UK engineering, manufacturing, and technology apprenticeships in decline

apprentice engineer
© Komgrit Pradissagul

An inquiry is currently being introduced by the governing administration to evaluate the decline in engineering, manufacturing and technologies apprenticeships nationally throughout the Uk

Ministers from equally Labour and Conservative events are coming jointly with the charity EngineeringUK, to start an inquiry to uncover the factors behind the ‘worrying’ decline in engineering, production and technology apprenticeships viewed throughout the United kingdom.

The sector is having difficulties with an acute techniques shortage, so the governing administration needs to understand the decline in apprenticeship uptake far better and find solutions to assistance with the developing British isles workforce.

Companies, coaching suppliers and youthful individuals are urged to take portion in ‘call for evidence’ to deal with the techniques scarcity – which correlates inadequately with the increasing desire for engineers and technicians – publishing their views, proof, or suggestions to increase this a great deal-wanted profession pathway into the sector.

The inquiry will seem to determine important methods which could enable to maximize the amount and diversity of younger individuals using up apprenticeships in the sector. The connect with for proof is open up until 27 February 2023.

A 34{e3fa8c93bbc40c5a69d9feca38dfe7b99f2900dad9038a568cd0f4101441c3f9} drop in engineering and producing systems

Although there was a insignificant uptick in figures very last year, engineering-linked apprenticeship starts in England are nevertheless 9{e3fa8c93bbc40c5a69d9feca38dfe7b99f2900dad9038a568cd0f4101441c3f9} lower than in 2014/15. Additionally, there has been a worrying 34{e3fa8c93bbc40c5a69d9feca38dfe7b99f2900dad9038a568cd0f4101441c3f9} decrease in engineering and producing systems.

Lord Willetts, Inquiry co-chair and previous Conservative Minister for Universities and Science, responses, “Apprenticeships, especially in engineering and technological innovation, enjoy tremendous political and media guidance and are a vital route into operate for lots of people today. In the meantime, the selection of young people today really executing these apprenticeships is falling.

“Our inquiry will attract on expert evidence to comprehend why this is happening and what can be completed about it so that we can increase and sustain the alternatives that apprenticeships provide to younger individuals. I am delighted to be co-chairing this inquiry not minimum due to the fact my father ran the apprenticeship programme for a Midlands engineering firm.”

The drop in young individuals taking up engineering and technological innovation apprenticeships is an urgent dilemma

Lord Knight, Inquiry co-chair and former Labour Instruction and Employment Minister, extra: “Britain have to changeover in the direction of a more sustainable and productive overall economy. The capabilities lack is a dragging anchor on that changeover, significantly in essential spots these kinds of as engineering.

“The tumble in younger folks having up engineering and engineering apprenticeships is an urgent dilemma, and I am delighted to be performing with David Willetts and EngineeringUK to completely examine wherever the challenges lie and what can be performed to repair them.”

What are the 4 critical places in the simply call for proof?

  1. Possibilities
    • What part do apprenticeships enjoy in aiding to meet the UK’s techniques wants in engineering and engineering?
  2. Point out of engage in
    • What are the explanations behind the all round decline in engineering apprenticeship starts off in latest years? We are especially interested in knowing additional about source and desire.
  3. Limitations
    • What are the barriers for businesses using on young individuals as apprentices and what are the limitations for younger individuals in accessing them?
  4. Answers
    • What do you think demands to change to assist increase the selection and range of youthful persons taking up and finishing engineering and technology apprenticeships?

“We urge the sector, as perfectly youth education suppliers and organisations, to show their help for this critical inquiry”

Hilary Leevers, Main Govt of EngineeringUK said: “Given the pressing will need for far more engineers and experts in the British isles, now and into the upcoming, we urgently need extra young people today to commence and full apprenticeships in the sector.

“We, hence, urge the sector, as perfectly youth training companies and organisations, to present their assistance for this critical inquiry by sharing their ordeals and suggestions for how to make engineering-related apprenticeships a lot more obtainable and available to youthful individuals. We hope the inquiry will open up discussions about how to split down limitations, notify successful policymaking and widen chances for young people in engineering and know-how careers.”

Editor’s Suggested Article content

Exit mobile version