CAREERS: A world of opportunity at engineering giant

RIPON Grammar School A-level business studies students discovered a world of opportunity during a visit to engineering giant Cummins in Darlington.

They saw first-hand how more than 400 diesel generators a week are made at the plant, using a combination of robotics and manual labour – and learnt about the huge complexities and challenges of keeping the plant productive during lockdown and the war in the Ukraine.

Sixty-six thousand engines were produced there in 2021 and in January 2022, the factory, which has been manufacturing in Darlington since 1965, celebrated a historic landmark: its 1.5 millionth mid-range engine.

Cummins, which built the first commercial electric HGV truck, is also looking to the future with new hydrogen cell engines and a new hydrogen plant being built in Darlington.

Students spoke to a range of professionals on site, including the head of human resources, head of logistics and the chief manufacturing executive, who had flown in from the States.

During a series of tours, presentations and demonstrations, they learnt about the huge variety of roles within the company, including degree apprenticeships, internships and placement years, with opportunities around the globe.

Inspired: pictured above (l-r), Oliver Hadfield, Archie Bain, Joshua Moon, Alex Glegg, Noam Frankal, Seb Hinde, Harris O'Brien, Ben Wilkinson, Bella Weston, Emily Jackson, Polly Mallon, Roisin Hanson, Annabelle Sharp and Jasmine Cheung