Following the establishment of Skills England, Woodward Group shares our thoughts on why we think apprenticeships are so beneficial to both the individual and the broader economy.
During the state opening of parliament earlier this Summer, the government announced the creation of a new organisation called Skills England. This initiative has been launched with an aim to address the skills gap in the UK and to help create a national strategy for improving skills development. It has ambitious goals to put lifelong learning at its core, encouraging continues learning and development for all workers to stay up to date with the ever-changing job market.
A benefit of the Skills England initiative is that it should help to enhance and strengthen apprenticeships, something we at Woodward Group are particularly passionate about. Encouragingly, the initiative plans to expand the availability of apprenticeships and introduce an employer-led approach, tailoring the apprenticeships on offer to specific skills that businesses require
Aden Woodward, managing director at Woodward Group, said:
“Over Woodward Group’s 35 year history, we have remained passionate about training the next generation of mechanical and electrical engineering professionals through our active apprenticeship programme, and are proud of the many success stories that we have been a part of. Indeed, some of our senior management team members originally joined us as apprentices many moons ago.
“We firmly believe that apprenticeships play a crucial role in workforce development, and that they offer countless benefits for both individuals and the broader economy. Additional schemes and funding targeted at meeting the needs of budding apprentices, employers and training providers can only be a positive thing.”
Apprenticeships: what are the benefits?
-
Hands-on learning
Apprenticeships provide people with practical, on-the-job experience. Often more effective than theoretical learning alone, this hands-on style of training allows individuals to develop real-world skills and knowledge in a specific trade.
-
Skill development
Apprenticeships focus on developing specific skills required for a particular job or industry. This targeted training ensures that individuals gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to truly excel in their chosen field, which might not necessarily be able to be taught in a standard classroom.
-
Workplace integration
Apprenticeships allow individuals to integrate into the workforce gradually. They work alongside experienced professionals, gaining insights into the industry, company culture, and workplace expectations.
-
Earning while learning
Unlike traditional education pathways, apprenticeships offer individuals the opportunity to earn a wage while they learn. This financial support can help reduce the financial burden often associated with education and training.
-
Industry-relevant training
Apprenticeships are designed in collaboration with employers, ensuring that the training provided is directly relevant to the needs of the industry. This helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical workplace requirements.
-
Reducing skills gaps
By focusing on specific skills needed in the workforce, apprenticeships contribute to reducing skills gaps in various industries. This is particularly important as technological advancements and changing business landscapes require workers to possess up-to-date and relevant skills.
Looking for an apprenticeship opportunity?
If you’re considering undertaking a mechanical or electrical engineering apprenticeship, we’d love to hear from you. Woodward Group is always open to new talent joining our team and adding value to our clients. If you’d like to be part of our growth, please send us your CV or give us a call on 01283 819379.