64 SKILLS AND APPRENTICSHIPS
Apprenticeships are crucial to the region’s growth
“Apprentices are the backbone of our business,” says Peter Hakin, apprentice training manager at King’s Award- winning manufacturing business Fort Vale Engineering. “It’s important for Fort Vale Engineering, as a company, to invest in apprentices. We’ve done so for over 50 years, and it continues the legacy of the company.”
For Simonstone-based Fort Vale and other businesses across Lancashire, apprenticeships address critical skills gaps, support workforce development and foster long-term growth. It’s a tried-and-tested method of employers partnering with education to produce the workers their businesses need to grow.
Each year Fort Vale receives over 140 applicants for around eight vacancies on average, some of which are then trained in partnership with the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology.
In Lancashire and Cumbria over 10,000 apprentices start their training annually. This number reflects a stable demand for apprenticeships in the region, supported by various industries prioritising skills development and workforce sustainability.
“From an employer’s perspective, the need for apprentices arises from several factors: skills gap solutions, workforce succession planning, cost-effective recruitment, innovation and new perspectives, and commitment to local economies.
“And for the apprentices, learners gain industry-relevant technical and soft skills, making them workforce-ready while earning qualifications without incurring significant debt.”
Employers taking on apprentices do need to dedicate time, effort and energy to training up the workforce of tomorrow – but in doing so, they can provide tailored training, developing the exact skills the business needs, reduce turnover, and enhance their reputation.
For employers like Fort Vale, apprenticeships have shaped the past and future of the business.
Linda Dean
Linda Dean, the Managing Director of the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (L&C IoT), says apprenticeships bring mutual benefits to both apprentices, businesses and the broader economy. The IoT, a collaboration of eight colleges and three Universities, delivers technical training that is co-created, using leading technology, meaning that learners receive the skills businesses in the area need. Apprenticeships are just one part of what the IoT can offer.
“Apprenticeships in Lancashire and Cumbria are highly valued by employers due to their role in addressing skill shortages, fostering talent development, and supporting regional economic growth,” says Linda.
“We have four members of the board of directors who were ex-apprentices, and I was an ex-apprentice here myself,” Peter says. “We offer apprenticeships in many areas from – from machining to mechatronics. We also have foundry apprentices, tool making apprentices, and business administration.”
Peter says. “The main skills that we’re looking for as an employer aren’t necessarily the hand skills – those skills can be taught. We’re looking for a good work ethic, an excellent attitude to work and a willingness to really push yourself and be the best you can be.”
One of the apprentices benefitting from this nurturing approach is Lucas Rimmer, a mechatronics apprentice, training with Themis at Burnley College, which is an IoT partner college.
“I’ve enjoyed getting involved in mechanical projects since I was young,” he says. “My role is really hands on – and that’s what I enjoy, compared to sitting in a classroom.
“I think you learn a lot more as an apprentice. That’s mainly what appealed to me – and being paid while you learn. The course, and the role, is perfect for me.”
The training carried out within the college setting is then put into practice in the workplace, but more related to the jobs within the company.
Critical to the success of apprenticeships is input from employers. That’s an ask from the IoT, for those employer partners who can dedicate the time. Linda urged businesses to engage with the IoT to shape training programmes that align with their specific needs, utilising the IoT’s cutting- edge technologies.
“ The IoT is a fantastic opportunity for the region, but we need to demonstrate true collaboration to ensure we meet the needs of employers and allow the region to truly prosper”
To find out more about becoming an employer partner email
employer@landciot.ac.uk
Visit
landciot.ac.uk
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