Innovative cross-party 5-point plan launched to grow engineering and technology apprenticeships for young people.

Former ministers from the Labour and Conservative parties, Lord Knight and Lord Willetts, are collaborating with the support of EngineeringUK, a charity. They are launching an ambitious new plan aimed at growing and sustaining engineering and technology apprenticeships for young people..

This initiative acknowledges the vital role of engineering and technology in the UK and the increasing demand for a skilled workforce in this sector. The plan is the result of an extensive inquiry conducted to address the concerning decline in apprenticeship starts within the field in recent years.

Drawing from insights gathered from various stakeholders, including businesses, educational institutions, and young individuals, the report presents five key policy recommendations that all political parties should consider. These recommendations emphasize the need for urgent collaboration between the government, employers, and educational providers to make apprenticeships more accessible for young people.

Lord Knight, co-chair of the inquiry and former Labour Education and Employment Minister, expressed his hope that these recommendations will be taken seriously by policymakers and practitioners to address the issue of linking schools and skills, which has been a longstanding challenge.

Lord Willetts, co-chair of the inquiry and former Conservative Minister for Universities and Science, highlighted the importance of engineering for the British economy and the potential for apprenticeships to broaden the participation of young people in the field.

The inquiry's recommendations encompass five key areas:

• Rebalance education
  Ensure that the secondary school system is fit for the future and there is genuine parity of esteem between technical and academic pathways. Recommendations cover curriculum, BTECs, English Baccalaureate (EBacc) and careers.

• Support young people
  Provide better support for young people throughout their apprenticeship journey and take decisive action to break down barriers. Recommendations cover pre-apprenticeship support, benefits, transport and functional skills.

• Refocus funding
  Ensure long-term funding and greater equity between vocational and academic routes. Recommendations include funding degree apprenticeships through the standard higher education fees and loans model and funding apprenticeships for 16 to 19 year olds through an increase in the Education and Skills Funding Agency budget.

• Enable businesses
  Enable more SMEs to play an active role in apprenticeships. Work together with employers as well as providers to ensure that engineering and technology apprenticeship standards are given the strategic importance they merit and meet the skills needs of the sector. Recommendations also cover residential options.

• Employers taking action
  Encourage employers to play their part in growing and sustaining apprenticeships for the future and to help widen opportunities for young people.

Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, emphasised the need for a diverse and expanded workforce in engineering and technology. Apprenticeships offer a valuable pathway into these fields, and the report's recommendations aim to enhance their structure, accessibility, funding, and uptake.

You can access the full inquiry report, titled "Fit for the Future: A 5-Point Plan to Grow and Sustain Engineering and Technology Apprenticeships for Young People," on the EngineeringUK website at www.engineeringuk.com/fitforthefuture.