He commented, "It is excellent to see this sector being prepared to work in a constructive way with the Government on the skills agenda.The MTA's public signing of the pledge demonstrates their commitment to skills and I hope their actions will inspire both their members and other trade associations to follow suit." 

Much of the Presidents speech preceding the signing of the pledge was clearly focused on skills and how the MTA can help its members develop their workforce. A key announcement was the releasing of over £100,000 in funding to support new apprentices within member companies. Mr Lloyd praised the Government’s emphasis on doubling the number of apprentices, before revealing the MTA’s plans to support this aim.

Mr Lloyd commented, “The MTA supports the Government’s emphasis on doubling the number of apprentices in the UK by 2020 and we applaud our Sector Skills Council, SEMTA, for having a target of doubling the number of apprenticeships in manufacturing to 54,000 by 2013. SME members with a turnover under £5M can now apply for a first-year apprenticeship loan of £10,000 to ease their training cash-flow. Additionally we will make 20 direct awards of £2,000 towards a newly created first-year apprenticeship place.”