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2010 Issues Archive
27 January 2010
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Steady rise in apprentice numbers
The number of engineering apprenticeships is steadily rising but industry fears future funding cutbacks could stifle growth.
A total of 37,000 young people started engineering apprenticeships last year, up from 33,000 in 2003, the last time individual sector figures were available. A total of 240,000 apprenticeships were started last year across all sectors, compared to 194,000 five years ago.
The government’s National Apprenticeship Service said the figures were solid evidence of a revival in apprenticeships. It said that firms increasingly saw apprenticeships as a more productive and cost-effective method of hiring young people.
Manufacturers’ organisation the EEF welcomed the growing number of engineering apprenticeships and praised the government for raising awareness of vocational routes into the profession. But it warned that any funding cutbacks could reverse the trend.
Nigel Fletcher, skills policy adviser at the EEF, said: “The government contributes to the cost of apprenticeships by funding all training activities, such as off-site college courses, for 16-18-year-olds.
“It’s important that the funding tap is not turned off. Companies need to have an acceptable level of stability and certainty.”
Philip Whiteman, chief executive Semta, welcomed the rise in engineering apprenticeships.
“In tough times like these it can be tempting to reduce the number of apprentices but the fact that this hasn’t happened is testament to the proven return on investment apprentices can bring.”
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© PE Publishing, 27 January 2010
