Six in 10 employers to take on apprentices and help economy ‘build back better’.
New research from Make UK shows that fewer than half (47%) of UK manufacturers took on an apprentice in the last year – but the survey paints a more optimistic post-pandemic picture, with nearly six in 10 (57%) looking to recruit an engineering or manufacturing apprentice in the next 12 months.
The survey of 165 employers forms part of a wider report by Make UK, which welcomes over 400 apprentices every year to its world-class Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham, from customers including Jaguar Land Rover, Severn Trent, Ishida and Ibstock.
Stephen Mitchell, Director of Apprentices and Technical Training at Make UK said: “At Make UK we know first-hand the benefits of apprenticeships for the sector; at our Technology Hub not only do we train hundreds of apprentices each year, but we work hard to inspire the next generation of future makers.
“We know apprenticeships in the UK manufacturing sector can address the widening skills gap we face, and aid the Government in its ambition to level up. Apprenticeships can unlock our recovery to build back better, but attention must now be focused on those who face unemployment and premature curtailment of training and in particular apprenticeships.”
Make UK chairs the National Manufacturing Skills Taskforce to bring together significant expertise across the manufacturing sector and organisations who are committed to working with the Government to put in place solutions to each of these crucial issues.
Stephen Mitchell added: “Rebuilding our economy, communities and creating high quality jobs in the coming years will require investing in our industrial base, and the skills that make the UK a hub for next generation talent.
“Make UK has over 2,000 young people in its talent pool looking for apprenticeship opportunities, including a considerable number of young women. We have world-class facilities here in Aston, and our streamlined recruitment process means employers can access applications and candidates with minimal fuss and delay.
“We can support you to develop the right apprenticeship programme for your company, to make the most of the future talent available.”
For more information on apprenticeships with Make UK, call 0121 344 7900 or email [email protected]
