Pera Training, a provider of manufacturing apprenticeships, has announced the framework for a new apprenticeship to address UK skills gaps in R&D.
The higher apprenticeship in research and development will give trainees a qualification equivalent to degree level and will be nationally recognised under sector skills council Semta’s Advanced Manufacturing Higher Apprenticeship framework.
The framework for the apprenticeship has been devised with extensive employer input. Information on how it will now add value to businesses will be made available at regional consultations the first of which will be held in Wantage, Oxfordshire on April 26.
Following this consultation for the South and East and consultation for businesses based in the Midlands and the North will take place in Melton Mowbray.
The choice of Wantage as a start location for these consultations reflects its position at the heart of Science Vale UK. This enterprise zone encompasses some of the UK’s leading scientific research facilities including Harwell Oxford, Milton Park and Culham Science Centre.
The framework and delivery mechanisms for the new higher apprenticeship in research and development will continue to be reviewed and refined by a team of contributing organisations including EAL, the awarding body for Semta, the manufacturing sector skills council.
Pera Training hopes that the introduction of this new apprenticeship will lead to a significant rise in the uptake of higher level apprenticeships by providing a vocational route into research and development careers. This did not exist prior to the introduction of Pera’s new apprenticeship.
