Industry pledges support at start of national apprenticeship week
THE head of the Yorkshire arm of the National Skills Academy Process Industries is calling for more employers in the region to invest in students in recognition of national apprentice week.
Dr Iain Taylor said that it was more important than ever to ensure that employees had the skills they needed to help them deliver success.
“We would like employers and students alike to take part throughout apprenticeship week, where events and awareness-raising activities are going to roll-out across the country,” he said.
“Hopefully these events will encourage thousands more young people to consider the good careers available in the chemicals, polymer and pharmaceutical industries, as well as helping employers realise the benefits of sponsoring an apprentice.
A series of events are planned over the next five days including a unique apprentice speed networking event and a similar “meet the employer – meet the potential apprentice” session at Sheffield College between 8am and 10am on February 26.
Would-be apprentices can also find out more about the programmes available by dropping in between 10am and 3pm on the same day.
The push to attract more apprentices will also feature a special event to be attended by campaign supporter Sir Alan Sugar and Secretaries of State John Denham and Ed Balls at the Royal Armouries on March 19.
The Learning and Skills Council organised seminar is designed to “motivate and galvanise” more businesses to offer apprenticeships.
Dr Taylor said that apprentices were the lifeblood of the process industry, which is currently experiencing a skills shortage.
“Maintaining the right skills balance is essential if the UK’s process industries employers are to compete at home and overseas,” he said.
“With an estimated 24,000 apprentices required over the next decade, long term skills development through apprenticeships, designed to suit the needs of the process industries, is vital to ensure their sustainable future.”
The Government is hoping to encourage one in five young people to get on an apprenticeship within the next 10 years and 90,000 within the next five.
Employers or training providers interested in having a say in the future of process apprenticeships and science apprenticeship frameworks in the Cogent Footprint are invited to attend two summits on February 24 and 25 at the Museum of Science and Industry Manchester:
For more information please contact Ian Lockhart e mail ian.lockhart@cogent-ssc.com
