EngineeringUK has launched an inquiry into apprenticeships in engineering, manufacturing and technology. The inquiry is being carried out in partnership with former Labour and Conservative ministers Lord Knight and Lord Willetts.
Employers in the sector – as well as training providers and young people – are being urged to get involved in the call for evidence by submitting their views, evidence or ideas to improve the career pathway into the sector. Despite a “modest uptick” in numbers last year, engineering-related apprenticeship starts in England are still 9% lower than in 2014/15. The uptake varies by subject with a “worrying” 34% decline for engineering and manufacturing technologies, EngineeringUK said.
The inquiry – ‘Fit for the future: growing and sustaining engineering and technology apprenticeships for young people’ – is open until 27 February 2023. Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, said: “Given the pressing need for more engineers and technicians in the UK, now and into the future, we urgently need more young people to start and complete apprenticeships in the sector. “We therefore urge the sector, as well as youth training providers and organisations, to show their support for this important inquiry by sharing their experiences and suggestions for how to make engineering-related apprenticeships more available and accessible to young people. We hope the inquiry will open up conversations about how to break down barriers, inform effective policy making and widen opportunities for young people in engineering and technology careers.”
For more information and to respond visit: www.engineeringuk.com/fitforthefuture