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North leading engineering apprenticeships

The North of England is leading the way in offering engineering apprenticeships, according to new research.

Sector Skills Council, Semta, has highlighted that a quarter of sector employers in the North (comprising the North West, North East and Yorkshire and Humberside) offer apprenticeships, compared to a national average of less than a fifth.

This latest research also shows the North is home to half of engineering apprentices in England that are over 25, demonstrating businesses are willing to invest in their current workforce, rather than simply recruiting school leavers who attract more funding.

In contrast, 17% of engineering apprentices in the Midlands are over 25, and in the South it is 34%.

Demographic changes in the population will mean apprenticeships will need to extend beyond 16-18 year olds.

Philip Whiteman, Chief Executive of Semta commented: “It is vital that businesses take a long-term view when considering their skills needs.

“Apprenticeships take 18 months on average to complete, and up to four years for Advanced Level apprenticeships, so employers need to consider their current workforce and think about where they might be in a few years, implementing solutions to tackle challenges in the future, now.”

Semta recommends that engineering and manufacturing sectors need to recuit 82,000 scientists, engineers and technologists across the UK, and suggest apprentices could meet these needs.

In response, Semta has launched the Apprenticeship Service, which will manage the whole process of taking on an apprentice, for free.

Mr Whiteman added: “Apprenticeships are good for business no matter where they are in the UK.

“With funding and support readily available through Semta, businesses need to invest in apprentice training and making sure they have the skills they need for competitive advantage.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .