Labour and Tory ex-ministers launch engineering apprenticeships inquiry
16 Jan 2023
Former Labour and Tory ministers Lords Knight and Willetts have launched an inquiry with support from EngineeringUK to address a sharp decline in engineering, manufacturing and technology apprenticeships in the UK.
Views will be sought on what part apprenticeships play in helping to meet the UK’s skills needs, the reasons behind the overall decline in engineering apprenticeship, barriers to apprentice hire and accessing apprenticeships, changes needed to enhance the system.
Despite a modest increase last year, engineering-related apprenticeship starts in England remain 9% lower than in 2014/15. In the case of engineering and manufacturing technologies, the apprenticeships decline is nearly four times greater, with a 34% drop.
Inquiry co-chair and former Conservative minister for universities and science, Willetts stated: “Apprenticeships, especially in engineering and technology, enjoy enormous political and media support and are a crucial route into work for many people. Meanwhile the number of young people actually doing these apprenticeships is falling.
“Our inquiry will draw on expert evidence to understand why this is happening and what can be done about it, so that we can grow and sustain the opportunities that apprenticeships offer to young people. I am delighted to be co-chairing this inquiry not least because my father ran the apprenticeship programme for a Midlands engineering firm.”
Co-chair and former Labour education and employment minister Knight added that Britain needed to transition towards a more sustainable and productive economy.
“The skills shortage is a dragging anchor on that transition, particularly in key areas such as engineering,” he highlighted.
“The fall in young people taking up engineering and technology apprenticeships is an urgent problem, and I am delighted to be working with David Willetts and EngineeringUK to fully investigate where the problems lie and what can be done to fix them.”
EngineeringUK chief executive Hilary Leevers urged the sector, as well youth training providers and organisations, to support the inquiry. Those wishing to participate have until 27 February to respond via www.engineeringuk.com/fitforthefuture.
