SKILLED WORKER SCHEME MUST BE SUPPORTED BY ONGOING TRAINING

Ann Watson, managing director of EAL (EMTA Awards Limited), says that government needs to support adults looking to boost their vocational skills while continuing to encourage more young people to enter manufacturing via the apprentice route.

She says: “BIS’ Talent Retention Solution scheme is a very positive step forward as it aims to ensure skilled staff stay in Britain and continue to provide the UK economy with the benefits of their talents. However, the scheme is not the complete answer to Britain's manufacturing skills shortage. We need 32,000 new people to enter the science, engineering and manufacturing industries each year until at least 2016 to help to boost the UK economy*; we simply cannot rely on already-qualified staff moving between jobs to plug the gap. Manufacturers need to create a pipeline of talent for the future; the most sensible way to do this is by taking on school leavers as apprentices. Retaining existing skilled staff will encourage more young people to consider manufacturing as a career opportunity, and one for life.”

Watson concludes: “As the scheme also demonstrates the value that skilled workers with vocational qualifications bring to the industry, it should also show young people that there are more options available to them which offer great career prospects. Vocational training is certainly not a ‘second-best’ option and we are pleased the government recognises the role these skills can play in rebuilding Britain’s economy.”