More apprenticeships need to be offered in the construction planning and engineering sectors, in order to support these key areas of the economy, according to a new report.
Trade body EngineeringUK has indicated that the number of Advanced Apprenticeship achievements needs to double within the construction planning and built environment sector.
The group said a similar increase is also required in the engineering and manufacturing technology sector, and the information and communications technologies industry, to keep the UK’s economic recovery on track.
Among its other key recommendations, the report said further efforts must be made to boost the careers information which is available to young people.
EngineeringUK believes that those delivering careers guidance need to be given a broader knowledge of vocations which demand modern scientific, technological and engineering skills.
Along with the construction sector, the study has suggested that skills shortages could hold back the growth of the engineering industry, if positive action is not taken soon.
The trade body said that in order to plug talent shortages in technical industries, the UK’s 11 to 14 year-olds could also be offered more careers ‘inspiration’ sessions.
Responding to the report, British Business Secretary Vince Cable said ministers are keen to support major industries in their attempts to meet their skill requirements.
He said: “In Government, we’re working hard to make sure we have the skills we need in 2022 and beyond, but we need to work with industry to make sure we inspire the engineers of tomorrow, today.”
The call for a sizeable increase in the number of Advanced Apprenticeships in the construction planning sector follows separate research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), which warned of building skills shortages.
The latest Rics UK Construction Market Survey indicates that bricklayers are among the skilled workers who are in high demand at present.
To read more, click here: http://www.citb.co.uk/news-events/uk/britain-needs-more-advanced-apprenticeships/
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