Record number of manufacturers set to take on apprentices
A RECORD number of manufacturers are looking to recruit apprentices this year, according to a new survey released for the launch of National Apprenticeship Week.
The survey, by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, found 79% of firms plan to recruit a manufacturing and engineering apprentice, while 45% intend to recruit an apprentice for other roles, such as IT, marketing and management.
National Apprenticeship Week is designed to raise awareness about the value of apprenticeships and the range of working opportunities available to young people today.
Richard Halstead, Midlands and East Region Director at EEF, said: “Manufacturers have a long track record of championing high quality apprenticeships and ensuring that young people enjoy every opportunity to start a satisfying and well-paid career.
“Despite this, our strength in this field often flies under the radar and this could mean both young people and their would-be employers losing out. Raising awareness is key – almost three quarters of manufacturers say that greater awareness of apprenticeships would encourage more young people into manufacturing. National Apprenticeship Week has a vital role to play in this and our sector is backing it every step of the way.”
Manufacturing apprenticeships – the key facts:
• Over 74,000 young people took up manufacturing and engineering apprenticeships in 2014/15
• Manufacturing and engineering accounted for 15% of all apprenticeships started last year
• Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships made up 40% of manufacturing and apprenticeship starts in 2014/15
• The average basic hourly pay for engineering and manufacturing apprentices is £6.50 per hour, almost double the minimum wage for apprentices (£3.30)
• At 31%, more apprentices in engineering and manufacturing receive bonuses than in other industries
Elsewhere, new research from Barclays Apprenticeships has shown that parental prejudice towards university alternatives are a major barrier to students starting apprenticeships.
The study of 1,000 parents found that the vast majority believe university is the best route for their child (65%), a view that becomes particularly prevalent if they have attended university themselves – rising to 80%.
The study, which also surveyed 1,000 university students, revealed that parents were far and away the most important influencer on their child’s decision when it came to further education and careers with 42% of students citing them as the most key influencer, compared to careers advisors (6%) and teachers (12%).
Despite this, parents actually underestimated their own influence with only 36% thinking they were most responsible for their children’s decisions, and perceived careers advisors to be much more influential on their children’s choices than they actually were (31%).
Mike Thompson, Head of Apprenticeships at Barclays said: “Going to university to study for a degree will always be a popular option, however many young people and their parents aren’t aware of the benefits alternative routes such as apprenticeships can offer and often see them as a back-up option.
“In reality, apprentices can earn from day one whilst getting on-the-job training, gaining qualifications, boosting their confidence in the work place and jumpstarting their career – all without the debt. At Barclays, we know that talent can come from anywhere – rather than focusing on qualifications and experience, we look for candidates who show real potential. That is why we have committed to providing 800 apprenticeship roles in 2016.”
