New apprenticeship pathways to be launched by MTA and AMRC

Says Graham Dewhurst, director general of the MTA: "The association has been working with the AMRC Training Centre to develop and secure accreditation for an apprenticeship framework aimed at helping young people progress in advanced manufacturing careers where they will need both engineering skills and commercial acumen. A huge number of management roles in engineering based manufacturing now require skill sets in both engineering and commerce. These skills are increasingly needed by more junior employees within manufacturing organisations who are expected to take on higher levels of responsibility. The trend over the last decade or so for manufacturers to broaden their offering to embrace customer support solutions has created new opportunities that could benefit the UK's advanced manufacturing sector. In this context the apprenticeship framework that is being developed will seek to equip the new generation entering advanced engineering with the skills that they will require." Alison Bettac, director of training at the AMRC Training Centre says: "There is an increasing demand on employers to grow their own talent in disciplines which are often hard to fill due to the specific requirements of the role. The apprentice pathways that are being developed by this strategic partnership will enable MTA members and other sectors to develop their own talent with a structured framework and allow for individual company requirements at the same time." The first year of the Pathway would focus on engineering skills (performing engineering operations and engineering extension classes), but would also introduce elements of business awareness and a foreign language. It would be delivered largely on site at the AMRC Training Centre. The second and third years would build on the engineering skills with a Level 3 Technical Certificate, but also include a Level 3 NVQ in one of a range of business disciplines (such as sales), further language study, and topics such as Import and Export Law, Regulations and International Business Culture. Throughout the course, learners would have access to master class sessions, hosted by MTA members. The intention is for the first year's intake, of around 25 students, to start in September 2013. Speakers at this half day seminar will include Dr Gareth Williams, vice president - research & technology business development & partnerships at Airbus, and other eminent speakers from the aerospace manufacturing sector. They will be discussing requirements for emerging technologies in the metals and composites sectors. Click link below for details about attendance Image: Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg attended the launch of the AMRC Training Centre last year