In 2018, Andy Clark led a pilot study investigating the apprenticeship scheme at the Sigmund Pumps factory in Gateshead during the Second World War. Andy has since developed a new oral history project with the Common Room of the Great North (formerly the Newcastle Mining Institute) that looks at the past, present and future of engineering in the North East of England. Interviews with current engineers, trainers and local businesses will investigate and assess the changing nature of engineering. This will add to the new oral history archive at the Common Room and contribute to a public exhibition when the building reopens in 2021.