News & Resources

Key seminar marks National Apprenticeship Week

4 Mar 2014

Semta and SMMT hosted a keystone seminar to kick-start National Apprenticeship Week 2014. The invitation only seminar examined apprenticeship reforms – including the Trailblazer initiative – which could revolutionize skills provision in the UK. Skills stakeholders and a wide range of employers from the automotive industry were in attendance to debate the issues and share their experience and expertise.

The seminar, hosted and chaired by Konstanze Scharring, SMMT’s Director of Policy  included contributions from Bill Twigg – Semta’s Apprenticeship Director, Ian Eva – Jaguar Land Rover Apprentice Manager and Jennifer Coupland – Deputy Director BIS/Dfe Apprenticeships Unit. Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise Matthew Hancock MP and Semta’s Chairman Allan Cook CBE both had good news to deliver to numerous MPs and automotive industry leaders who attended an evening reception.

Skills and Enterprise Minister, Matthew Hancock MP, said, “It’s becoming the new norm for young people to choose to either go to university or begin an apprenticeship. So it’s great that SEMTA has chosen National Apprenticeship Week to announce that they are ahead of their Apprenticeship targets.

“National Apprenticeship Week 2014 is also a great opportunity for employers to find out about Apprenticeships, and events such as this one are a great chance to find out about all the benefits. 96% of employers that take on an apprentice reports benefits to their business, and I would encourage other employers to find out how apprentices can improve the skills base within their business.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in organising the event for their commitment to Apprenticeships.”

Allan Cook, CBE, Chairman of Semta, said, “The Semta Apprenticeship Ambition was launched jointly with the National Apprenticeship Service back in May 2011 with an aim to double the number of advanced and higher level apprenticeship starts within the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering sector from 8,000 to 16,000 by 2016.

“I am pleased to say that we are ahead of our targets – and look forward to further success.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Automotive manufacturing in the UK is growing strongly, with car production set to reach all-time record levels by 2017. By the end of the decade, an estimated 100,000 new jobs will be created across the sector, so we need to attract the next generation of talent now.

“The UK is home to so many diverse and iconic automotive brands. With opportunities ranging from design and R&D to manufacturing and sales, there is an exciting career path there for everyone.”

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