Manufacturers welcome Tory skills proposals

Commenting, Peter O’Grady, Head of Representation for EEF West Midlands, said:

“Improving workforce skills is key to the future success of manufacturers in this region. However, the last thing business needs is another wholesale reform of the system so proposals which aim to simplify current arrangements would be welcomed.”

EEF further welcomed the Conservatives’ proposals on apprenticeships. EEF’s Technology Centre in Birmingham trains 80% of the engineering apprentices in the Birmingham & Solihull area.

Peter O’Grady added:

“The recognition by all parties that adult apprenticeships have an important role to play in improving skills is good news. Today’s proposals to reduce the funding disparity between apprentices for young people and adults and the focus on increasing the number of advanced apprenticeships could support future growth.

“The proposed bonus system for SMEs and help with the development for Group Training Associations will also be welcomed by SMEs who are looking at ways to develop their workforce but often find the cost and time commitment of taking on an apprentice too daunting.”

Increasing apprenticeships has come sharply into focus since the 2006 Leitch Review. Apprenticeships are an important route into skilled jobs in manufacturing and many more companies are now looking to expand their apprenticeships scheme or to take on apprentices for the first time.

EEF West Midlands is the largest employers’ association in the region, representing primarily engineering, manufacturing and technology-based organisations. Serving its member companies is a team of over 160 staff providing a wide range of experience and expertise.

Their HR and Legal team supports and advises on HR issues including employment law and employee relations and handles hundreds of employment tribunals for their members annually. Safety and Environmental Services, the health and safety division of EEF West Midlands, also provides expert support to its members.

At their Technology Centre in Birmingham and the Conference and Training Centre in Leamington Spa, EEF West Midlands help develop the workforce required for businesses to succeed at all levels. This includes training 80% of all engineering apprentices in the Birmingham and Solihull area through to management development and nationally accredited courses for health, safety and environmental practitioners.

Nationally and across the region, EEF provides a powerful voice for its members