Engineering body welcomes £140m apprenticeship plan

London: The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a £140-million fund to create 35,000 new apprenticeships and called for engineering, manufacturing and technology to be given priority. The Prime Minister had earlier made the announcement of the new apprenticeships during a visit to ETB Business and Industry partner Rolls-Royce.

The announcement is in line with The ETB’s recent report on the engineering labour market, Engineering UK 2008, which identified the need for an increased focus on Further Education and vocational training to secure the long term supply of skilled Engineering Technicians in the UK.

The ETB and partners, including Rolls-Royce and Semta, are currently running a campaign - Engineers Make It Happen - to increase the retention rates for those on engineering and technology programmes in further education.

ETB chief executive Paul Jackson said: “The ETB applauds the Government’s recognition of the crucial importance of apprenticeships to the UK economy, but would welcome even greater investment, particularly in advanced apprenticeships for young people and adults alike. There is an increasing need for more skilled engineers and technicians in the UK and this demand will continue to grow over the next ten years as the population ages, leaving fewer young people to enter key professions.

"Following Lord Mandelson’s recognition last month of the importance of engineering for the economic recovery it is important that new apprenticeships should be in Engineering and Technology related disciplines. Engineers, engineering and technology are set to play a vital role in laying the foundations of the future. Careers in engineering and technology will provide the firmest possible foundation for future economic recovery.”