Commenting, EEF Chairman,
Martin Temple
, said:
“This review is a step forward and we welcome many of the proposals contained in the strategy. However, we it is essential we get the speedy implementation of some of the key recommendations if the government’s ambitious targets for 2020 are to be met.”
In particular, EEF believes there should be responsive funding for apprentices of all ages including a commitment to fund mature apprenticeships and the clarification of how apprenticeships fit with diplomas, higher education and other qualifications. The framework also needs to be flexible enough to open up apprenticeships to broader range of companies.
Furthermore, EEF re-iterated its call for reform of the careers service to ensure parents and young people are aware of the full range of opportunities available to them.
“In tandem with the expansion of apprenticeships, we must ensure that the careers guidance young people receive provides adequate information on their benefits along with more radical action to encourage employers to establish new apprenticeship schemes.”
ENDS
EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation is the representative voice of manufacturing in the UK with a federation of 11 regional Associations and ECIA, the Engineering Construction Industry Association and UK Steel. The EEF has a growing membership of almost 6,000 companies of all sizes, employing some 900,000 people from every sector of engineering, manufacturing, engineering construction and technology-based industries.