Member Article

Manufacturers back UK 'skills race'

Gordon Brown’s push to win the global ‘skills race’ has been backed by manufacturers in the North East. The Prime Minister yesterday said that he wanted to see one in five young people in apprenticeships within a decade. Manufacturers’ organisation EEF gave its backing to the government’s plan, believing it can make a significant contribution to improving and extending the apprenticeship programme.

Alan Hall, EEF Northern Director, said: “This review is a step forward and we welcome many of the proposals contained in the strategy. However, it is essential we get the speedy implementation of some of the key recommendations if the government’s ambitious targets for 2020 are to be met.”

In particular, EEF Northern believes there should be responsive funding for apprentices of all ages including a commitment to fund mature apprenticeships and the clarification of how apprenticeships fit with diplomas, higher education and other qualifications. The framework also needs to be flexible enough to open up apprenticeships to broader range of companies.

EEF Northern re-iterated its call for reform of the careers service to ensure parents and young people are aware of the full range of opportunities available to them.

Mr Hall said: “In tandem with the expansion of apprenticeships, we must ensure that the careers guidance young people receive provides adequate information on their benefits along with more radical action to encourage employers to establish new apprenticeship schemes.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .