APPRENTICESHIPS


Developing the engineers of the future


By David Higham (pictured), Commercial Director at Learning Unlimited, part of Chesterfield College


Engineering companies could face a major challenge if they are to develop the engineers needed to build the skills that will secure the future of the industry. There’s been a growing skills shortage in the engineering sector over recent years, with an ageing workforce making that gap widen further. Organisations that are demonstrating success are those that are growing their own talent, ensuring their businesses are in safe hands for the future. Savvy employers are finding a way


of nurturing their own skilled workforce, not just through apprenticeships but through the development of existing staff. It’s only through a combination of the two that they will be able to plug the growing skills gap that’s gripping the industry. It’s not just about bringing new talent into the


organisation. Employers need to consider apprenticeship and development programmes for their existing employees too. There is a misconception that apprenticeships are only available to young school leavers but, in fact, there’s no age barrier as apprenticeships are a perfect way of helping current employees develop their skills. There are many employees who would love the opportunity to develop and progress within the organisation. They might like the chance to gain new skills to climb the career ladder, develop their professional skills or receive recognition for the experience and knowledge they already have. While this extra training is a good way of boosting staff


morale and motivating existing employees, employers benefit too as they can use this as a way of evaluating the skills of the people within the organisation. It gives them the chance to stand back, look at the bigger picture and fill a skills gap within the organisation. At the same time it helps develop a more flexible workforce. It’s also a good opportunity to identify those who have


the potential to progress into management roles and take the organisation into the future. Identifying and growing talent to fill key positions in the future is vital. An ever- increasing skills shortage means it is increasingly important for succession planning for the future. Many employers are also beginning to benefit from skills


enhancement packages as they are a good way of developing future workforces. It offers the prime opportunity to provide apprentices with a year of study before they go into the workplace. It helps them develop a


‘Investing in apprenticeship schemes helps secure a new influx of workers by encouraging more people to move into the engineering industry’


FEATURE


Apprenticeship schemes can help develop a more flexible workforce


range of skills across different areas of the business and gain a thorough understanding of the sector and the organisation, which in the long term leads to well-rounded, highly skilled employees. This not only benefits the apprentice as they learn about different areas of operation but also shapes multi-skilled and flexible individuals. Meanwhile, the introduction of new employer-led


Standards is set to improve training for apprentices coming into the workforce. Created by employers for employers, each Standard is designed by each individual profession to shape the specific skills, behaviours and knowledge that people need to do their job and in the longer term this will drive skills higher. Engineering apprenticeships are obviously one of the


most viable options for companies that want to stay ahead of the skills shortage. Investing in apprenticeship schemes helps secure a new influx of workers by encouraging more people to move into the engineering industry. By training someone through an apprenticeship, employers


are fostering new skills and gaining someone that they can equip with essential skills and knowledge. It’s genuinely a cost-effective way of training someone up and building the specific skillset that the business will need to take them into the future and meet the changing market needs.


business network February 2019 43


‘Savvy employers are finding a way of nurturing their own skilled workforce’


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