Let’s hear it for engineering apprentices!
03 December 2009
If every person who started an engineering apprenticeship this year stood arm-to-arm, they would stretch across the Clifton suspension bridge in Bristol 150 times, according to the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), which launched its seventh annual Apprenticeship Awards last week.
More than 36,000 people began an Engineering Apprenticeship in 2009 – an increase of 17% over the last three years. The Awards celebrate these starters and all of England’s apprentices, along with the businesses that employ them. NAS chief executive, Simon Waugh was very upbeat about these statistics when he announced the latest competition.
“The Apprenticeship Awards recognise the achievements of individuals engaged in training and the organisations that invest in them,” he said. “Apprentices provide a real boost to Britain’s economy, helping businesses secure a supply of people with the skills and qualities often not available on the external job market. They bring fresh ideas and innovation to organisations and help to increase staff retention.”
Research shows that employers who hire apprentices can recoup their investment in as little as 18 months, with apprentices continuing to make a positive financial contribution to a business if retained. Trade sectors such as hospitality, retail, construction and business administration generally have the shortest payback period, with engineering and social care taking no more than four years. Kevin Brennan, Minister for Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs, is very happy to support the annual Apprenticeship Awards.
“Let’s reward apprentice employers and young people for their hard work and commitment,” he said, urging anyone who knew of an apprentice or an organisation that employs one to make a nomination. Iain Wright, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for 14-19 Reform and Apprenticeships echoed Mr Brennan’s words.
“The Awards highlight apprentice success stories from all over the country,” he said. “I congratulate these inspirational apprentices who are making such a difference in the organisations where they work. Apprenticeships are an excellent option for young people and award winners demonstrate the hugely positive impact apprentices can have on employers and their communities.”
You can nominate an employer or apprentice for an award, by visiting www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards or by calling 08000 150 600. The deadline for entries is 27 February 2010. And don’t forget NAS’ new apprentice support ‘badge’ scheme launched earlier this year. If your company has an apprenticeship scheme and helps young people to develop their careers, you can tell the world about it by adding the ‘Apprenticeships – Good for Business’ logo to your stationery, literature and websites. The logo can be downloaded from http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
According to recent research commissioned by NAS, some 64% of consumers would use a register enabling them to choose a business that hires apprentices, and more than 80% of people would be more likely to use a business if it offered apprenticeships to young people. Once an organisation has put the badge on its website, its logo will, in turn, be placed on the apprenticeship website, so its customers can see that it is supporting young people.
At a time when youth unemployment is verging on a national scandal, this may be one small step businesses can take to reverse the trend and possibly improve their business prospects into the bargain.
Les Hunt
Editor
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