Training Placements for Sandwich Students in Small Companies: The Group Scheme for Technologist Industrial Training at Bradford University 1972–87

Group Schemes for technologist industrial training were established in the early 1970s on the initiative of the Engineering Industry Training Board (EITB) to help small companies to take sandwich course students for single periods of industrial training. The Group Scheme at Bradford University has provided industrial training places for 40 students on the mechanical engineering course during the last 15 years, and the participating companies have recruited six graduates.

Details are given of the operation of the Scheme including recruitment, the provision of basic engineering training, and the response of small companies to changes in grant aid. The provision of grant aid has proved a critical factor in the readiness of a company to take a student.

The introduction of Engineering Applications 1 (EAI) and changes in funding from the EITB has altered the Group Scheme from a body offering sponsorship in a collective of small companies to one providing closely monitored training for ‘college-based’ students. The work of the Group Scheme could be improved by giving the EITB responsibility for encouraging engineering training in all industries.