NAA Skills Update: Apprenticeships
It’s that time of year when many young people have received their GCSE or A-Level results and are wondering what to do next. Thankfully, a lot of emphasis is being given to apprenticeships at present, but I worry that we are still not doing enough to promote the benefits of apprenticeships to learners, parents and employers.
Whilst driving home the other day, I heard someone on the radio referring to new apprentices “donning a boiler suit or picking up a pair of scissors”. She was making a sweeping statement about apprentices and in doing so gave the impression that all apprenticeships are in plumbing or hairdressing. I thought about the varied and exciting pathways which are open to young people embarking on careers in the automotive industry at present and I found myself screaming in frustration at the radio, much to the amusement of the van driver in the lane next to me.
Autohub
At least our Autohub activity continues to gain momentum and ‘fly the flag’ for well-constructed, high level apprenticeships.
The more employers we engage with, the more we find ourselves busy not only introducing employers to Higher Apprenticeships and the supporting framework but also offering support and advice to employers on a wide range of issues including how to go about recruiting apprentices, the most appropriate learning pathways for apprentices and the best training provision available.
We have found that there is a great deal of willingness on the part of the employers to take on apprentices but they are not always aware of the support mechanisms in place and simply don’t know where to start. So if you are one of those employers and you don’t want to wait until one of our ‘Apprentices Explained!’ events comes to your area, give me a call and I will be pleased to visit you.
‘Apprentices Explained!’ Events
Our next ‘Apprentices Explained!’ event will take place in Lancashire during October. Once we have confirmed venue details, we will be sending out invitations to Lancashire-based employers, so look out for the email.
Apprentice of the Year Award
This year’s awards ceremony at our annual dinner to be held on 17 October will see the awarding of the NAA’s first ever Apprentice Award. So for those of you who already employ apprentices and are reaping benefits, why not submit an application and show everyone how proud you are of your apprentice? Application forms are available from Zoe (z.desoer@nwautoalliance.com).
As always, if you have any queries regarding apprenticeships or any skills-related topics, I would be pleased to hear from you.
Susan Butters
Project Manager, Autohub
Tel: 07815 284360
