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Government targets 100,000 engineering apprentices in five years

The Government has announced a multi-million pound scheme to produce at least 100,000 new engineering apprentices over the next five years.

Created by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institution of Civil Engineers, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the scheme is backed by £10m from the Gatsby Foundation - one of the Sainsbury family charitable trusts.

On completion of the scheme, apprentices will gain the professional registration designation of Engineering Technician (EngTech).

The Prime Minister said: “British engineering and innovation are a part of our history that we are rightly very proud of and our engineering excellence continues to change the world that we live in for the better. Bloodhound is a fantastic example of what our engineers can achieve.

“Apprenticeships are at the heart of our mission to rebuild the economy, giving young people the chance to learn a trade and to build their careers, creating a truly world-class, high-skilled workforce that can compete and thrive in the global race.”

Stephen Tetlow, chief executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, added: “To help UK companies succeed in this ever-growing competitive global marketplace, we need people with the highest professional skills and abilities.

“This initiative will ensure that the UK has a growing stream of Engineering Technicians being developed to a level that is recognised and respected around the world.

“We are pleased that Mr Cameron recognises the importance of Engineering Technicians to the UK’s engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors.”

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