National Apprenticeships Week 2022 daily news round-up #NAW2022 – 11 February

Friday 11 February, 2022

Sharp, savvy apprentice helps iconic toolmaker cut costs, speed up production

An apprentice toolmaker is saving the world’s largest manufacturer of tools £40,000 a year after devising new processes to sustain a number of tools that would usually be scrapped.

Gabriella Spencer is a second-year apprentice with Stanley Black & Decker at its Hellaby facility, which manufactures precision-engineered tools.

The 21-year-old, who is currently the only female engineer on the factory floor, is responsible for maintaining press, punch and die tools; operating machinery including mills, lathes and surface grinders; and making new parts for machinery such as moulding and chisel tools. – Read more via Machinery

Developments abound at Darlington College

New college facilities, including a robotics automation training facility, electric vehicle workshop, technical support lab and a business hub for professional qualifications, are to set open up a host of opportunities for apprentices. – Read more via The Northern Echo

Pandemic drives an increase in later in life apprenticeships

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, new analysis of apprenticeship data by British Gas reveals half of apprenticeship starters in the UK last year were aged 25 and over. This trend is further supported by new British Gas apprenticeship data which shows the average age of their new smart apprentices is 29 years old.

Last year, despite the pandemic’s impact on the economy, there were 321,400 apprentice starts, a fall of only 0.3% compared to the previous year. Greater employment uncertainty during the pandemic (49%) and learning a new skill (46%) were cited as the top considerations to undertake an apprenticeship.

The research also reveals that almost one in four (23%) are concerned about the effects of the pandemic on their future career prospects with almost one in five (18%) having had to re-evaluate their career path – rising to 23% for those aged 25-44. – Read more via The Manufacturer

Burnley College’s £12m expansion with 150 new jobs and 2,000 new pupils

Councillors are set to agree to a proposed £12.5m expansion of Burnley College that would attract new students and create around 150 new jobs.

The project, endorsed last month by Burnley Borough Council’s Development Control Committee, looks to build new educational and recreational facilities on 5.57 acres of land off Holme Road.

The expansion would provide space for the college to teach a series of new courses, including engineering, construction, digital and health science, and more – and could attract more than 2,000 additional students and create 150 new jobs. – Read more via Lancs Live

Plymouth rewards its top manufacturing and construction apprentices

Plymouth’s outstanding construction and manufacturing apprentices have been recognised for their efforts and abilities at a virtual awards ceremony held as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2022.

The awards were led jointly by Building Plymouth and the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG), with nominations submitted by employers and training providers. A total of 46 apprentices were finalists and seven winners were presented with awards. – Read more via Business Live

Burnley College apprentice nominated for prestigious award for her work with robots

A talented young apprentice from Burnley College has been nominated for the nation’s most prestigious engineering award for her work with robots.

Themis at Burnley College Mechatronics Apprentice Bethany Cobb was over the moon when she learned she had seen off hundreds of competitors to secure a coveted place in the final of The Enginuity Skills Awards 2022.

The 27-year-old is half way through her four-year Level 3 Apprenticeship in Mechatronics, working at the Altham factory for international furniture manufacturer The Senator Group. – Read more via Burnley Express

Encirc hails success of two apprentices who have excelled in their roles at the company’s Elton plant in Cheshire

Ed Keables, 21, and Ben Edwards, 25, joined Encirc in 2020 as apprentices via the award-winning Ignite apprenticeship scheme. Training as Food and Drink Process Operators, they soon proved to be key members of their respective teams and have since passed their Food and Drink Process Operator Level Two awards with distinctions at Reaseheath College.

Ben has also been nominated for the Apprentice of the Year Award in the High Sherriff’s Awards for Enterprise, highlighting his contribution and commitment during his apprenticeship.The prestigious award, hosted in partnership with the University of Chester, showcases the achievements of local companies and people from Cheshire.

Equipped with the experience and guidance gathered during their time training, both Ben and Ed have now accepted full-time roles at the Cheshire plant, solidifying their role within the wider Encirc team. Ben is now working full time as a Process Operator while Ed has taken on the role of Technical Operator. – Read more via Encirc

Continental Tyre Group continues apprenticeship recruitment drive

Continental Tyres is building upon last year’s successful apprenticeship programme launch by seeking applicants to join the scheme throughout 2022.

Open to individuals of all ages and with no prior experience required, Continental’s full-time Tyre Technician apprenticeship is delivered by Continental subsidiary, Tyre Maintenance (TM) at its sites in Leeds, Washington, Nottingham, Luton and Lutterworth. The two-year programme includes online learning provided by the ContiAcademy and strategic partner, Oxford Applied Training. Recruits are paid the national living wage for the duration of their apprenticeship – a practice not standard across schemes nationally.

Modules include car and van tyre fitting, truck tyre maintenance and customer service. Apprentices are also heavily involved in the day-to-day delivery of TM’s exceptional service from the outset. – Read more via FleetPoint

Ladder for Shropshire: Employers respond to calls to offer more apprenticeships

The Ladder for Shropshire has been working over the past 18 months to raise the profile of apprenticeships and to support more employers to offer opportunities.

It said employers have responded brilliantly, and it has been so rewarding supporting employers on the journey of taking on apprentices and to see young people starting on apprenticeships and taking their first steps on the career ladder.

The case studies highlighted below are some of the employers and young people that have been supported by the Ladder in the last 12 months, such as interiors business CharlesTed, graphic designer Calluna Graphix, and building services consultancy Evora Edge. – Read more via Shropshire Star

South Yorkshire Apprentice Awards: how to enter for this year’s Sheffield event

The hunt is on for the best young talent and inspiring employers as part of the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2022.

With close to a million active Apprenticeships across England alone apprenticeship schemes have rapidly become a route to future employment for thousands of school leavers. These awards recognise and reward both the apprentices, their employers, mentors and training providers excelling across the entire of South Yorkshire.

The awards provide the opportunity to recognise apprentices and are inviting entries from businesses, apprentices and training providers across South Yorkshire. – Read more via The Star

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Thursday 10 February, 2022

Pandemic drives an increase in later in life apprenticeships

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, new analysis of apprenticeship data by British Gas reveals half of apprenticeship starters in the UK last year were aged 25 and over. This trend is further supported by new British Gas apprenticeship data which shows the average age of their new smart apprentices is 29 years old.

Last year, despite the pandemic’s impact on the economy, there were 321,400 apprentice starts, a fall of only 0.3% compared to the previous year. Greater employment uncertainty during the pandemic (49%) and learning a new skill (46%) were cited as the top considerations to undertake an apprenticeship.

The research also reveals that almost one in four (23%) are concerned about the effects of the pandemic on their future career prospects with almost one in five (18%) having had to re-evaluate their career path – rising to 23% for those aged 25-44. – Read more via The Manufacturer

GSK supports 200 people with its apprenticeship levy

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is supporting 200 people across 40 plus small organisations to gain skills and qualifications. GSK has used its Apprenticeship levy to help a range of smaller businesses and charities use apprenticeships to support their workforce through the Government’s levy transfer initiative.

One company to benefit from the funding is Yunus & Eliza, a Cotswolds based company who made jewellery used in the massive hit TV show Game of Thrones.

To support their jewellery business, the company purchased a Foundry, Priory Cast Products, and needed apprentices. GSK, working with its academic partner the National Physics Lab (NPL), stepped in to help and as a result, used its levy transfer funding to support Yunus and Eliza to take on two foundry apprentices Daniel Hemming and George Hennesey, both 18. – Read more via The Manufacturer.

Make UK supports new sector voice for manufacturing apprenticeships

Yesterday, the Minister for Skills, Alex Burghart MP, announced the launch of a new partnership between industry and Government to grow the number of high-quality apprenticeships in the manufacturing sector. Chaired by Anita Davenport-Brooks of the Lander Group, Apprenticeships in Manufacturing (‘AiM’) has nine member organisations representing employers across the manufacturing sector.

The nine members of AiM are: Cogent Skills, Engineering and Machinery Alliance (EAMA), Enginuity, Food and Drink Federation (FDF), Furniture Interiors Education Skills & Training Alliance (FIESTA), Make UK, National Skills Academy for Food and Drink (NSAFD), UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) and the UK Metals Council (UKMC)

The group has close links with the National Manufacturing Skills Taskforce and is supported by the Department for Education, BEIS, DEFRA, DWP and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. — Read more via Make UK

Winners announced at 2022 Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons today announced the winners of the annual Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards.

This year’s ceremony, compered by local presenter Sarah Travers, is the highlight of a week of special events held during the third annual Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week which shines a spotlight on the range and excellence of apprenticeships across the region. — Read more via Department for the Economy NI

Kirkstall Precision Engineering looking to fill 4 Apprenticeship roles

Kirkstall Precision Engineering has a long and proud track record of helping young people attain a bright future in the precision engineering and manufacturing sector. Now, the leading precision engineering sub-contractor to the global medical instrumentation sector is looking to take on four new apprentices.

Kirkstall says they are looking for individuals who have a “real passion and interest for engineering”, as well as “the correct attitude and aptitude for engineering who will demonstrate and promote” the firm’s values. — Read more via Kirkstall Precision Engineering

IES expands commitment to apprenticeship opportunities

Bristol headquartered engineering and logistics provider IES has committed to expanding its apprenticeship opportunities and signed up to the Workforce for the Future programme.

By signing up to the Workforce for the Future programme, co-funded by West of England Combined Authority and the European Social Fund (ESF), IES will receive support to help them offer further development opportunities for their employees and will also help them attract, develop, and retain new talent. — Read more via IES

British Woodworking Federation to champion apprentices in new campaign

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) will be championing the role of apprenticeships in the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry in an upcoming campaign. Encouraging the next generation into the industry is a key priority for the BWF, and the new campaign – which will feature current and former apprentices – forms part of the organisation’s 2022 plans over skills, talent recruitment and retention.

Driving awareness of the many career paths in the woodworking and joinery manufacturing profession, as well as the positive contribution that apprentices make to businesses, activity will be focused around sharing the stories and experiences of apprentices and successful professionals who began their careers through the achievement of an apprenticeship. — Read more via BWF

How your business could benefit from taking on an engineering and manufacturing apprentice

HETA is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by attending multiple careers events throughout the region to encourage young people to consider apprenticeships, plus two employer open days.

The engineering and manufacturing sector is facing multiple challenges at the moment, including age demographics, wage inflation and availability of skilled labour.

Plus, when the emerging technologies of green energy, additive manufacturing, robotics, and automation are added to the mix, the sector needs to act quickly to ensure that business operations are not impacted upon now and in the future. — Read more via HETA

Twenty new jobs at Mid-Wales meat processor that supports apprentices

Twenty new jobs are on offer at Mid-Wales lamb processor Randall Parker Foods, which uses apprenticeships to develop and grow a skilled and committed workforce.

The company, based at Dolwen, near Llanidloes, has a workforce of 120, including many former apprentices such as production line manager Huw Owen, 34, who has progressed through the business. He joined the company in 2009 as a lairage labourer but has developed through the ranks having achieved a Foundation Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills and a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) in Food Manufacturing Excellence. — Read more via Business News Wales

Apprentices on the road to success at automotive company

Apprentices from Telford College are helping to drive success at a Shropshire automotive company.

The students are working with SNG Barratt UK, in Bridgnorth – the world’s largest independent supplier and manufacturer of parts and accessories for Jaguar cars.

Sasha Katie Ullah, the company’s HR manager, said: “These are the first apprentices we’ve hired in over two years and it’s thanks to the apprenticeship incentives that we’ve been able to take them on. — Read more via Telford College

Hull’s Ron Dearing UTC tops national apprenticeships table

Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has been named as the country’s top performing school or college for the percentage of students moving on to apprenticeships following sixth form.

The employer-led school, which is rated Outstanding by education regulator Ofsted, is ranked number one out of more than 4,500 schools and colleges in England in the Department for Education’s latest destinations data for Year 13 leavers.

Of the 74 Year 13 sixth form students who took Level 3 A-level or technical qualifications in 2019, more than half (54%) went onto apprenticeships and sustained their destination – the highest percentage of any English school or college. — Read more via Ron Dearing UTC

Russell Roof Tiles investing in apprentices

Leading roof tile manufacturer, Russell Roof Tiles believes attracting young people into industry, is essential to tackle the skills shortage gap.

Russell Roof Tiles has always been passionate about encouraging younger individuals to pursue a career in engineering. Supporting and investing in apprentices through training, to help them develop their career is at the core of the manufacturers company values.

Otto Mathiesen is Maintenance Manager at the firm’s Burton on Trent concrete site and has recruited three young talented individuals to join his team. — Read more via Russell Roof Tiles

Derby-based construction company offers employment opportunities to local students

Derby-based G F Tomlinson is highlighting the success of its annual apprenticeship programme and role as a Cornerstone Employer as it supported 25 apprentices last year alone.

The firm’s annual apprenticeship programme enables it to employ young people and mentor them through hands-on work in the business whilst also supporting them to achieve their professional qualifications. — Read more via G F Tomlinson

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Wednesday 9 February, 2022

Three-quarters of young people would consider an apprenticeship

Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, BAE Systems has found that young people have a strong preference towards their local community when it comes to looking for their future career, with the vast majority (86%) of 16-24 year olds surveyed saying they want to secure a job close to where they live.

As well as a strong desire to remain local, young people are also thinking about what career path is best suited to them. Many think that apprenticeships offer the best option; almost three quarters (73%) say they would consider an apprenticeship, an increase of 7% when compared to the previous year. — Read more via The Manufacturer

Yorkshire manufacturer recognises talent during National Apprenticeship Week

A North Yorkshire gritter manufacturer is continuing to spread the word of the value of apprenticeships (#NAW2022).

However, at the start of National Apprenticeship Week, the boss of Ripon-based Econ Engineering – which employs a workforce of 240 – says more needs to be done to prepare young adults for life beyond the classroom. — Read more via FE News

Wren Kitchens celebrates apprenticeship week as it announces a further 100 vacancies for 2022

During National Apprenticeship Week, Wren Kitchens scales up its apprenticeship programme to offer new and exciting opportunities in several areas of the business located in the Humber and around the UK.

As voted the best place to work by Indeed.com for two years running, the UK’s largest independent kitchen specialist is continuing to grow at an unprecedent rate with 8,000 team members under its wings. To support its growth, Wren is currently seeking over 100 enthusiastic apprentices to join the Wren family by the end of 2022.

With no experience required in the field, there are brand-new 2022 apprenticeship opportunities in customer services, catering, and HR. As well as current vacancies in IT, finance, engineering and manufacturing. — Read more via Wren Kitchens

VEKA set to take on record number of apprentices in Burnley

One of Burnley’s biggest employers, VEKA plc, is doubling down on its commitment to help ‘Build the Future’ as it celebrates National Apprenticeship Week.

The industry-leading supplier of uPVC windows and doors will take on a record number of apprentices this year as it kick-starts a new programme aimed at giving young people “more than just a qualification”.

Organised in conjunction with THEMIS at Burnley College, the two-year manufacturing apprenticeship will see 10 young people working across different departments as they develop a full understanding of the business. — Read more via Burnley Express

Collins Aerospace, Kaleideum Museum advance STEM and Future Workforce programming

Collins Aerospace has provided a $100,000 commitment to Kaleideum, a Winston-Salem interactive museum of arts and sciences, to support Prism, the museum’s engineering and innovation initiative. This donation is among the first formal STEM education partnerships with Piedmont Triad area non-profits since becoming Collins Aerospace.

Part of Collins’ Redefining Futures program, the donation and on-going partnership with Kaleideum will help fund, engage and inspire youth to pursue career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) – with a priority of promoting equity in access to education in under-served populations in the Piedmont Triad area. — Read more via Collins Aerospace

From the ground: Building products manufacturer commits to apprenticeships to develop talent

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2022, Northampton-based building products manufacturer Forterra is showcasing three of its apprentices to illustrate the value and range of on-the-job training and the company’s commitment to developing new and existing talent.

Since it was established in 2016, Forterra has taken on 79 apprentices with several more due to enrol by the end of the year. It firmly believes apprenticeships are a great route into a career in industry, as the successes of its apprentices are testament to. However, the company has also recognised that apprenticeships are a valuable tool in helping existing employees’ to develop their career aspirations. — Read more via The Manufacturer

National Apprenticeship Week: Apprentice saves Doncaster employer £300k with tool modifications

An apprentice has saved a UK-leading toolmaker more than £300,000 by modifying an old mould tool, securing its continued longevity and further repair costs.

Aaron Clayton, aged 20, is a fourth-year apprentice at Mason Pinder Toolmakers, part of Polypipe Building Products, which manufactures plastic piping and ventilation systems.

As an apprentice toolmaker at the Thorne-based factory, Aaron works on precision machine tools which are used to mass produce uniform plastic parts. But the bulk of his workload sees him focus on fixing components used underground, such as storm cells and large drainage systems. — Read more via Doncaster Free Press

Siemens’ pioneering degree apprenticeship programme supercharges 60 engineering careers

A pioneering degree apprenticeship programme from Siemens Digital Industries has supercharged the careers of 60 engineers from companies.

Among the companies who have signed up to the four-year programme since it launched in 2017 are AstraZeneca, Saint-Gobain Formula and Zeeco Europe.

Co-delivered with Tameside College and the University of Salford it uses a block delivery model combining academic modules in automation, robotics, and embedded systems, Siemens S7 Certified PLC programmer training and accreditation, and a workplace project to solve a real-world problem.

The outcome is a degree-qualified engineer with a range of practical skills and technical understanding needed to capitalise on the opportunities of Industry 4.0. — Read more via Siemens

REIDsteel wins planning permission for redevelopment taking in Peeks Party Store site

A Manufacturer has won permission for a major redevelopment of its town centre site.

John Reid & Sons, known as REIDsteel, has been given the go-ahead to expand its Christchurch factory, taking in the site next door formerly occupied by Peeks Party Store.

The redevelopment will create a 6.4-acre manufacturing base which will increase capacity and create jobs, the firm says. — Read more via Daily Echo

Leading provider confirmed to run £3.16m training school

One of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers will help manage a new £3.16m training centre in Chatteris.

West Suffolk College (WSC) have partnered with Stainless Metalcraft to manage the North Cambridgeshire Training Centre for apprentices in Cambridgeshire.

WSC, who support around 13,000 students across East Anglia, will be responsible for managing the site for at least five years. — Read more via Cambs Times

Apprenticeships key to addressing skills shortage

Apprenticeships are key to addressing Northern Ireland’s ongoing skills shortage, with the country’s six Further Education Colleges coming together to mark the third annual Apprenticeship Week.

In a week-long celebration, in partnership with the Department for the Economy, Colleges throughout Northern Ireland will be highlighting how apprenticeships are the first step to gaining vital knowledge and skills that are needed to further advance economic and skills development.

Apprenticeships exist in an increasing range of professional and service sectors that are calling out for more highly skilled individuals to contribute to their economic growth and recovery. Examples of these include apprenticeships in Hospitality, Fintech, Engineering, Applied Sciences, Cyber Security and Marketing. — Read more via 4ni

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Tuesday 8 February, 2022

University of Sheffield apprentices provide vital support to healthcare and industry

The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre has trained more than 1,700 apprentices, working with more than 450 businesses from across the South Yorkshire region and beyond since it opened in 2013.

Apprenticeships at the AMRC Training Centre are developed and delivered with industry for industry, enabling employers to respond to needs and changes and ensuring skill levels are maintained within their workforces. — Read more via University of Sheffield

Gatwick Airport opens applications for highly-acclaimed engineering Apprenticeship Programme to mark National Apprenticeship Week

Gatwick Airport has launched its prestigious engineering Apprenticeship Programme for 2022, with applications open from today to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

As Gatwick celebrates its 45th year of the Apprenticeship Programme, the airport is on the hunt for four new Technical Apprentices in Engineering Mechatronics Maintenance to join its cohort.

Applications will remain open until Monday 7 March 2022. — Read more via Gatwick Airport

Greencore will work with Instep to launch new HGV2 Logistics Apprenticeships starting in March 2022

Greencore, a leading manufacturer of convenience food in the UK, has chosen Instep UK, as its partner for the delivery of HGV2 programme, which will be delivered using the LGV Apprenticeship programme.

Targeted at Greencore’s logistics teams across the country, this apprenticeship programme will upskill existing logistics colleagues and create career paths for newly engaged colleagues. — Read more via Greencore

15 inspirational engineering apprentices in Gloucestershire

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2022, SoGlos has teamed up with Gloucestershire Engineering Training to highlight 15 of its stand-out apprentices and celebrate the wealth of talent here in the county.

Championing talented people of all ages, as well as the fantastic businesses in the county committed to helping the next generation, the future looks bright for everyone involved in Gloucestershire. — Read more via SoGlos

Bakkavor launches its award-winning Apprenticeship Programme for 2022

Bakkavor Group, the UK’s leading provider of fresh prepared food, is seeking 60 enthusiastic individuals to join its award-winning Apprenticeship Programme for 2022. The application process is now open and successful applicants will start their career journey with Bakkavor in September 2022.

With 60 roles available, this is an increase of sixteen on the previous year and demonstrates Bakkavor’s Early Careers commitment to modern day apprenticeships.

The roles are based at Bakkavor sites across the UK, including Scotland, Wigan, London, Lincolnshire, Newark, Somerset and Kent. — Read more via Bakkavor Group

Bedmaker seeks new recruits in National Apprenticeship Week

Hypnos is inviting prospective candidates to join its operation this National Apprenticeship Week.

The expansion of its production facilities in Princes Risborough and Castle Donington has created five apprenticeship opportunities in bedmaking and warehousing. Hypnos’ apprenticeship scheme combines on-the-job training and further education with mentoring and coaching, offering a clear pathway for apprentices to progress into full time employees. — Read more via Furniture News

Apprentice “bubbles” with enthusiasm about York scheme

Working at a chocolate factory as a manufacturing apprentice could be a perfect role for anyone looking to get into the field, and that’s exactly what Jemima Pennock thought.

This week is National Apprenticeship Week and 23-year-old Jemima is just six months into the scheme as part of the Aero team based at the York factory.

Applications are open for level 3 apprenticeships with Nestlé until Sunday 13 February. To find out more about the opportunities on offer and apply visit www.nestleacademy.co.uk/apprentices/advanced-apprenticeships-l3/ — Read more via Nestlé

Six apprentices needed at world-renowned Northants breakfast cereal factory

Breakfast biscuit manufacturer Weetabix have announced six apprentice vacancies to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week.

The firm, which has bases at Burton Latimer and Corby, has openings for two manufacturing apprentices to start in August who will have the chance to gain Level 3 and Level 5 Operational Management qualifications. These roles last for three years.

There are also four, four-year engineering apprenticeships for people who want to gain Level 3 Engineering Technician qualifications. — Read more via Northamptonshire Telegraph

Boohoo bolsters UK apprenticeships with £85,000 boost

Skills training provider and manufacturer Fashion-Enter is to benefit from a GBP85,000 award as part of an apprenticeship levy which will see it provide training and arrange placements for its students on behalf of Boohoo Group.

The scheme will focus on candidates from underrepresented communities within the Leicestershire area. — Read more via Just Style