Apprenticeships in the engineering sector should be seen as a career choice on a par with academic routes, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) said as National Apprenticeships Week got under way.
Apprentices could can help tackle future skills challenges such as combating climate change, the organisation said, and called on companies to work with schools to change perceptions.
As National Apprenticeships Week (8-14 February) got under way, IET Skills and Education lead Stephanie Baxter said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to continue their studies, while experiencing the reality of work. They give employers an opportunity to develop the skills of young people to fill emerging roles and fill critical skills gaps.”
The theme for 2021 is “Build the Future”, aiming to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. The 14th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships aims to demonstrate the benefit apprenticeships can have for communities, local businesses and regional economies.
There was a need to change the perception of apprenticeships, Baxter said. “Apprenticeships hold no less value than traditional academic routes, and should be considered equal. We need schools, parents and businesses to collectively push this message to encourage uptake.”
But she added: “Employers should be flexible in their expectations of young people leaving education who may have missed out on key training and practical opportunities caused by lockdown.”
For more information, visit:
www.theiet.org/career/routes-to-engineering/apprenticeships/
www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
For events during the week:
https://www.nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk/events/
Twitter: @Apprenticeships, #NAW2021