Kitemark launched to make manufacturing apprenticeship programmes soar

A kitemark for manufacturing companies that show leadership in employing apprentices has been launched.

Manufacturing trade body Make UK has partnered with support platform Next Gen Makers to develop the Engineering Apprenticeships Employer Kitemark, which will recognise companies who achieve a best practice benchmark.

Stephen Phipson, Make UK CEO, said: “It’s vital that would-be apprentices feel comfortable and confident when selecting an engineering employer, who will give them the right support and training throughout their apprenticeship and beyond.”

The feedback of current apprentices and training providers is part of the criteria in awarding the kitemark to employers, in addition to the company being benchmarked against industry best practice on an annual basis during their journey within the programme.

The kitemark was launched on Friday as part of National Manufacturing Day.

Adam Tipper, managing director of Next Gen Makers, added: “Across the UK, we have excellent examples of engineering firms that are running winning apprenticeship schemes and that are unaffected by the skills shortage as a result. We also have a large proportion of industry that would like to improve their ability to do so.

“There is so much potential in sharing best practice amongst manufacturers to realise this and for the benefit of all.”

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