An event organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) brought together employers and training providers to inform them about the latest apprenticeship developments.
Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the event provided a range of information on all aspects of the new apprenticeship standard and an update on the apprenticeship funding proposals – including the new Apprenticeship Levy.
Attendees heard from a range of speakers, including TESP Vice Chair Steve Burley, who spoke about the background to the standard’s development and IET Director of Membership & Professional Development Michelle Richmond, who spoke about the links between the new standard and professional registration. JIB Chief Executive Steve Brawley also discussed details of the new governance model for the apprenticeship standard which TESP and the IET will jointly oversee on the industry’s behalf.
TESP Vice Chair Steve Burley said: “I hope today has provided a clearer picture of how the new apprenticeship standard will complement what we have had until now and how it will help our industry to continue to deliver high quality apprenticeships in the future. Our apprenticeship used to be gold standard; now it will be a platinum one, and one that will enable the industry to grow and evolve in a world that is becoming more demanding and driven by technology.”
“Our partnership with TESP will provide a means of ensuring that the new standard evolves in line with the wishes of employers and the demands on industry, and provides a blueprint for apprentice training for many years to come.”
IET Director of Membership & Professional Development Michelle Richmond, said: “The new apprenticeship will provide an exemplifying route to EngTech registration, and a more effective way for those who undertake it to achieve the formal recognition as members of the engineering community that they and this industry deserve. Our partnership with TESP will provide a means of ensuring that the new standard evolves in line with the wishes of employers and the demands on industry, and provides a blueprint for apprentice training for many years to come.”
ECA Group CEO Steve Bratt, who chaired the event, commented: “The new electrotechnical trailblazer standard builds on the previous highly effective training framework, and will help our industry develop the leaders of tomorrow.
“Employers are undoubtedly the unsung heroes of apprenticeships, due to their ongoing commitment to helping young people at the start of their careers.
“However, with employers facing a growing skills shortage, it’s vital the government continues to work with industry to minimise any costs and red tape associated with providing workplace experience and training young people.”
