondary education agenda.


Tidyco’s Tool Box Challenge is helping to engage the future workforce


He said: “I often hear engineering businesses say school leavers are not prepared when entering the world of work with basic engineering/metalworking knowledge and skills. “While visiting a local school I


was surprised there was not much in the way of engineering equipment and what it did have was mostly gathering dust. I was also concerned at the lack of girls choosing engineering as a potential career choice, which I hope this project will address.


“If pupils are not given the opportunity to do engineering/ metalwork in the classroom, how can they be expected to consider it as an exciting future career?" James Tidy, Managing Director at


Tidyco, said: “It was great to see the young engineers of the future learning the basic engineering skills required in the workplace and Tidyco is pleased to continue to support and drive the project.” Pieter Eksteen, the Chamber’s


Education and Business Partnership Manager, added: “It is important for


young people to have access to quality experiences to prepare them for the opportunities and challenges the future world of work has to offer. The Chamber is passionate about helping schools engage with businesses to ensure young people are inspired and that businesses have access to a strong and diverse talent pool in the future.”


business network July/August 2019


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