The following is taken from a 2024 interview with Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Beatrice Barleon by Engineering UK. The comments are relating to government apprenticeship figures across the United Kingdom;
“In light of the government’s focus on opening up more opportunities for all young people, it is concerning to see the continued decline and plateauing of Level 2 and 3 engineering and technology apprenticeships. Level 2 apprenticeships have declined a further 8.7% over the last year and stand now at 21,900 compared to 45,800 starts in 2017/18, while level 3 apprenticeship starts have remained stable with only a small increase of 1%”.
“For government to achieve its mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower we need more young people coming through the education and skills system into the workforce. And for government to achieve and break down barriers to opportunity, we need these young people to come from diverse backgrounds and be more representative of society. Only then will we solve the skills shortages across the country”.
“We therefore need more apprenticeship opportunities to open up and look to government to work with industry and young people to achieve this.”
There’s many positive stories coming from all parts of the UK relating to engineering apprenticeships and investment, but let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture and the huge task in hand – to successfully support our existing and incoming industries, we need more engineering apprentices NOW.
