Diane Johnson, skills ambassador at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), has called on the Government to reform the way apprenticeships are financed in the electrotechnical industry.
Johnson said: “The current system of apprenticeship funding is prohibitive for employers and apprentices in our industry. If it isn’t changed, it could discourage both parties from taking part in apprenticeships. If this happens it will have serious consequences for the industry, which is desperate for new blood. Companies in the electrical sector are willing to train apprentices, but the current system of funding undermines, rather than supports them.”
She continued: “Employers face a dilemma when it comes to delivering practical training to apprentices. They often struggle to insure apprentices under the age of 19 to go on site, but only receive 50% of the funding for a 19 year old apprentice that they get for one aged 16-18. This issue needs to be resolved. Practical training is the most important part of a craft apprenticeship – it’s where the skills are really developed – so we need to ensure that the funding structure allows this to be delivered at the most appropriate time.”
The ECA is recommending a delivery contract for apprentices which would provide full funding for Level 3 apprentices up to the age of 24. Johnson says: “A more flexible approach to funding would allow employers more time to deliver the on-site training apprentices need. It would also allow young people who wish to study for a higher apprenticeship the funding to get the best possible start in the industry.”
Johnson concluded: “Construction Skills estimate the UK needs to recruit an average of 1,670 additional electricians every year between now and 2015* simply to meet current depressed levels of demand. We need support when it comes to developing the next generation, and we look to government to provide this.”
*Taken from Construction Skills: Blueprint for UK Construction Skills 2011-2015
