ONE of Basingstoke’s leading engineering firms has strengthened its ties with Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) offering work experience opportunities for students.

Aerospace, automotive design and manufacturing company Middlesex Group, is already working in partnership with the college sponsoring all of its BTEC Level 2 Engineering full-time courses.

The family owned firm, based in Telford Road, Houndmills, has recently taken on several male and female engineering students on work experience and even offered one an apprenticeship.

This was to 16-year-old Caitlin Smyth, who is currently studying BTEC level 3 engineering.

Delighted to have been offered an apprenticeship at the firm, she decided to continue her full-time course at BCoT.

But the offer is still open for Caitlin, who certainly left a good impression with managing director Laurence Foulds. He said: “Caitlin made a very positive impression with the people she worked with.”

Mr Foulds added: “We do have some female engineers, but we haven’t taken on a woman apprentice yet – that’s something we are keen to change.”

While at Middlesex Group, Caitlin relished the opportunity to work on the shop floor, working in different departments trying her hand using CAD, using milling machines and working in inspection.

“I was a bit nervous to start with,” admitted Caitlin, “But everybody was so friendly and I loved the atmosphere.

“It was a good experience and when I’ve finished my course I’d like to come back and take up that apprenticeship.”

Middlesex Group employs 140 people and has customers as diverse as AirBus, Boeing, General Electric and AgustaWestland.