MTC pledges to boost apprenticeship rates
COVENTRY’S Manufacturing Technology Centre has signed up to a new initiative aimed at boosting the number of apprentices employed in British industry.
As a member of the 5% Club, the MTC will be committed to ensuring that at least 5% of its workforce is enrolled on formalised apprentice, sponsored student, or graduate development schemes.
However, it is already well ahead of target, with 22% of its employees currently enrolled as apprentices, graduates or on sponsored (YINI) placements.
The MTC joins a growing number of FTSE listed companies and similar sized 5% Club members striving to redress the skills shortage threatening to stifle growth in the manufacturing industry.
Dr Clive Hickman, chief executive, MTC said: “We are proud to be a member of The 5% Club. The campaign’s focus on creating momentum behind the recruitment of apprentices and graduates into the UK workforce mirrors our own mission.
“With around a quarter of our workforce consistently made up of apprentices, graduates and students on structured programmes – all learning in a world-leading environment on ground-breaking programmes in advanced high value manufacturing – we’re already demonstrating our investment in creating industry-ready engineers of the future.”
Dr Sam Healy, programme director of The 5% Club said: “We are delighted to have the MTC join us in our efforts in driving momentum into the recruitment of apprentices and graduates in the UK workforce. The company’s existing efforts to invest in the next generation are greatly welcomed and together we can strive towards a brighter future for young people in Britain.”
To further its commitment to skills development, the MTC will shortly become home to a £36m purpose-built advanced manufacturing training centre. Forming part of the National Advanced Manufacturing College network, the new centre will welcome its first batch of apprentices in September.
The facility is being built next to the existing MTC, where students will have unrivalled access to its 80+ industrial members and be able to gain experience in some of the most exciting advanced manufacturing methods and processes being undertaken anywhere in the world, including intelligent automation, additive layer manufacture, robotics, metrology, mechatronics, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Machining (CAM).
Students will also have the opportunity to test and develop their skills in sponsored placements, including the opportunity to undertake international assignments.
The MTC is currently looking to recruit 40 new apprentices to start the next course in September.
