Cash incentive for manufacturers to create 200 full-time jobs for graduates
PRESS RELEASE, 24 SEPTEMBER 2012
An additional 200 graduates are expected to be recruited by businesses in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector across theUKafter funds to support their employment and training were announced today.
Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing submitted a proposal to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) to provide small and medium sized companies with the grants to support the employment and training of graduates via their Employer Investment Fund (EIF).
The UKCES has now awarded a contract to Semta which will deliver genuine reductions in youth unemployment by March 2013, with at least one third of the opportunities in the devolved nations –Scotland,WalesandNorthern Ireland.
Semta’sUKoperations directorLynn Tomkinssaid: “This money will make a real difference. Only 15% of SMEs in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) employ graduates. Our ambition is to see this rise to 17% over the next three years.
“It will take 200 young people off the unemployment register and into paid and productive employment, resulting in them becoming economically active and contributing to UK Plc.”
Semta has been delivering incentivised training and support for apprentices through the EIF but this is the first time grants have been available to specifically help graduate recruitment.
Andy Robinson, MD of Autotech, said the incentive would mean firms like his could work with Semta to recruit with confidence and more quickly than might otherwise have been the case.
Autotech is an SME that design, install, maintain and upgrade electronic control systems and specialising in logistics, automotive, airports, food beverage, facilities and manufacturing who have barriers attracting the right people to meet business needs.
Mr Robinson said: “We need up to six engineering graduates to help us meet business needs and to help bring new skills into our operation. This project will go a long way to helping us achieve our aims.”
The EIF project will be promoted through universities, JobCentre Plus, industry, professional bodies and established employer networks and will be monitored by a steering group of representatives from employers, Higher Education, JobCentre Plus, trade unions and graduates.
For further details on how to apply for the grants please contact Semta Customer Serviceson 0845 643 9001 or via email customerservices@semta.org.uk
Semta
Semta is the employer-led Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies in theUK. The sectors it represents are: Aerospace, Automotive, Composites, Electrical, Electronics, Maintenance, Marine, Mathematics, Mechanical, Metals and Engineered Metal Products, Renewables and Science. Its role is to raise skills levels and competitiveness in the 132,000 companies and 1.7 million-strong workforce that make up these sectors. ItsNationalSkillsAcademyfor Manufacturing delivers an independent national standard for manufacturing training content, delivery and process by focusing on business return which is typically 6:1.
www.semta.org.uk Follow us on Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/Semta_4Skills
For media inquiries call Paul Robertson on 07887 832144 or 01740 645433
