A partnership between Hayley Dexis, WD-40 Company and Hartlepool College of Further Education is helping engineering apprentices gain practical industry experience while strengthening links between education and the workplace.
Through the Training the Trades programme, engineering apprentices at Hartlepool College have the opportunity to use and evaluate a range of WD-40 products as part of their practical training.
The initiative gives learners experience of real-world engineering applications while helping them develop their understanding of the products, tools and maintenance practices they are likely to encounter during their future careers.
Giving apprentices a voice
Importantly, the relationship works both ways.
Apprentices are encouraged to provide direct feedback on their experiences of using the products. This gives students access to practical learning opportunities using established industry products, while providing WD-40 with insight from the next generation of engineers and skilled tradespeople.
The partnership has been more than a year in development and reflects a shared commitment to supporting technical education, developing workplace-ready skills and helping young people build successful careers in engineering and manufacturing.
Recognising resilience, progress and potential
The collaboration goes beyond practical training.
As part of the partnership, new awards have also been created to recognise the wider development and achievements of students, including the WD-40 ‘Keep Moving Forward’ Award.
The award recognises a student who demonstrates exceptional commitment, resilience and personal development throughout their learning journey.
It looks beyond academic results alone, taking into account areas including attendance, practical and technical skills, professionalism, academic progress and, importantly, the determination to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.
That approach reflects the ethos behind the WD-40 brand and recognises that some of the qualities most valued by future employers, including perseverance, attitude and continued improvement, cannot always be measured by grades alone.
Connecting industry with future engineering talent
By combining hands-on industry engagement with meaningful student recognition, the partnership demonstrates the positive impact businesses and education providers can have when they work together.
For apprentices, it creates opportunities to develop practical skills, industry awareness and confidence alongside their technical education. For businesses, partnerships like this provide an opportunity to engage directly with emerging talent and strengthen connections with the future engineering workforce.
As manufacturers across the North East continue to focus on attracting, developing and retaining skilled people, collaborations between industry and education have an important role to play in preparing young people for successful careers in engineering and manufacturing.
The partnership between Hayley Dexis, WD-40 Company and Hartlepool College demonstrates what that can look like in practice: giving apprentices practical experience today while recognising the resilience, development and potential that will help shape their careers tomorrow.
For more information, contact mark.elliott@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk.
