Hear why apprenticeships matter
At the event leading industrialists will explain why they think apprenticeships are so important to the ongoing success of business in Semta’s sectors
To kick off Apprenticeship Week – which runs from 6 to 10 February – manufacturing and engineering employers are invited to a launch event at the BIS Conference Centre, 1 Victoria Street, London on 6 February from 9.00 to 12.30.
The event is jointly hosted by Sector Skills Council, Semta and the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network and aims to drive further support and on-going commitment to apprenticeships.
At the event leading industrialists will explain why they think apprenticeships are so important to the ongoing success of business in Semta’s sectors.
Invited speakers include John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, Sir Roy Gardner, Chairman Compass Group plc and Chairman of AAN, Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director of Programmes and Support, BAE Systems and Commissioner, UK Commission for Employment and Skills and Philip Whiteman, Chief Executive of Semta.
Said Philip Whiteman: “Support for apprenticeships is increasing but Semta’s latest research shows that between 2012 and 2016 our sectors need to recruit 82,000 scientists, engineers and technologists across the UK yet only 15 per cent of businesses in our sectors currently recruiting. Apprenticeships are also key to upskilling so we are working to convince employers of the proven benefits and the outstanding support available. ”
Semta has teamed up with leading employers and the National Apprenticeship Service to launch the Apprentice Ambition – a 10 point plan designed to take the number of advanced and higher level apprenticeship registrations from 8,000 to 16,000 by 2016 by overcoming the barriers to take up. The Ambition is specifically designed to make taking on an apprentice easier for all.
Philip Whiteman concludes: “Apprenticeships are a highly effective route to develop technical skills which we know are in short supply due to an ageing workforce. To this end, to help employers get the best possible return on investment from apprentices, we are continuing to work with partners such as The National Apprenticeship Service and The Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network to implement innovative ways of overcoming the perceived barriers to take-up.”
The event will also offer an Apprenticeships Surgery where employers can seek individual advice and guidance from Semta's skills experts.
Employers interested in attending the event, please register your interest by emailing Semta Customer Services: CustomerServices@semta.org.uk
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