This article was written by Damian and published in this week's edition of the Herald and Petersfield Post:
"The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is particularly apt – ‘build the future’ – as many companies look to attract and develop the workforce they need to grow their business.
Emerging from the pandemic with low levels of unemployment and record vacancies, the UK economy remains strong, but it does mean that employers need to think carefully about how best to find and train the staff they need, and offering apprenticeships is certainly an effective way to do just that.
During a recent visit to 2Excel Engineering in Lasham, it was interesting to see how the company is nurturing talent through its own apprenticeship programme, and overcoming the skills loss that can be caused by natural attrition and potential leavers.
Starting with an intake of 4 in 2017, their 3 year engineering apprenticeship programme includes one day a week at Fareham College’s centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) with the remaining days working with a mentor at the Lasham site.
With a further 6 positions offered in both 2018 and 2019, 2Excel took on a further six aircraft apprentices in September 2021, this time with half of those attending Farnborough College of Technology (FCoT) for their off-the-job training.
Now looking to expand the scheme into other areas of the business - including Commercial, Planning, Compliance and Purchasing - the company can build a pipeline of talent that has both the practical and theoretical skills it needs for the future.
And it isn’t just high tech fields that can benefit – there are schemes available for sectors as diverse as health & beauty and hospitality, through to business administration, agriculture, transport as well as care services.
Anyone aged 16 or over and not already in full-time education can apply for an apprenticeship, so it’s possible to start one whether you’re just beginning a career, want a change of direction or upskilling in your present job.
An apprenticeship can also start at any level, with some requiring previous qualifications such as English or maths GCSEs. And qualification levels can vary, right up to the equivalent of a Batchelor’s or Master’s degree.
This is particularly important when considering the growth in new employment areas such as green tech, that need people with new and different skill sets, and with different levels of qualification.
Being able to ‘learn on the job’ and combine that with structured tuition with an accredited provider, means that people can develop new skills whilst still being employed and earning a wage.
The notion that apprenticeships were only for ‘trades’ is thankfully one that is being put to bed, although construction skills and experience is still very much in demand.
The Future Skills Centre in Bordon is a dedicated facility that offers a wide range of specialist construction courses, working in partnership with the Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) to meet the needs of employers in the construction industry, including here in East Hampshire.
In addition to the government funding levels available to employers, local businesses can also benefit from a separate scheme operated by East Hampshire District Council, which helps to subsidise wages and contribute towards transport and training costs for apprentices.
I’m looking forward to visiting Cranford Controls in Alton later this week to learn more about the apprenticeships they support and how they are benefiting from the scheme.
To find out more about apprenticeships or alternative routes such as Traineeships or Work Experience that can help prepare people for apprenticeships or work, go to: https://www.damianhinds.com/campaigns/excellence-education"
