The Maritime & Engineering College was originally set up in 1998 as the Laird Foundation, a Centre of Vocational Excellence for Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing training disciplines; and a response to a growing industry with chronic skills shortages. In 2008, the Laird Foundation rebranded, becoming the Maritime and Engineering College North West, and today exists as a ‘Supply Chain Partner’ to predominantly Wirral and Merseyside-based firms in the Engineering, Manufacturing and Energy industries. With more than 250 Apprentices each year, we tailor our courses to suit the needs of the employer and consider ourselves to be an extension to our client’s companies where they can develop their workforce organically. The Maritime & Engineering College now provides technical skills solutions to the engineering sector in the following skill areas; ship building & repair, engineering construction, marine engineering, engineering manufacture, rail engineering, medical engineering, electrical and electronics and composites engineering. MECNW also offer a wide range of commercial courses, including Supervisor Training Module 4 (IOSH), CCNSG, Abrasive Wheel Training, Asbestos Awareness, Confined Space Awareness and many more. Overall, the Maritime and Engineering College’s intake of learners spans from 16-24+ years and includes a Schools Programme, Traineeships, Apprenticeships (at Intermediate, Higher and Advanced level) and Commercial workforce development courses. MECNW is a ‘group training association’ (GTA) and a leading business in the national GTA England network is widely acknowledged for excellence in servicing the skills needs of the engineering community on Merseyside consistently.
