Every year, National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) celebrates the power of apprenticeships, highlighting its positive impact on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
The benefits apprentices bring to businesses are invaluable, providing significant returns on investment and yet not enough businesses are taking advantage of this vital resource, particularly in the engineering sector, which is already suffering from a talent shortage.
Alan Lusty, CEO of adi Group, warns that more businesses should seek to implement apprenticeship schemes to safeguard the industry’s future.
“Not enough businesses have recognised the sheer potential of apprenticeships in today’s engineering world and just how much these can benefit their company, as well as make a positive impact on the industry,” he says.
According to the adi Group, its quality EAL-accredited pre-apprenticeship and its apprenticeship offering, along with the overall commitment to investing in the future of young aspiring engineers, is a positive example for others in the industry and beyond.
Having begun his engineering career as an apprentice, Alan is determined to spearhead a change in the mindset of businesses, educating others on the importance of apprenticeships.
He continues, “We want to motivate other businesses within the industry to take proactive measures to change the engineering sector for the better and a crucial aspect of this transformation is recognising and championing the indispensable role of apprenticeships.”
Data shows that apprenticeship starts in 2022/23 are down 3% compared to the previous year, showing a discouraging lack of growth. But with predictions that the labour demand gap in engineering will widen, with an estimated shortfall of 40,000 workers by 2028, businesses should look towards apprenticeships as a key element of the solution.
Apprenticeship schemes represent a highly effective route for individuals aspiring to enter the STEM fields. While statistics reveal that university degrees and higher education remain the predominant choice amongst young people in the UK, apprenticeships can offer the practical skills and experience necessary within engineering, which traditional academia neglects to provide.
Going on to share his advice on how to offer best-in-class apprenticeships, Alan says, “It’s about helping budding engineers gain the hands-on core skills and knowledge they need to progress and succeed in an engineering career, in the right ways.
“Adi’s pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship models are unique in the field, carefully designed to help outline a path of success for young talent within the industry and increase accessibility. We offer youngsters the opportunity to gain practical engineering skills in their chosen area from our in-house mentors, as well as the experience of a real-world work environment, which we believe to be vital.
“And we don’t just train apprentices on the engineering aspects of the job – we nurture all areas of their development, getting them involved in responsible business activities, training them up on health and safety and sustainability, and helping them build relevant soft skills. We further aid their growth through a dedicated mentorship scheme, designed to ensure every apprentice is personally supported in achieving their individual goals and aspirations.’’
To read more on adi Group, click here.