Employers are being urged to help shape the future of engineering and advanced manufacturing by ensuring qualifications and training meets the needs of industry.

A major review of National Occupational Standards (NOS) is being led by Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies to ensure the current standards are fit for purpose and to find out from employers and stakeholders what changes might be required.

The current suites of NOS and qualifications were developed in partnership with employers and other appropriate organisations such as the professional institutions, trade bodies, training providers and higher education.

NOS set out the skills, knowledge and understanding required by employees to undertake a particular task or job role to a nationally recognised level of competence, helping formalise and standardise training requirements across the UK.

The NOS directly inform the quality, content and assessment requirements of vocational qualifications especially competence qualifications (NVQs) included in all Semta Apprenticeship Frameworks

Bill Twigg, apprenticeship director of Semta said: “It is extremely important that we have a programme of continuous improvement to keep up with the rapid expansion of new technologies and processes in our sector.

“We want to hear from those employers, employees and training providers as to the strengths and any weaknesses. It is imperative to the future of the UK economy that we deliver world class standards, through academic and vocational qualifications leading to a highly-skilled, motivated and flexible workforce.”

The standards being reviewed are:

• Automotive Engineering Suite 3
• Aeronautical Engineering Suite 3
• Engineering Leadership Suite 3
• Marine Engineering Suite 2 and 3
• Rail Engineering Overhead Line Equipment Construction Suite 2 and 3

The review will focus on:

• Are the current job roles still relevant and current in the NVQ structures?
• If not what changes are required?
• Are there any missing NOS that should be developed and be included in the NVQs?
• Is the content of the NOS technically correct?
• Is there anything missing in the scope of the NOS and /or knowledge statements?
• Is there anything that should not be in the NOS e.g. redundant procedures/processes/equipment?
• Is it clear what must be completed in order to achieve the NOS?
• Can the outcomes specified in the NOS be achieved in the workplace?

The review is scheduled to complete by the end of the year including a UK wide employer and stakeholder consultation.

For more information please contact Semta Customer Services who will arrange to have the relevant standards sent to you and explain the review process or telephone 0845 643 9001.

Semta figures boost Scottish engineering

THE number of Scottish teenagers embarking on Modern Apprenticeships in engineering has topped 1,000 for the first time, new figures reveal today (22nd May).

In 2012-13 there were a record 1,079 candidates aged 16-19 compared to 907 the previous year. Over the same period the total number of MA registrations reached 1,393 - a 28% rise and the second highest on record (the previous best was 1,400 in 2008-09). But skills experts say while the increase – particularly among school leavers – is welcome there is no room for complacency.

Sarah Sillars, OBE, CEO of Semta, the sector skills organisation for science, engineering and manufacturing said: “We have seen very encouraging signs in Scotland – as in the rest of the UK.

“More youngsters are recognising that engineering is an exciting career, with long term prospects and Modern Apprenticeships are a real alternative to university.

“However, there is still much work to do to persuade more individuals and companies, in particular SMEs (Small & Medium size Enterprises) that MAs are good for business.”

Scotland has approximately 142,600 employees and 11,500 employers across the engineering and science sectors which equates to just under 10% of engineering and science employers in the UK.

Semta research found:

• Only 29% of all engineering establishments in Scotland employ apprentices or recognised trainees
• 15% of all employers in Scotland reported skills gaps (21% for UK)
• 61% of Science, Engineering and Manufacturing technology employers believe technical and practical skills need to be improved (48% for all employers)

As part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (21 – 25 May) Semta is hosting an employers’ breakfast, promoting the benefits of Modern Apprenticeships, in conjunction with Skills Development Scotland.

Details will also be unveiled on a Big Lotto project Semta has undertaken with the Scottish Resource Centre for Women to boost the number of girls becoming engineering apprentices. The number registered this year was an all-time high of 36 but still below the target of at least 3% of all recruits.

Sillars said: “Women make up half the workforce and so are a great untapped resource. There are great role models working in engineering throughout the UK who can inspire the next generation.

“We need more parents and teachers to understand the value of apprenticeships for both girls and boys and what they can lead to – well paid jobs with the lifestyle to match.

"Companies need to understand an apprentice may not always contribute towards a business in year one but in years two, three and four they make a major contribution becoming a valued, loyal employee, earning money and providing home-grown skills.

"Although these figures suggest the message may be getting through that apprenticeships are once again a real alternative to going to university, we also need to see more graduates coming into industry too."

Semta is encouraging firms of all sizes to get in touch for help to access funding, quality training providers and a suite of tools designed to give a return on their investment.

Semta supports the recruitment, mentoring and training of apprentices and graduates, assesses supply chain capability to produce a company training plan, and provides high quality work programmes for those on the shop floor - through to managing director.

Semta Champions New Way of Working

The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering sector is to offer to be a ‘trailblazer’ by piloting and implementing some of the recommendations in The Richard Review.

The industry’s vision of the future of apprenticeships was mapped out today (May 21st) in the consultation response submitted to the Department for Education and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

The formal response to the Richard Review, developed by employers and supported by sector skills organisation Semta, sets out industry ambition to drive world-class standards in engineering frameworks.

It seeks active collaboration with other sectors to identify and share best practice -powering the uptake and value of the apprenticeship ‘brand’.

Sarah Sillars, OBE, CEO of Semta said that unity and clarity is key for the right recommendations to be adopted.

“The industry knows that it can play a pivotal role in ensuring that apprenticeships continue to provide them with the flow of skilled personnel that underpins the government’s Industrial Strategy and is crucial to the UK’s economic growth.

“This is an opportunity to establish apprenticeship frameworks and programmes which deliver 100 per cent benefit to business and overcome the constraints that have been part of the previous system.

“Semta is the catalyst to ensure that the sectors’ voice is heard loud and clear. The industry welcomes improvement and change – but wants to preserve best practice.”

Bill Twigg, Semta Apprenticeships Director said: “We have worked hard with numerous industry partners to ensure that we embrace the opportunity that the Richard Review brings.

“It is imperative that we get it right as this change is critical for the future.”

Richard Hamer, BAE Systems’ Education Director and Head of Early Career Programmes said: ‘’BAE Systems is delighted that the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering sector is able to speak with one voice in its response to the Richard Review.

“We look forward to working with Semta and our peer companies in our sector to use the Review as an opportunity to deliver further improvements to our apprenticeship programmes.’’

Semta was asked to co-ordinate the Richard Review response by, among others, LEEAC (the Large Engineering Employers Apprenticeship Consortium).

LEEAC includes the key large employers in the sector- including BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover and Network Rail.

Semta has prioritised that the response recognises the needs and issues of SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises).

Among the key calls to action are:

• The formation of occupational/industrial partnerships – chaired by a sector employer with broad SME (Small and Medium sized Enterprises) representation to help design new standards for apprenticeships
• The formation of an employer led Sector Standards Setting body with responsibility for development, delivery and application of the national standard – supported by Sector Skills Councils
• Apprenticeship frameworks and related qualifications  designed by employers for employers
• Greater rigour in assessor training
• All apprenticeships should contain an academic element

Download Semta's Richard Response here.

Semta, the sector skills body for science, engineering and advanced manufacturing, is today launching the new Composite Engineering Apprenticeship Framework, developed by employers for employers and seen as being critical to the future of the industry.

The framework will be overseen by Semta’s employer-led Composite Sector Strategy Group which has today announced a change of leadership, with a new chairman Graham Mulholland.

Said outgoing chairman Ken Wappat: “This new Composite Engineering Apprenticeship Framework is the pinnacle of my work leading this group. I can now hand over the chairmanship of the group to Graham Mulholland knowing this new apprenticeship will underpin the supply of composite skills into manufacturing for years to come.”   

The framework was developed through working groups of employers and stakeholders which considered, debated and agreed the content and level of the National Occupational Standards for their industry.

With Level 2 and Level 3 pathways, the framework offers employers a training programme with real flexibility – the Level 2 pathway is aimed at semi-skilled operator occupations where UK manufacturing currently has serious and persistent skill shortages, while Level 3 is for developing craft skilled and technician occupations and is critical if UK manufacturing is to maintain its competitive advantage in world markets.

Graham Mulholland said: “I am delighted to be taking over as chair of Semta’s Composites Sector Strategy Group at such an exciting time for our industry. Ken has helped to create this essential and robust framework which we now must deliver. I am also very keen to work with the strong networks forming within our industry to help accelerate these frameworks to the front line through Composites UK, National Composites Centre and Composites Skill Alliance, to name a few. We certainly have to pull this together and push these new apprenticeships into our industry, quickly.”

Mr Mulholland is managing director of epm:technology. The Derbyshire firm started business in 1996 and now employs 73 with a turnover of £6m but with key capital equipment on order, a nine month project plan to get a new factory ready and 42 open vacancies, it is rapidly expanding.

Today epm:technology produces carbon fibre components for high performance engines and Formula One Motorsport, designed bespoke composite solutions for Team GB at the London Olympics and Channel 5’s the gadget show, as well as a number of specialist parts for the aerospace industry.

Mr Mulholland said: “I have seen real benefits of my partnership with Semta first hand and what it has to offer directly and in partnership with the Composite Skills Alliance. It has paid huge dividends and I expect it to go from strength to strength. I am looking forward to working with other employers in my role as chairman to ensure more businesses, particularly SMEs, work with Semta to ensure the skills talent pipeline for composites is increased, understood and overflowing.”

Glasgow, Newcastle and Nottingham join programme addressing threat of diminishing skills capability

The Semta-backed UK Electronics Skills Foundation has added three further Russell Group Universities to its programme, which seeks to reverse a significant decline in the number of British electronic engineering degree students and to attract more talented young people to the electronics industry.

The addition of the universities, Glasgow, Newcastle and Nottingham, ranked among the best in the UK, takes the total number of UKESF partner universities to 11. The UKESF simplifies the process of university liaison for employers and, by adding formal links to more universities, a growing number of companies can now reach a stronger pool of talented undergraduates.

The UKESF was established in 2010 to help reverse a significant declinein UK students applying to electrical and electronic engineering (EEE) degrees. Industrial scholarships with work placements lie at the heart of the programme, allowing UKESF participating companies to reach out to the most talented EEE university students and start their recruitment process earlier.

The UKESF programme also includes professional development courses that advance its scholars' non-academic business skills, summer schools to attract A-level and Higher students to EEE degrees and a project that introduces younger school students to electronic engineering as a potential career.

There has been a 29.2 per cent drop in British EEE applicants between 2002 and 2012, with a 7.9 per cent drop between 2011 and 2012 coinciding with the introduction of higher university tuition fees.

However, UKESF analysis of 2007 to 2012 UCAS data also shows an increased demand for vocational courses with the proportion of students applying to courses such as engineering, medicine and law rising and now standing at 37%.

Indro Mukerjee, chairman of the UKESF strategic advisory board and CEO of Plastic Logic commented: "University outreach programmes have traditionally been the preserve of firms with larger budgets. The UKESF programme changes this by offering a formal liaison process to companies of all sizes. I am delighted that we have further widened the talent pool available to employers engaging through the UKESF, by bringing more universities on board.

"The integral role electronics plays in our society is well demonstrated by the wide range of employers requiring electronic engineering expertise. These companies will certainly benefit from the increased popularity of vocational courses, by getting involved in programmes that provide financial support and work experience to students undertaking EEE degrees. Moreover, by defining a clear route to rewarding employment as part of the programme, these companies will ultimately attract more talented graduates into our exciting industry."

Andy Repton, a senior engineering director at Dialog Semiconductor: said "Identifying and recruiting the best talent has always been challenging, but UKESF vastly simplifies this for us. We've been exceptionally impressed by the quality of the available students and Dialog now takes on three new scholars each year. And, following his graduation last year, we're pleased to announce we've employed our first UKESF scholar too."

Professor Barrie Hayes-Gill, head of The University of Nottingham's electrical and electronic engineering department said: "The UKESF model has been carefully planned and by partnering with the organisation we can better tailor our courses to industry needs and foster links between our students and the UK's most innovative technology firms at the same time.

The three universities join Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Imperial College, Manchester, Southampton, Surrey and York.

More engineering and advanced manufacturing firms in Northern Ireland are taking on apprentices and graduates for the first time, it is revealed today.

Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and advanced manufacturing, has supported the recruitment and training of 99 apprentices and 20 graduates in the past 12 months with companies who have never taken them on before.

Yet while almost a quarter of engineering businesses in the country reported hard to fill vacancies, there are still many companies which don’t currently offer apprenticeships.

John Leighton head of production at Thales UK in Belfast, who chair Semta’s Northern Ireland regional council, said progress was being made but warned there is still much work to do. 

Mr Leighton was among the speakers at an event in Stormont on April 22 to mark one year since the introduction of Employer Investment Funds to incentivise firms to invest in skills.

Semta’s research indicates that 3,000 skilled workers will retire in Northern Ireland by the end of 2016 and a further 6,700 employees need to improve their skills, which Mr Leighton said showed the urgency to accelerate the skills agenda.

“The work done by employers in partnership with Semta is making a real difference,” said Mr Leighton. “The increase in firms taking on apprentices and graduates for the first time is welcome but if we are to ensure Northern Ireland’s engineering and advanced manufacturing industry remains at the forefront of economic recovery then we must do more.  I would urge those businesses yet to engage with Semta – particularly SMEs – to do so.”

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry said: “Semta was recently asked by my Department to assist in conducting a feasibility study with employers into the demand for a higher level apprenticeship in engineering. The proposal is to pilot a higher level apprenticeship framework in engineering that will include a foundation degree designed to meet the specific skills needs of local employers.

“This will further strengthen the existing partnership between the engineering and further education sectors and I believe that a higher level apprenticeship will provide the sector with a progression route to higher level skills for those in work and those entering the workplace for the first time. I look forward to announcing the launch of the higher level apprenticeship pilot in the very near future.” 

Semta’s chief executive, Sarah Sillars OBE, who also spoke at the event, points to a recent survey of more than 500 employers, carried out for the UK Government by ICM Research, as further evidence of the value of home-grown skills.

She said: “Those with Higher Apprenticeships were found to be 25% more employable than those with other qualifications, while lower apprenticeships also scored highly.

“We need more businesses in Northern Ireland to follow the lead of others and invest in skills. We also need to ensure parents and teachers can see apprenticeships are a real alternative to university as well as making sure those who graduate in STEM subjects  end up in science, engineering and advanced manufacturing careers.”

Semta is encouraging firms of all sizes to get in touch for help to access funding, quality training providers and a suite of tools designed to give a return on their investment.

Semta supports the recruitment, mentoring and training of apprentices and graduates, assesses supply chain capability to produce a company training plan, and provides high quality work programmes for those on the shop floor - through to managing director.

New report highlights link between skills and staff turnover

British Manufacturing is threatened with a mass exodus of executives because companies aren’t doing enough to help improve their skills, a report published today has revealed.

The 2013 Harvey Nash Manufacturing Leadership survey shows that 62 percent of executive staff believe they are being starved of skills.

And forty percent of those dissatisfied are planning to switch jobs as a result.

Sector skills organisation Semta, which helped produce the report, is urging employers to invest in training and grow their own, more loyal, talent through apprenticeships.

Semta’s current forecasts on the skills crisis facing UK manufacturing and engineering shows that industry needs to develop 363,000 of the current technical workforce who are qualified below world-class standards and to recruit and train 82,000 engineers, scientists and technologists by 2016.

Hiring staff is also proving problematic with around 10,000 hard-to-fill vacancies every year mainly due to skills shortages.

CEO of Semta, Sarah Sillars OBE said: “For the last three years business leaders surveyed have cited their top operational concerns as an inability to recruit good people and a lack of available skilled workers.

“Money may be tight right now but skills gaps and shortages impact on companies’ ability to deliver and stay competitive. It’s clear employers risk losing experienced staff unless they invest in skills. Hiring skilled workers can be expensive so we are urging employers to come to Semta. We can help them not only upskill their current workforce but also develop tomorrow’s talent through apprenticeships. Contrary to popular myth, apprentices tend to be more loyal than other staff.”

Research by Semta’s partner the National Apprenticeship Service found that 74 percent of employers said apprentices tended to be more loyal, remaining at their company longer than non-apprentices, while 92 percent said their apprenticeship programme better motivated staff and increased job satisfaction.

The report also provides an insight into how little is being done to increase the number of women working in manufacturing and engineering. Semta believes redressing the gender imbalance could help solve industry’s recruitment and skills issues.

Of those surveyed 73 percent said their organisation is not actively trying to increase the number of women employees within their business. And of the 27 percent who are, only 40 percent are looking to increase the number of women employees throughout the entire organisation, with 15 percent focussing purely on board level appointments and 31 percent focussing on senior/middle management appointments.

Said Sarah Sillars: “It is puzzling that when only 20 percent of the sector’s workforce are female so few companies are actively trying to increase the number of women within their business. While no one is suggesting that candidates should be selected on anything other than merit, perhaps employers facing skills shortages should consider how to nurture this untapped talent.

 “As this report makes clear, skills are the foundation of competitiveness. The government is encouraging employers to take ownership of skills and thankfully help is at hand not only to recruit, train and retain top talent, but also to prevent a lost generation of young people, who need enthusing to join the UK’s world-beating manufacturing industry.”

Rob Lanham, Director of Harvey Nash’s Industrial Executive Search practice continues and endorses fully the findings of the report as being strategically alarming.

“A key competitive advantage of the UK’s industrial and manufacturing base has been the combination of pioneering innovation and the exploitation of high technology manufacturing and practical expertise by a highly skilled workforce,” said Rob

“It is the combination of research, development and world leading academic capability with advanced manufacturing expertise that has sharpened the competitiveness of the UK manufacturing industry and much of the talented leadership in our manufacturing client base was seeded in apprenticeships starting on the shop floor.

“As executive recruiters, we see first-hand how leadership is fundamental to a company’s success and there is no doubt apprenticeships have a key role to play; not only do the manufacturing leaders we speak to see apprenticeships as an important source of new talent for the sector, but also many of them talk about how their own experience of working on the shop floor makes them the talented leaders they are today.

“It is essential we have a strategy that continues to grow these skills from the bottom up but more importantly that we attract more talent into the sector and specifically, we harness the vast untapped resource of bringing more women into the engineering and manufacturing sectors.”

Semta supports companies to hire apprentices and graduates and can help with up skilling through The Advanced Skills Accreditation Scheme which gives access to individually accredited Master’s level modules in key technology areas, through a network of top universities, without any pre-qualifications. It also offers Career Advancement and Progression, a programme to support women's career development and tackle organisational barriers to retain high potential women.

- Scheme widens access by making training more affordable

New pilots can become high flyers in more ways than one thanks to the launch of the Higher Apprenticeship in Professional Aviation Pilot Practice (HAPAPP) to boost skills and make it more affordable to pursue a career in the industry.

Launched today, the HAPAPP has been developed by the Aviation Skills Partnership (ASP) led by employers and supported by skills experts and training bodies, giving would-be pilots the chance to fund their studies for the first time through Government grants and loans to gain professional status.

Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and advanced manufacturing, People First, airlines and the three flight training organisations responsible for delivering the practical training, worked closely with the ASP to create the qualification.

With the practical elements of the course delivered by the airlines and flight training organisations, and exacting learning integrated with detailed theoretical studies in the work place, HAPAPP Apprentices will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Professional Aviation Pilot Practice degree from Middlesex University, and with a pilot’s licence which fully meets all Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements whilst undergoing all of their training at the flight training organisation and airline.

The HAPAPP has been welcomed across the aviation industry for opening up career paths to a diverse range of talented and capable future pilots, rather than just those who can afford to pay for expensive flight training courses.

ASP's Chief Executive Officer, Simon Witts has been the leading force behind the new HAPAPP and hopes to develop similar pathways for air traffic control, operations and crewing, engineering and maintenance, cabin crew and airport operations.

He said: “What is now on offer to airlines and potential recruits is one of the most attractive routes to train to be a pilot, with students being able to gain access to full university-level loan and grant support. This means that the barriers to entry for the people who have the right skills and passion have been reduced, opening up access and creating more opportunities to equalise some of the diversity gaps in the industry. I am very proud to see it come to fruition.”

Bill Twigg, Semta's Apprenticeship Director said: "This is a fantastic scheme which opens up a great number of possibilities not just for future pilots but also across the whole of the aviation industry throughout Europe. We know there is a need for 100,000 pilots across Europe by 2030 so creating a Higher Apprenticeship Framework, simplifying the current complex routes into training by bringing all the elements together in one package and engaging with schools and colleges, aviation groups will ensure airlines and their passengers get the best trained pilots in the world."

Frances Cambrook, Project Manager for the government funded HAPAPP project, said: “Changing cultures is never easy and this initiative has achieved just that, a completely new way of looking at how pilots can be trained and their achievements recognised within the mainstream educational system. It has been hugely challenging but very rewarding to support the industry in addressing their skills needs in this sector, and to see the opportunities for talented aspiring pilots begin to open up through the Higher Apprenticeship.”

Ray Elgy, Head of Licensing and Training Standards at the CAA, and Chairman of the HAPAPP Programme Board, said: “This apprenticeship programme will greatly benefit the aviation industry in both the long and short term. Airlines will be able to draw upon a new generation of talent to fill future flight decks, while a broader recruitment pool will add a diversity of background and experience to their operations, which can only be a positive. The CAA is proud to have been part of the initiative behind this scheme and looks forward to issuing licences to the first graduates."

The first students are expected to enrol on the scheme from July 2013 and more details, including information advice and guidance for budding pilots can be found at www.aviationskillspartnership.com

Siemens tackles skills gap with UK’s first engineering education and careers portal for schools

Siemens has today launched a groundbreaking new education and careers scheme for engineers in conjunction with the Cabinet Office, Department of Education and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The Siemens Education Portal will for the first time allow teachers, students and parents to access a central hub of information to be used in the classroom explicitly designed to encourage young people to engage with engineering and manufacturing related subjects.

The portal will be rolled out to 5,000 schools across the UK by 2014 aiming to reach over 1.95 million pupils within the first year and 4.5 million by 2016. The launch was held today (28 February) at the Manufacturing Summit hosted by Department of Business, Innovation and Skills at the Heritage Motor Centre Motor Museum, in Gaydon.

The aim of the portal is to inspire students, support teachers and communicate to parents the considerable opportunities open to young people working in today’s in-dustry and manufacturing environments. Initially the portal will support the 11 to 14 age group with plans to expand the age range over the next two years. 

The scheme will host a range of interactive education materials supporting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related subjects; from highly interactive schemes of work for practical application in the classroom to engaging 3D games based on some of the most ground breaking industrial projects and tech-nologies in the UK. The content will connect teachers, and young people through a range of curriculum based schemes of work and interactive teaching methods.  

All the materials draw upon the technical expertise of Siemens as well as expe-rienced curriculum developers and can be enhanced by inviting a Siemens em-ployee into a school to provide the benefit of their own experiences and expertise in the subject matter. The content will draw from the Siemens Energy, Infrastructure and Cities, Healthcare and Industrial Sectors

The schemes of work include exploring the challenges facing product designers when designing vehicles for an urban environment, developing sustainable water supplies and creating sustainable energy supplies for modern cities using wind farms.

Juergen Maier, Siemens Industry Managing Director said “It remains vital that we all play our role in developing talent for the future to replace the ageing workforce in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. The only way to change the perceptions of engineering and manufacturing is to target children as young as nine – and really explain how exciting working in this field is.” 

“The portal we have developed is a unique and new way of reaching young people interested in working in engineering. We are passionate about showing aspiring stu-dents, girls as well as boys that working in areas such as high value manufacturing can really lead to a solid and long term career.” 

“If we are to rebalance the economy we need to be developing the skills now to fill the jobs of the future. We know that sustained public and private investment in this area is essential if we are to win the global skills race and create sustainable growth.”

Matthew Hancock, Minister for Skills said: “Siemens are to be congratulated on this innovative new programme to get more young people into engineering.

“Engineers have highly adaptive skills which are valuable across our whole economy and our future competitiveness in the global race will depend on attracting the brightest and best talent into this rewarding career.

“The Government is very active in all policy areas from schools, apprenticeships, higher education, talent retention, and working with companies such as Siemens to tell the real story about engineering and inspire young people.“
Sarah Sillars OBE, Chief Executive of Semta, the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies said: “It is absolutely vital we do all that we can to close the skills gap as the workforce ages and birth rates fall. As a country we need to take a new approach to getting our messages into the heart of the edu-cation system and it is very positive that Siemens has recognised the need to cultivate UK talent for future prosperity and economic growth. The portal really could be a game changer in the way in which businesses interact with the education sys-tem.”

Siemens has already invested in the up-skilling of young people interested in engi-neering and manufacturing through the sponsorship of a number of University Tech-nical Colleges across the UK. The business also took on over 160 apprentices in 2012, which for the first time exceeded the number of graduates recruited at the global engineering powerhouse. Siemens already have a number of programmes with managers and employees supporting local schools across the UK
To see and interact with the full education portal please visit:

http://www.siemens.co.uk/education/en/

Contact for journalists:
Siemens plc
Paul Addison, tel: 07808 823011
E-mail: paul.addison@siemens.com

For further information and press pictures please see: www.siemens.co.uk/press
Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/siemensuknews

Siemens plc
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 170 years ago and now employs around 13,520 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £3.2 billion*. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany.

For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk

* Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports.
 

The best of British engineering talent is being sought to represent the country against young people from across the world.

Students, apprentices and employees are being encouraged to enter the 2013 WorldSkills UK Engineering competition with the chance of progressing to the international finals if successful.

Entries are open now until March 22 for anyone eligible working in:

Aeronautical Engineering (Avionic), Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical), CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Industrial Electronics, Mechanical Engineering: CAD, Mechatronics, Mobile Robotics, Construction Metalwork, Sheet Metalwork.

The finals of the 2013 WorldSkills UK engineering competition will be held in Birmingham in November.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive for Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and advanced manufacturing, wants all employers to encourage their workforce to participate in the competition.

“Semta supports WorldSkills UK as a terrific showcase for engineering and manufacturing careers which should encourage young people to develop the higher level skills that drives forward UK competitiveness,” said Mrs Sillars

“The standards are exceptionally high with a number of winners from last year’s competitions training for WorldSkills International, Leipzig, Germany in July where they will face the best in the world.

“It is a fantastic way to get your business and employees some recognition and to show the UK is world class when it comes to engineering.”

WorldSkills is the biggest international skills competition. It is held every two years in one of its 61 member countries and regions.

More than 1,000 young people aged 18-23 will compete for medals in 40 different skills, including electrical installation, mobile robotics, welding, web design, cooking and landscape gardening at Leipzig between July 2-7.

Visit our website to see photographs and videos from WorldSkills UK Skills Show

WorldSkills UK competition information and promotional information can be downloaded from; http://worldskillsuk.apprenticeships.org.uk/

A YouTube clip from WorldSkills UK, The Skills Show 2012 is available to view here.

PLANS to create graduate and post-graduate level apprenticeships in advanced engineering will help stem the brain drain from Britain, skills body Semta said today.

Government changes to the Specification of Apprentices Standards for England (SASE) mean that from next year level six and seven apprenticeships – equivalent to bachelors and masters degree level – will be available for the first time, making vocational learning an attractive alternative to the traditional higher education route.

Semta is already forging ahead not only with Higher Apprenticeships that can lead to degrees and post-graduate qualifications, but also with a ground-breaking programme of master’s level training for existing employees.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive of Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing believes the programmes developed by Semta with employers are essential to create higher level skills in the workplace.

A recent survey by Roevin, a recruitment firm specialising in engineering, suggested four out of five professional engineers were prepared to leave the country to work overseas – citing pay, lifestyle and valuable work experience as key factors.

And last year 31% of hi-tech manufacturing firms said they had to recruit workers from overseas due to the lack of available skills in the UK.

Sillars said there is an urgent need to ensure young people, parents, schools and universities understand the importance of engineering and the fantastic career prospects industry offers.
“It is vital to the future of our economy to have a skilled workforce capable of competing in a global marketplace,” she said.

“That is why Semta developed higher level apprenticeships for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering. The frameworks not only upskill the existing workforce, but also develop new recruits and, because they are designed with employers, they will encourage more companies to recruit apprentices.”

The Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering is available at level 4 and 6 incorporates academic qualifications such as HNC, HND, foundation degrees and   BEng Honours degree.

Over a three to five year period, the Level 6 Higher apprenticeship framework gives the apprentices the opportunity to gain Incorporated Engineer status.

Semta has also developed the Advanced Skills Accreditation Scheme (ASAS) - a unique, flexible, programme of Master’s level training focused on delivering skills in specific, key technologies identified as critical for driving growth and productivity within UK advanced manufacturing and engineering supply chain companies.

It provides the best courses from the best sources, the first scheme of its type offering flexible access to individual Masters level modules through a network of leading universities. ASAS has no academic prerequisites.

It is anticipated engineers from 2,000 companies in England will be taking 5,000 Master’s Degree modules over the next two years.

Sillars added: “With the recent SASE announcement from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, there is a real commitment to driving the skills agenda forward at pace.

“And Semta is leading the charge, ideally positioned to offer advice and coordinate employers and sector organisations to create partnerships to meet the challenges head on.”

For information on how Semta can help your business, please contact Semta Customer Services on 0845 643 9001 or email customerservices@semta.org.uk.

Click here for more information on the different levels of apprenticeship currently available.

- But battle goes on to save a lost generation

APPRENTICESHIP starts in engineering and advanced manufacturing have increased by more than 85% in the past two years, new figures reveal.

Every area of England has seen a significant rise in new apprentices in the past two years with the West Midlands (227%), East Midlands (174%), North East (133%) and Yorkshire & Humber (109%) leading the way.

The latest figures* released by Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and advanced manufacturing, show most of the new starts have been at intermediate level (142%), with a smaller rise (23%) in the number of advanced and higher level apprentices.

Today the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and Semta will update skills minister Matthew Hancock at a House of Lords on their Apprenticeship Ambition partnership agreement to double the number of Advanced and Higher Level Apprenticeships for the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector by 2015/16.

Skills minister Matthew Hancock said: "Engineering is fundamental to our ambition of creating balanced growth, and these figures demonstrate the rapid progress this government has made in tackling the skills gap - a key element in supporting this sector.

"But we want to attract even more people into this rewarding profession, so we have made changes so that degree level apprenticeships will be recognised for the first time in 2013 and, together with industry, introduced 500 new Masters bursaries for aerospace engineering.

"We know there is more to be done to address the demand for engineers and will continue to work with key players in industry to remove barriers limiting the supply of new talent."

Semta chief executive Sarah Sillars said while the figures showed the ambition was on track there was no room for complacency. She fears there will be a lost generation and missed opportunities for British business if the momentum is not maintained.

Sillars said: "These figures are extremely encouraging. To have 31,070 new starters in the sector in 2011/12, compared to 22,300 in 2010/11, and 16,760 in 2009/10 shows how much excellent work has been going on to meet the skills challenge by both organisations.

"These are real jobs, many paying well above the national average, with young people earning as they learn new skills.

"But we shouldn't rest on our laurels. Engineering and manufacturing still has an image problem - we need more teachers and parents to understand apprenticeships will benefit their children and not somebody else's.

"The sector needs to recruit 82,000 people just to cover retirements up to 2016 so there is a real opportunity for young people so much more needs to be done to attract them into engineering and advanced manufacturing."

National Apprenticeship Service’s chief executive officer David Way, said: “The National Apprenticeship Service is committed to delivering on the Apprenticeship Ambition with Semta to double the number of Advanced and Higher Level Apprenticeships for the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector by 2015/16.

“In my mind and for many others, engineering apprenticeships set the standard for high quality apprenticeships. They provide our leading companies with essential skills and provide great careers for young men and women.  Some of our best award–winning apprentices have been produced by the sector. This is no coincidence; it reflects the serious ambition to achieve high quality in engineering apprenticeships.”

Semta, through the UK Commission for Employment and Skills Employer Investment Fund, has targeted employers who have never recruited an apprentice in the last twelve months. This work has been supported by media campaigns and their strong employer Sector Strategy Groups and Regional Councils together with NAS to broaden participation.

Despite this, Sillars said there were still only 18% of employers in the sector who have or offer apprenticeships.

The number of 16-24 year-olds makes up just 7% of the advanced manufacturing and engineering workforce compared to 11% for all sectors, while women are also under-represented at 20% compared to 49% for all sectors.

"We cannot stress enough how more work needs to be done to educate teachers, parents and even some employers," she said.

"It is worrying, for example, that the Institute of Physics found 49% of maintained co-ed schools sent no girls on to take A-level physics in 2011, and 12% sent on no boys.  It is simply not good enough. We need boys and girls to be encouraged take STEM subjects then come into industry.

"Companies need to understand an apprentice may not always contribute towards a business in year one but in years two, three and four they make a major contribution becoming a valued, loyal employee, earning money and providing home-grown skills.

"Although these figures suggest the message may be getting through that apprenticeships are once again a real alternative to going to university, we also need to see more graduates coming into industry too."

Semta is encouraging firms of all sizes to get in touch for help to access funding, quality training providers and a suite of tools designed to give a return on their investment.

Semta supports the recruitment, mentoring and training of apprentices and graduates, assesses supply chain capability to produce a company training plan, and provides high quality work programmes for those on the shop floor - through to managing director.

For further information on the Semta Apprenticeship Service please click here, to read a case study on the success of an apprentice click here, to download our latest apprenticeship leaflet please click here or to view a new video on the benefits of apprenticeships please click here.

Click here to see how the good news was reported.

If you are interested in hiring an apprentice and want to know how Semta can help, please call customer services on 0845 643 9001.

NEW measures to make it easier for small businesses to recruit apprentices and drive improved standards of training have been welcomed by Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing.

The Government has said it will seek to increase awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the benefits of apprenticeships, and make support for small businesses taking on apprentices simpler and more accessible, thanks to a report from jeweller and social entrepreneur Jason Holt.

The measures will see the Government: -
• Work with the people that SMEs look to for advice, including lawyers and accountants, to promote apprenticeships to their SME customers
• Enable SMEs to access the training they need for their apprentices more easily through better information and support
• Improve the performance of providers of training to SMEs by agreeing standards and the consequences of not meeting them
• Widen the availability of the Apprenticeship AGE Grant making it more accessible and simpler for employers

Commenting on the publication of the Holt Review Lynn Tomkins, Semta’s UK operations director, said: “Manufacturing employers will welcome these recommendations, many of which build on the work that Semta is already driving through the Semta Apprenticeship Service and its Regional Councils.

"The manufacturing industry has a long and proud history of investing in apprenticeship programmes but there are still too few SMEs in the supply chain taking them on.  Semta is already ahead of target in achieving its ambition to double the number of apprenticeships in the sector at Level 3 and above with a particular focus on SMEs.

“Funding is a particular issue for SMEs but we welcome the relaxing of the Apprenticeship AGE Grant rules which should act as an incentive for SMEs to take on young apprentices.”

The Government said its refinements to the £1,500 AGE Grant would involve delivering it in a single payment, rather than the current two. Employers will be able to claim grants for up to 10 apprentices, and the scheme will be opened to employers who have not hired an apprentice in the past year.

Medium sized employers, who have between 250 and 1,000 employees, will be eligible to claim the grant for apprentices aged 16-24.

Semta research indicates that the manufacturing and engineering industry needs to recruit and train 82,000 engineers, scientists and technicians across the UK by 2016, and 363,000 of the current technical workforce is qualified below world class standards and needs to be skilled up.

Ms Tomkins added: “Semta has a fantastic track record in engaging with employers and promoting apprenticeships. Our service is free and supports the recruitment, mentoring and training of apprentices and graduates - assessing supply chain capability and helping organisations to produce a company training plan.

“We also provide high quality training programmes in line with sector priorities which are leadership and management, technical skills, and productivity and competitiveness.

“We look forward to working with the Government, employers and all relevant agencies to build on this work and the measures proposed in the Holt Review.”

For further information please contact:
Abigail Sutton, Consolidated PR on 020 7781 2361 or email abigails@consolidatedpr.com

Semta is recruiting apprentices to earn while they learn in engineering and manufacturing companies across the country.

There are currently over 100 vacancies being filled by the Semta Apprenticeship Service in large and small companies.

Candidates interested in applying should click here.

Prime Minister backs Alliance to boost jobs, skills and growth

5th April 2012.....NORTH EAST industrialists were today praised by the Prime Minister for “leading the way” in forming an Alliance to put manufacturing and engineering at the forefront of economic growth and job creation.

David Cameron believes the newly-formed North East Skills Alliance, chaired by Kevin Fitzpatrick of Nissan and made up of representatives from all 12 local authorities, champion employers, business membership organisations, training providers and the National Apprenticeship Service – is exactly the sort of partnership-approach needed to kick-start the economy.

The Alliance is aiming to almost double the number of apprentices recruited in the sector this year while also taking on more graduates and upskilling existing workforces.

They want to get the message across to employers – especially small and medium-sized firms - that there is unprecedented support to develop the skills your business needs to help recruit and train young people as well as adult apprentices, and make the process of hiring apprentices as easy as possible for businesses.

The Prime Minister said: "The North East is leading the way and punching above its weight in manufacturing and engineering.

"The Government wants to get the economy back on track, drive job creation and create opportunities for people across the country, and the North East Skills Alliance is helping us do just that.

“We are also supporting the region’s ambition to champion growth through the award of £93m from the Regional Growth Fund to 50 firms and organisations promising at least 8,500 new jobs.

"The Alliance is a great example of how businesses, institutions and local councils are working together to achieve common goals, and I wish them every success for the future."

Last month Mr Cameron met with Trevor Arnold MBE director of engineering consultants PX Limited, to discuss the issue, Trevor is also due to meet the minister for skills, education and lifelong learning, John Hayes, in the near future.

Mr Arnold said: “The Prime Minister’s support is very welcome. This is not about politics. It is important whoever is in Number 10 understands the issues facing manufacturing and engineering and supports the many companies working to attract investment from across the globe.

“Our region has a proud record and the Alliance is determined to take a common approach to drive home the message that there are excellent career prospects, the potential to tackle unemployment in the long-term and, crucially, the chance to make sure apprentices and existing employees have the skills required to ensure the North East continues to perform as a world class region.”

The North East Skills Alliance for Advanced Manufacturing is being co-ordinated by Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies. Around 8,500 skilled workers are due to retire in the next six years and a further 15,000 employees need to improve their skills.

Apprenticeship start-ups are already 20% higher against the same period last year and the Alliance hopes a series of events, one-to-one visits, business networks and mentoring, forging closer links with schools, colleges and universities and having one point of contact in each area will make it easier for firms to understand the benefits of apprenticeships leading to a big rise in time for the September intake. 

Semta’s UK operations Director Lynn Tomkins said: “To have the Prime Minister’s support is a real plus. Businesses in our advanced manufacturing sector have the opportunity to seize the moment and ensure this region is a driving force for the UK’s economy for years to come. “

If you are an employer looking to recruit an apprentice or a young person interested in a career in science, engineering or manufacturing technologies contact 0845 643 9001 or email customerservices@semta.org.uk

Manufacturing's got talent! EEF searches for 2012 business stars

30th March 2012....The search is on to find the UK's best manufacturers. Businesses of all sizes and talented apprentices are invited to show how they've made it by entering the  EEF Future Manufacturing  Awards (www.eef.org.uk/awards).

The EEF awards are free to enter and provide many opportunities to win across ten categories and at both regional and national finals. Winners and runners-up gain high profile publicity for their business, as well as the accolade of winning a prestigious industry award.

The  regional and national awards recognise outstanding business performance in business growth; skills and people management; innovation; environmental achievement and export. They also celebrate the achievements of apprentices and young engineering students – saluting those young people who are the rising stars of UK manufacturing. 

EEF Chief Executive Terry Scuoler said: “UK manufacturers achieve greatness, yet rarely step into the limelight. Our awards, now in the fourth year, celebrate the outstanding achievements of our diverse manufacturing sector and the talented young apprentices who are shaping the future. The awards underline the dynamic manufacturing industry that we can all be proud of, which is steering economic recovery."

The judges are seeking examples of inspiration, passion, creativity, ingenuity, and sheer hard work.  Chair of Judges Professor Steve Evans of the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, said: "The EEF Awards expose the outstanding business performance and drive behind our industry, and it’s these success stories that demonstrate the important role of manufacturing in a balanced economy. We encourage businesses to share their experiences and wisdom with EEF by entering the awards in 2012."

The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards will be judged in five UK regions across the UK. Regional winners will be announced in November at celebration events, sponsored by Santander Corporate Banking. The regional winners will then compete for the national awards at a prestigious ceremony in London in January 2013.

Category sponsors include: ENER-G; JAM Recruitment; Rolls-Royce; Semta and Westfield Health.

The Awards are free to enter and are open now to all UK manufacturers, with a closing date of July 20^th 2012  For more information, visit http://www.eef.org.uk/awards

The awards categories are:

Business Growth - sponsored by Westfield Health

-           The Business Growth Award

-           The Skills & Training Award 

Innovation - sponsored by JAM Recruitment

-           The Innovative Operating Practices Award

-           The People Management Award

Environment  - sponsored by ENER-G

 -          The Environmental Efficiency Award

-           The Green and Growth Award

Export

The Innovative Export Award

Apprentice Awards – sponsored by Semta

-          The Outstanding Achievement by a First Year Apprentice

-          The Outstanding Achievement by a Final Year Apprentice

The Exemplar Young Engineering Students Award – sponsored by Rolls-Royce

-           The Outstanding Achievement by a Young Key Stage 4 Engineering Student  

New North East Skills Alliance aims to lead region into economic growth

• New body formed to promote skills in advanced manufacturing

• Coordinated regional plan to capitalise on growth prospects

• Unique opportunity to address youth unemployment

• One-stop approach for employers to launch apprenticeship schemes

26th March 2012....LEADING industrialists from across the North East have today launched a new campaign to boost the number of apprenticeships, as the manufacturing sector looks to lead the region into a new era of economic growth and job creation.

The newly-formed North East Skills Alliance for Advanced Manufacturing is aiming to almost double the number of apprentices recruited in the sector this year while also taking on more graduates and upskilling existing workforces.

The group is made up of representatives from all 12 local authorities, champion employers, business membership organisations, training providers and the National Apprenticeship Service, who have joined forces to speak with one voice on the issue.

They want to get the message across to employers – especially small and medium-sized firms - that there is unprecedented support, including funding, to help recruit and train young people as well as adult apprentices, and make the process of hiring apprentices as easy as possible for businesses.

On the back of growth plans announced by some of the region’s biggest firms, they are pointing to the excellent career prospects in manufacturing and engineering in the North East and the potential for industry to tackle unemployment in the region in the long-term.

The North East Skills Alliance for Advanced Manufacturing is being co-ordinated by Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies. As an indication of the job opportunities available for young people, Semta research shows around 8,500 skilled workers are due to retire in the next six years and a further 15,000 employees need to improve their skills to ensure the North East can continue to perform as a world-class region.

One of Semta ‘s council members Teesside-based Trevor Arnold director of engineering consultants PX Limited, said action is needed now to address the skills gap and capitalise on so much positive recent news announced by firms including Nissan, Hitachi, Siemens and Nifco.

“The North East has a terrific record and skills base which has helped attract a huge amount of investment from companies across the globe,” said Mr Arnold.

“If we are to enhance our position as the leading region for manufacturing, more companies have to act now and in a co-ordinated way.”

Apprenticeship start-ups are already 20% higher against the same period last year and the Alliance hopes a series of events, one-to-one visits, business networks and mentoring, forging closer links with schools, colleges and universities and having one point of contact in each area will make it easier for firms to understand the benefits of apprenticeships leading to a big rise in time for the September intake.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan’s Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK, who chairs the Alliance said: "The North East Skills Alliance is aiming to help companies in the North East understand the need to invest in our people.

“We also recognise the need to make it as easy as possible for companies to offer apprenticeships and graduate programmes, and to upskill their current workforce.

"The advanced manufacturing and engineering sector has a long pedigree in the North East and many companies are investing and predicting growth. There is significant potential for job creation if, as a region, we can make sure our workforce is able to capitalise on these opportunities."

Semta can help firms to access funding, quality training providers and a suite of tools to give them a return on their investment. Help is also available to recruit, mentor and train apprentices and graduates, with high quality programmes for those on the shop floor through to the managing director.

Semta’s UK operations Director Lynn Tomkins said: “Businesses in our advanced manufacturing sector have the opportunity to seize the moment and ensure this region is a driving force for the UK’s economy for years to come.

“We are here to help and we urge everyone with an interest to build on the confidence generated by the Nissan news of 400 jobs with a further 1,600 in the supply chain and work with us to support and develop the skills agenda.”

If you are an employer looking to recruit an apprentice or a young person interested in a career in science, engineering or manufacturing technologies contact 0845 643 9001 or email customerservices@semta.org.uk

Semta reveals significant growth in female engineering apprentices

- But women could still take 50 years to catch up -

5th March 2012....Women are waking up to career opportunities in science, engineering and manufacturing - but it could take them at least 50 years to catch up with male counterparts according to Sector Skills Council Semta.

The data, released today ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day on the 8 March, shows an 84 per cent rise in the number of women taking an engineering apprenticeship between 2002 and 2010 – 20 per cent higher than the male increase for the same period (64 per cent).

But, with women taking up only five per cent of available places, it will take at least 50 years at current growth rates for there to be an equivalent proportion of male to female apprentices.

The shocking prediction makes it clear that action needs to be taken with EU data showing that the UK has the lowest number of female engineers in the whole of Europe - only nine per cent of UK engineering professionals are women compared to 18 per cent in Spain, 26 per cent in Sweden and 20 per cent in Italy.

Said Semta chief executive Philip Whiteman: “At Semta, we know that businesses in our sectors will need 82,000 new engineers, scientists and technicians between now and 2016. Apprenticeships are extremely important in helping meet this recruitment need and also present an opportunity for young people looking for a valuable and rewarding career.

“Women represent half the UK workforce but only account for 21 per cent of science, engineering and manufacturing employees. They are a great untapped resource at a time when we need a wealth of new talent and higher level skills to improve competitiveness. We need to keep up the momentum on apprenticeship growth as these are high skilled, well-rewarded opportunities which should be attractive to all – regardless of gender. “

Semta is working with employers to help remove perceived barriers to apprentice hiring and has female focused programmes in place which have so far supported and developed more than 400 female employees across the UK.

The Career Investment and Progression Programme, jointly funded by employers and Semta, has led to a new qualification – the EAL Level 3 Award in Career Advancement and Progression (QCF) – which helps individuals manage themselves and have a significant positive impact on their career development. It covers setting and managing career goals, communicating effectively to different audiences in a business context and the importance of developing and managing a positive personal reputation and image.

Take-up has been extremely positive by companies such as BAE Systems, Atkins, Johnson Controls Automotive Experience and Babcock.

Meg Farnworth, a Senior Supply Chain Manager and currently Chairperson for the BAE Systems Women’s Network Committee in Barrow said: ”The course gave me a kick in the backside to refocus my attention on what my expectations are for my career path and what I could do to influence it.

“ A number of women attending have provided feedback to the Women’s Network whereby, they not only felt they had benefited from the course in realising their self worth, but also this has led to increased confidence which has positively resulted in both promotion or recognition.”

Caroline Brown, International Business Head (Nuclear) at global engineering and design consultancy Atkins, was among 50 colleagues on Semta’s Career Investment and Progression Programme. She said: “Women’s differences can be their strengths. Whereas I might have previously tried to fit-in to succeed, I now know I don’t have to do that. For helping me understand this, Semta’s Career Investment and Progression Programme is the most relevant and valuable set of courses I have ever attended.”

Employers interested in finding out more about apprenticeships, The Career Investment and Progression Programme and the support Semta can offer should contact Customer Services: CustomerServices@semta.org.uk

Semta reveals rise in higher level vocational qualifications

- At the start of National Science and Engineering Week 2012-

9th March 2012.... Semta, the Sector Skills Council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies, has today released new figures on the number of National / Scottish Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ) registrations and certifications in 2011. The data is released at the start of this year’s National Science and Engineering Week, which this year runs from 9-18 March and will see thousands of events take place across the country to bring to life the role of science, technology, engineering and maths in our everyday lives.

The new data reveals a 6 per cent increase in the number of Level 3 certifications (11,320 certifications in 2011 compared to 10,670 in 2010) demonstrating that employers in Semta’s sectors are increasingly appreciating the value of higher level skills to their organisations. However, with registration and certification numbers showing an overall decline compared to the previous year, Semta is urging more employers to analyse their skills needs and put appropriate training programmes in place.

Philip Whiteman, chief executive of Semta, said: “We anticipate that businesses in our sectors will need to upskill 363,000 of the current technical workforce and recruit and train a further 82,000 engineers, scientists and technologists by 2016. To meet these skills needs, businesses must take action now.”

The data reveals a nine per cent decline in the overall number of N/SVQ certifications compared to the previous year, (68,592 certifications in 2011 compared to 75,769 certifications in 2010). Similarly, registrations are also down year on year – showing a 15 per cent decline to 74,978 in 2011.

Philip Whiteman continues: “What is clear is that there are still a great number of businesses implementing N/SVQ programmes, but we want to ensure that all employers, regardless of size, take advantage of support available to upskill their workforces and hire apprentices and graduates.

“Higher level training is particularly important to ensure we have the right future talent in key growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing and engineering.”

To support employers, Semta has teamed up with leading employers and the National Apprenticeship Service to launch the Apprenticeship Ambition – a plan designed to take the number of advanced and higher level apprenticeship registrations from 8,000 to 16,000 by 2016 by tackling the barriers to apprenticeship uptake.

As part of the plan, Semta now offers an Apprenticeship Service which manages the total process of training an apprentice – from recruitment, to training plan development, funding and training provider sourcing.

Semta’s skills experts can also help companies improve business performance by developing training plans, finding available funding and quality providers, and advising on employing an apprentice or a graduate. Support is available through a range of cost-effective training interventions covering leadership and management, technical skills and productivity improvement.

To find out more about the Apprenticeship Service, or to ask about training funding and support options, contact Semta Customer Services on 0845 643 9001, email customerservices@semta.org.uk or visit www.semta.org.uk

Semta Chairman urges employers to take advantage of
growth opportunities

-Allan Cook keynote speaker at a Royal Aeronautical Society lecture-

7th March 2012....Leading industrialist Allan Cook CBE has delivered the keynote speech at the prestigious R J Mitchell Lecture hosted by the Royal Aeronautical Society last night. The lecture, held at the University of Southampton with an audience of 200 employers and students, saw Mr Cook discuss the strengths of the UK’s advanced aerospace manufacturing and engineering industry, as well as revealing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the sector.

Mr Cook, chairman of WS Atkins plc, chairman of SELEX Galileo Ltd and deputy chairman of Marshalls Group, is also chairman of sector skills council Semta.

During the lecture, Allan Cook observed: “One of the main challenges that UK engineering and manufacturing businesses face is recruiting, retaining and developing the appropriate skills in their respective companies. Around 15-17 per cent of UK science and engineering companies are reporting skills gaps, so it’s important to act now.”

Semta is supporting employers in its sectors to help redress the balance and has helped identify training for more than 72,000 individual learners.

Allan Cook continued: “There is plenty of opportunity for real Engineering work to create wealth in the UK. We are doing better than Europe and the market for high value goods and services associated with Advanced Manufacturing is likely to increase significantly.

“But our current position in international markets is under threat and the responsibility for this decline resides with industry, Government and our education system. Unless we can attract and retain the best skills within our businesses we will continue to see our engineering and manufacturing base erode in the face of unprecedented challenges.”

The UK engineering workforce is aging so companies need to recruit and train 82,000 engineers, scientists and technologists by 2016, and 363,000 of the technical workforce need higher level skills to achieve world class standards.

“I urge all businesses to invest in the right skills now to ensure they can make the most of opportunities for growth.”

The Lecture was held on Tuesday 6 March 2012 at 7:00pm at the Turner Sims Concert Hall on the University’s Highfield Campus.

Renaissance of UK Manufacturing

6th March 2012... INDUSTRY leaders and policymakers will come together today at a conference billed as the Renaissance of UK Manufacturing.

Automated Britain 2012 will be opened by Mark Prisk, Minister for Business and Enterprise, who will emphasise the importance of companies investing in technology to improve competitiveness.

And delegates will be challenged to recruit more apprentices and graduates to ensure the sector is able to compete effectively with the new emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China as well the traditional competitors of Europe and the USA.

Among the keynote speakers is Lynn Tomkins, the UK operations director of Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies, which covers more than 132,000 companies and 1.7 million-strong workforce.

She said: “This conference is a key milestone in getting the messages out there – we need to help firms of all sizes, but in particular smaller and medium-sized companies to recruit and retain apprentices and graduates, while upskilling their existing workforce.

“Only 7% of firms in our sector take on apprentices. We can’t afford to miss the opportunity. Technical skills are scarce and are getting more difficult and expensive to hire with recruitment demand hitting around 170,000 over the next five years to cover economic growth and a high number of workers due to retire.

“We can give support to access apprenticeship funding, draw up and deliver high quality training and provide a return on investment – we need more firms to recognise this and take advantage of the support available.

“With so many world class companies operating here, the UK is well placed to lead on advanced engineering and manufacturing – a sector focused on real wealth creation, export and capable of providing a healthy trade balance.”

Other speakers include Semta board member Juergen Maier, Managing Director of Siemens UK Industry Sector and Bob Spooner, Chief Operating Officer of Premier Foods, while the attendance of Chi Onwurah, Labour MP for Newcastle Central and Shadow Minister for Innovation, Science and Digital Infrastructure and other politicians highlights the importance of the sector to all parties.

The conference, organised by GAMBICA and Intellect, is being held at the Commonwealth Club in London.

For more information contact our Customer Services on 0845 643 9001 or by email customerservices@semta.org.uk

Semta supports nationwide search for young manufacturing stars

5th March 2012.....Business Minister Mark Prisk has today launched a nationwide search for the Make it in Great Britain 30 Under 30 – 30 young rising stars employed in the manufacturing industry, all aged under the age of 30.

And Semta is supporting the drive for nominations from all areas of manufacturing. Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts, who will be looking for truly exceptional young employees across the full range of sectors.

‘30 Under 30’ is a part of the Make it in Great Britain campaign, which aims to challenge outdated opinions and transform the image of modern manufacturing. Once selected, the ‘30 Under 30’ will play an important role in promoting manufacturing careers to the next generation, highlighting the diversity of jobs in the sector which include design, sales, marketing and business management.

With multiple routes into manufacturing careers, including apprenticeships and pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Maths (STEM) at college or university, it is hoped that the ‘30 Under 30’ will encourage more young people to see the opportunities the industry has to offer.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said:“Current perceptions of British manufacturing are out of date. Modern design, engineering and manufacturing offer varied and rewarding jobs for young people, yet many people don't realise this. We want 30 young people working in industry to explain to their generation just what they're missing.”

Brian Stone, One of the Make it in Great Britain Industry Champions, added:

“We are finding it increasingly hard to recruit the talent that we need if the industry is to continue to grow. There are a wealth of jobs in the manufacturing industry – from the conception and design of a new product or process through to actually making and marketing it. I hope that by highlighting the successful careers that are being enjoyed by young people all over the country – from designing space missions to making clothes for the cat walk – we will encourage fresh talent into the industry.”

If you know someone who should be included in the Make it in Great Britain ‘30 Under 30’, please visit http://bis.gov.uk/makeitingreatbritain

 ENDS

 Notes to editors

1. About Make it in Great Britain

Make it in Great Britain is a campaign that will challenge outdated perceptions and transform the image of modern manufacturing.

2. The Business Secretary and Mark Prisk launched the Make it in Great Britain campaign at a stakeholder event in Central London attended by 150 of Britain’s manufacturers and trade associations in November 2011.

3. The ‘30 Under 30’is a nationwide search for young rising stars working in manufacturing – be that design, bio-medical, aerospace or any other sector - aged under the age of 30 on 9th September 2012.

4. For more information about the Make it in Great Britain campaign, go to

http://bis.gov.uk/makeitingreatbritain

Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Through-life Engineering Services seeks employer support

 Cranfield University’s EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Through-life Engineering Services has been invited to apply for funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to establish an Industrial Doctorate Centre.

 So Semta is supporting the Centre to find employers to help to create the experienced intellectual community from whom this industry can rely for its future technical and operational leadership.

Cranfield's Integrated Maintenance Centre (IMC), led by Professor Andrew Starr, is passionate about applied research in maintenance - keeping our industry working. The IMC already leads a new professional master's programme in Through-life Systems Sustainment, supported by Rolls-Royce and Bombardier Transport, helping to train tomorrow's leaders. The taught programme for the IDC creates new modules and teaching methods to extend and enhance our current programmes, introducing managed e-learning during early industrial placements and group project work to experience diagnostics, prognostics and maintenance at first hand.

For more information please down load the invitation.

Semta to develop Advanced Manufacturing Higher Level Apprenticeship

-New framework will help overcome SME skills gaps and increase apprentice hiring-

-£500,000 secured to support new apprenticeships-

5th December 2011...Semta, the sector skills council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies has today announced the development of a higher level apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing to meet the future skills needs of its sectors.

In an announcement by Business Secretary Vince Cable, Semta was awarded £500,000 from the Higher Apprenticeship Fund to develop the apprenticeship, and other new vocational qualifications and technical certificates in line with employer requirements.

Semta research shows that 96,300 engineers, scientists and technologists will need to be recruited by 2016 and over half of technicians in the current workforce have qualifications below world-class levels. A recent survey found that 31 per cent of high tech manufacturing firms “had recruited people from outside the UK owing to a lack of suitably qualified people from the UK.” The new framework will not only upskill the existing workforce, it will develop new recruits who are needed to replace skills lost through retirements among an ageing workforce. Because the framework is designed with employers, it should encourage more companies to hire apprentices.

The Higher Apprenticeship framework will be available at levels 4, 5 and 6 and so will incorporate the following qualifications or their equivalents: an HNC; HND or foundation degree; and an Honours Degree. It is anticipated the qualifications, work-based learning and skills would build over a three to five year higher apprenticeship, providing a route to professional accreditation.

The National Apprenticeship Service has provided funding to kick-start the development with leading companies so that a “pathfinder” framework will be available from April 2012. The complete framework will then be rolled out through supply chains to achieve a target of 250 apprenticeship starts from around 150 SMEs by December 2012.

Said Philip Whiteman, chief executive of Semta: “Apprenticeships provide real benefits in terms of skills, productivity and motivation, but currently only seven per cent of companies in our sectors offer apprenticeships. We need to develop higher level skills to compete globally, so this needs to change.

“Semta this year launched the Apprentice Ambition – a 10 point plan to double the number of higher level apprenticeships by 2016 by removing barriers for small businesses. This higher level apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing will give employers, particularly SMEs, something they really need and so will encourage more apprenticeship starts. It is a first step in achieving our ambition.”

Semta also plans to help sector employers take advantage of the government’s newly announced £250 million fund for businesses to design, develop and purchase vocational training and the £1500 incentive for small businesses taking on their first apprentices.

Philip Whiteman concluded: “We will encourage employers’ ambitions towards Higher Apprenticeships by giving them the chance to “grow their own graduates”, developing a workforce with high-level skills specifically tailored to their business, and with experience of applying those skills in business.

“We have already put a number of support mechanisms in place for businesses looking to take on an apprentice – such as our recently introduced Semta Apprenticeship Service where we secure funding, hire, train and quality-assure the apprenticeship. I am confident that our ten point plan will help smaller businesses in our sector meet their growth potential.”

Businesses interested in finding out more should contact Semta Customer Services on 0845 643 9001 or customerservices@semta.org.uk.