The Close Brothers SME apprenticeship programme is supported by the AMRC Training Centre and the Manufacturing Technologies Association. The new entrants are being taught the advanced skills needed to make a contribution to company from day one.
Says Nikki Jones, director of the AMRC Training Centre: “The recruitment of ambitious and fully-trained apprentices that can hit the ground running is definitely the right way to go - not only to address the glaring skills shortage threatening the UK engineering and manufacturing industries but to create a diverse and dynamic workforce brimming with fresh talent and new ideas.”
Adrian Sainsbury, managing director of Close Brothers banking division, said SMEs often need assistance to take on apprentices, which is why the organisation designed the programme to help with the specific issues smaller firms face.
The merchant banking group is contributing 50% of the wages of the apprentices in the first year and 25% in the second year, as well as covering all training costs.
Sainsbury added: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way for UK SMEs to fill skills gaps, develop their future workforce and improve their long-term growth prospects. We believe the scheme is making a genuine difference to the participating SMEs, which is why we have been working with the AMRC to support small businesses for the last three years and are delighted to be continuing our partnership this year.”
James Selka, CEO of the Manufacturing Technologies Association: “At the MTA, we see high quality apprenticeships as a hugely important talent pipeline for our industry. We are particularly keen to help smaller companies take them on and we fund some within our membership to do just that. The support of Close and great facilities at the AMRC make taking apprentices on more affordable and effective for companies that might otherwise not be able to.”
