‘An integral part of training future engineers’
Some of our closest business partners have been sharing their memories of the college during our 200th anniversary year.
We have established strong links with so many of the district’s companies over the past two centuries, not least through training their workforces.
In the case of Fives Landis, the relationship has involved training many apprentices who have gone on to become part of the firm’s senior leadership team – including Managing Director Phil Jenkins.
Engineering Director Ian Wellcock, who began his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship with the college in 1999, said: “All Landis apprentices went through the college, and we have many success stories.”
Inspiring future generations
Mechanical Engineering Administrator Amanda Dowden started as an apprentice at Fives Landis, which manufactures grinding equipment for the automotive industry, in 1978.
She said: “Studying at the college has shaped my career, and it helped give me the confidence to do something I enjoyed in an area that was not seen as something a woman would do in those days.
“The college has been an integral part of training future engineers. I hope it continues for another 200 years, inspiring generations to come.”
Meeting local demand
Apprenticeship manager John Harrison’s career at Fives Landis, meanwhile, spans four decades. He said: “The college was integral to training future engineers for what was then Landis Lund Ltd.
“While apprentices once had to travel elsewhere for training, we’ve now returned to our roots, with Keighley College as our main apprenticeship provider.”
A past to be proud of – and an exciting future
We are proud to have been able to help shape the careers of generations of residents, and provide them with more opportunities, for 200 years.
Originally established as Keighley Mechanics’ Institute on Valentine’s Day, 1825, the college has played a vital role in the community and continues to be a cornerstone of education and professional development.
We recently held a special evening meal for our partners, local dignitaries and past and present staff and students to celebrate the anniversary – and will be holding more events throughout the year.
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