Reactive comment: Budget 2011, Philip Whiteman, Chief Executive of Semta
29/03/2011 Enginuity
Semta welcomes a number of the proposals set out by Government in the recent Budget. We know a key focus for businesses should be investing in their future workforce. In particular with our research indicating that a quarter of employers in our sectors have skills gaps, increasing investment in the Manufacturing Advisory Service will help more businesses understand that training is an investment rather than a cost. The recent CBI industrial trends survey revealed the recovery in the manufacturing sector was firmly in place. The expansion of advanced manufacturing will have a key role to play in ensuring the sector maintains its position.Overall, it is positive that employer's needs are being recognised and we are pleased to see that the promotion of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects remains at the top of the agenda. It is important to make sure that those who have the biggest influence, from teachers to employers, have access to the right amount of knowledge and quality of training to encourage young people to consider a career in STEM.
The Budget outlined 50,000 new apprenticeship places, helping not only address the ongoing skills gaps in Semta's sectors, but also recognising that new technical skills are crucial for growth and maintaining competitiveness on the global trade stage. Additionally, support for the development of a new degree for Advanced Manufacturing is key for Semta.
Finally, for areas with a high concentration of manufacturing businesses, the introduction of ten new enterprise zones will help boost the increasing number of jobs being created in the industry. This initiative will help promote the work of Semta's regional councils which exist to better support the specific skills needs for employers.
Semta
(Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies)
14 Upton Road
Watford
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0845 643 9001
Fax: 01923 256086
Web: www.semta.org.uk
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