Commenting, EEF Regional Manager, Tony Sarginson, said:
“The strong performance of UK manufacturing over the last few years combined with the move to higher value products and manufacturing techniques has raised the demand for high skilled labour. As a result, the demand for apprentices is increasing and it is becoming an increasingly important route of entry into skilled jobs in the sector.
“The focus on Apprenticeships as a route of entry into highly skilled and highly paid careers, rather than as a route for those who have not succeeded academically, will be welcomed by manufacturers.”
In particular, EEF welcomed the recognition of the importance of better careers advice and guidance for young people on the Apprenticeship route, an issue on which it has long campaigned:
“Far too often the poor quality of careers advice available to young people means that they either lack information on, or are dissuaded from considering the route of, an Apprenticeship. We welcome the new duty for careers advice to include information about Apprenticeships and it is now essential that advisers are provided with resources and training about opportunities available across the economy, including engineering and manufacturing.”
Notes for editors
For more information contact Jenny Russell 0191 4165656 jenniferrussell@eefnorthern.org.uk
EEF has more than 500 member companies in the North East of England and provides the most cost effective legal, employment law, employee relations and HS&E advice and training in the UK.
EEF employs teams of HR and employment specialists and has access to more than 60 lawyers and barristers to help its members understand the issues associated with the ever increasing introduction of legislation and regulation.
Membership of EEF gives immediate unlimited access to the team of specialists - including the largest specialist employment law team in the UK, which provides professional no-nonsense advice and guidance either by telephone or in person.
In addition, EEF represents the interests of its members at UK Government, European and international level, and can provide advice and support on issues and legislation that can affect almost every aspect of business.
Visit www.eef.org.uk/northern for further information