ESC Students Tour Vacgen & Gear Up for Apprenticeships

East Sussex College took three of its promising engineering students on an exciting tour of Vacgen, a leading vacuum technology manufacturer based in Lower Dicker.

The students, Josh Cooper, Byron Stevens, and AJ Galsworthy, have all recently completed their Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations NVQ Diploma and are eager to secure a Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeship.

The visit was organised to give the students an inside look at Vacgen and the opportunities it offers. Ian Holden, the Human Resources Manager, and Matthew Pullen, the Production Manager, led the two-hour tour. They introduced the students to various aspects of the company, explaining what working at Vacgen involves and what the role of an Engineering Technician entails.

Katie Parris, Business Development Advisor at East Sussex College, commented on the importance of these experiences, “Providing our students with real-world insights and opportunities is crucial. Visits like these can be life-changing, offering them a clear pathway to a successful career in engineering.”

The tour was just the beginning. This month, Josh, Byron, and AJ returned to Vacgen for interviews and a chance to meet more staff members.

After careful consideration, AJ Galsworthy has been chosen as one of the successful apprentices to join Vacgen. This marks a significant step forward in his career, and the College is proud to support him and all students in reaching their professional goals.