Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Director of Membership, Sean Harris, said: “A high quality engineering apprenticeship is a gateway to a diverse and rewarding career which can result in young men and women reaching the top. ICE welcomes aspiring professional engineers and technicians on apprenticeships into our membership and supports them throughout their career progression.
“The political support for new apprenticeships, and the growing interest from employers, is promising. But quality is the key here – schemes must be set to rigorous standards so apprentices are equipped to progress on the career ladder and go onto achieve a recognised professional qualification. It is also important that schools are properly resourced with careers guidance so young people are aware of all the engineering career paths available to them.”
Useful stats on skills and apprenticeships
- In the decade to 2022, engineering companies will need 182,000 people a year with engineering skills – this means we need to double the number of apprentices and graduates entering the industry (EngineeringUK 2015)
- Between 2012-2022 engineering enterprises will need to recruit around 56,000 engineering technicians per year (EngineeringUK 2015)
- Over four in 10 11-14 year olds say they see a career in engineering as desirable (EngineeringUK 2015)
- 9 out of 10 school children surveyed (Adecco Group Jan 2015) were unaware that an apprenticeship can lead to a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) industries
- If engineering can meet the forecasted demand for new vacancies, it would generate an additional £27bn GDP per year – the equivalent of building 1,800 new secondary schools or 110 new hospitals (EngineeringUK 2016)
Find out more about the recognised professional qualification technician apprentices can achieve: http://www.engtechnow.com/
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