Semta supports development of new apprenticeship scheme for cranes giant
27/03/2012 Enginuity
- New programme will offer highest qualification level apprenticeship in UK-Sector Skills Council Semta has partnered with Wearside cranes company Liebherr Ltd and the University of Sunderland to help develop a new scheme that will attract the next generation of apprentices to careers in manufacturing.
The programme, which is planned for a September start, will offer the highest qualification level apprenticeship in the UK - going from a level four, equivalent to an A-Level, to level six which is degree standard.
Semta has been working closely with Liebherr, as well as other major manufacturers, to develop a framework that will ensure the scheme is fit for purpose when it is introduced later this year. It is hoped that other manufacturers will adopt it, and begin offering higher-level apprenticeships that will help attract a new breed of apprentice towards a career in the sector.
Semta Apprenticeship Director Bill Twigg said: "We've engaged with businesses right across the UK, and Liebherr and the University of Sunderland have both been important partners in the North area, helping us to develop a framework that we are confident will get this course up and running by September.
"We believe that introducing a course that will train apprentices to this higher level will really help to attract people who perhaps wouldn't have considered a career in manufacturing, to pursue a role in the field. It's a fantastic opportunity - particularly for young people - to earn while they learn, gaining valuable work experience, a degree standard qualification, and a regular salary all at the same time.
"Making manufacturing attractive to a new generation of employee is something that is vitally important if the sector is going to continue to grow and realise its potential."
Ralph Sälzer, managing director of Liebherr Sunderland Works, said: "Manufacturing has always faced the challenge of attracting new people who are often led to believe it is an unskilled sector with an autocratic and blue-collar working environment. That really couldn't be further from the truth.
"Manufacturing can offer a highly challenging, rewarding and exciting career path, and the introduction of a course that educates people to degree standard is a real indicator of the skill level and expertise needed to succeed in the field."
Liebherr, which has been operating in Sunderland for more than 20 years, is one of a number of businesses across the UK working with Semta and local partners to implement the scheme in their area.
The course, which will run in conjunction with the University of Sunderland, will work in a similar way to the current apprenticeship system, with on-the-job training, as well as class-based learning.
Professor John MacIntyre, dean of the faculty of Applied Sciences and pro vice chancellor at the University of Sunderland, said: "The university is delighted to be working with both the sector skills council and one of the major employers on this important initiative.
"A highly skilled workforce is essential to the success of the manufacturing industry, and we are working with Semta and Liebherr to map out how apprenticeships can give individuals the opportunity to gain degree level qualifications."
The university is part of the consultation group established by Semta to work on the initiative. Organisations such as Rolls-Royce North East Training Centre in Newcastle have also been involved in the process so far, and it is expected they will play an integral role in assessing and administering the courses in the North East once they are introduced.
Anthony Beeton, operations manager at the Rolls-Royce centre, said: "This course will take the training of young apprentices to the next level, allowing them to not only learn the basics, but to build upon this, with a course that is geared towards problem solving and people management.
"It represents a really exciting opportunity for young people, and is something we look forward to playing a part in."
For further information, please visit www.semta.org.uk
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