Engaging Young People is Key to Employers in Engineering

4th July 2013

Engaging young people in the sector of engineering was the biggest concern for employers who attended the Employer Apprenticeship event held on Wednesday 3rd July at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering.

The event was aimed at employers looking to take on apprenticeships and informed them of the new initiatives and support available within the engineering sector. Employers were given an overview from a sector skills perspective by Lee Smith, Engagement Manager for SEMTA, who outlined the need to recruit 80,000 engineers nationally just to replace those who are due to retire before the year 2016. Wayne Miller, Employment Services Manager from the National Apprenticeship Service spoke to the audience about the new Traineeship offer and the remaining Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) that can provide £1500 subsidy towards recruitment costs. Jakki Lovewell from Stafforce Apprenticeship Academy launched the new partnership between Brinsworth Academy of Engineering and Stafforce ATA, which allows employers to utilise a dedicated recruitment service for employers who cannot increase direct head count but have a need to recruit apprentices. The final presentation was made by Mark Scanlan, Training and Environmental Officer at Koyo Bearings (Europe) Ltd based in Barnsley. Mark outlined how apprentices have had a positive impact on his business and the bespoke service that he had received from Brinsworth Academy of Engineering to help him achieve a structured training and development plan. Paul Reeves Business Development Director for Brinsworth Academy said; -This was a great event, we were very pleased with the range of employers that were in attendance and lots of them were reasonably new to the apprenticeship system. As a result, a number of the employers are very keen to offer vacancies or work placements to young people Paul added; -Over 40 businesses such as Sheffield Forgemasters, Nifty Lift, Premier Foods Hovis, Symington's and Toyoda Gosei attended the event. By working closely with those employers and the educational system we are confident that as a sector we can make positive strides to continue to develop the next generation of engineers. To find out how an apprentice can assist your business contact Daniel Swift, Employer Engagement Manager on 01709 389520 or email daniel.swift@brinsworthtraining.co.uk