Manufacturers welcome Tory skills proposals

Release date: 24/07/2008

EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation has welcomed the Conservatives skills Green Paper announced today, in particular the proposals to boost apprenticeships and reform the skills training system.

Commenting, EEF Chairman, Martin Temple, said:

“Improving workforce skills is key to the future success of UK manufacturers. Proposals which aim to simplify current arrangements would be welcomed as the last thing business needs is another wholesale reform of the system.”

On apprenticeships, Martin Temple 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.

“Furthermore, the proposed bonus system for SMEs and help with the development for Group Training Associations will 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.

ENDS

Notes for editors