CBI calls for apprencticeships reform

MORE companies should be encouraged to take on apprenctices says the CBI after research highlighted a looming technical skill gap in the region.

The 2014 CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey found that while nearly two thirds of businesses already running a apprenticeship scheme will hire more young people this year,  a significant number of those surveyed (65%), said they were not confident they will be able to access enough highly skilled workers to meet their needs.

Nearly 300 companies, 98 with operations in the North West, found that firms in the region have a growing need for higher skills – with 80% expecting demand to increase in the next three to five years.

Respondents said the following measures would make them more likely to take on an apprentice:  creating programmes that are more relevant to business needs (37%); cutting red tape (38%) and routing Government grants directly to employers (34%).

Damian Waters, CBI North West director, said: “It’s increasingly clear that the North West faces a shortage in skilled technicians in the years ahead, if we fail to create more chances for young people leaving education and for existing workers. Apprenticeships can help benefit the local economy but also tackle the scourge of youth unemployment.

“The North West has been a driving force in the UK’s economic recovery and if we are to build on this, we need a highly skilled workforce to meet growing demand from local firms.

“But we need even more companies to get involved and the Government can help by cutting more red tape, ensuring the apprenticeship system is truly based on the needs of firms and giving business real purchasing power by putting funding directly in the hands of employers on the ground.”

Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK added: “Everyone agrees that all our young people should be better supported as they prepare for the workplace – business leaders in the North West are echoing the voices of teachers, ministers and indeed young people themselves in calling for a more joined up approach to the transition from education to employment.

“The challenge now is to grasp the nettle so we bring employment and education opportunities together to meet the urgent social and economic need of creating a more highly-skilled workforce in the North West and across the UK.”

Close