Ford UK have donated two top of the range Tiger Engines made in their Dagenham plant to the Canvey Skills Campus, operated by PROCATs college, along Somnes Avenue. The donation follows a visit made by Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris to the plant, where she talked to managers at the plant about what could be done to increase links with Ford and local colleges in Castle Point.

The donation was arranged by Castle Point resident Kevin Greene, Production Manager for the Tiger Engine line at the Ford Dagenham plant. The engines, costing £2,500 a piece, were given to Canvey Skills Campus by the motor giant for use by the engineering students and those who study vehicle maintenance.

Commenting on the donation, Rebecca said:

“Last year I had a fascinating time visiting Dagenham Engine Plant. During my tour of the plant I talked a lot with the management about how I wanted more young people from Castle Point to apply for the jobs on offer there, and how locally we could match their skill requirements.

“This a fantastic gesture on behalf of Ford and I hope the chance to work on a top of the range Ford engine, made only a few miles away, encourages more young people to be interested in mechanics and engineering.”

“A massive thank you goes to Ford UK and Mr Greene for the amazing donation that I know will help many students get the skills they need for the well paid jobs they want.”

Tiger Assembly Production Team Manager, Kevin Greene said:

“It’s great to see the excellent work taking place at the Canvey Skills Campus and we are pleased to donate two engines from Dagenham Engine Plant to aid the students’ training and further development.”