Access Apprenticeship Funding
Marine industry professionals attending a recent business breakfast at Southampton City College heard Natalie Desty (Marine Manager, Matchtech) speak about ‘The Marine Skills Gap and its Impact on Industry’ report which she had published.
Natalie highlighted the problems affecting marine companies of all sizes due to the shortage of people with the required skills and noted that this was not just an immediate concern but in the future "will seriously impact the industry's ability to provide the government-backed predicted growth".
Many marine manufacturing and supply-chain SMEs in the Solent area are already experiencing problems recruiting suitable people and are aware that if the situation is not addressed the shortage of skilled staff will drive pay-rates up in the longer term and reduce their competitiveness. Companies are now making training a key part of their business plan and using Apprenticeship training to develop their future workforce.
Some SMEs are hesitant about taking the first step but the recent Marine South East event for employers explained various solutions for recruiting apprentices. City College showed the work undertaken by its 'Marine Skills Centre' and explained how this is developed with a wide range of marine companies. One of these is Griffon Hoverworks and Mike Chalkley (Engineering Director) spoke of the benefits the company had gained from working with the College and the success of the apprenticeship scheme to build its workforce.
Mark Beckett of the Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) spoke about the CMN Apprentice Training Agency (ATA) which has been established due to demand from its member companies. Mark noted that although the ATA works with marine colleges there are instances where it develops and provides courses which are not available elsewhere. Although based in Cornwall the CMN ATA is able to assist marine leisure and supply-chain businesses elsewhere in the country and is already carrying out work with Solent based companies and colleges.
Since the event several companies have contacted City College and the CMN Apprentice Training Agency to recruit apprentices. Brockenhurst College also has several students in full time marine training who are looking to take up full apprenticeships with an SME in late June 2013 when they will have achieved their Level 2 HND qualification.
If you would like to know more about the assistance to recruit, support and fund apprenticeship training through the pathways noted above then please contact David Rea by email: david@marinesoutheast.co.uk
Please provide your contact details and David will then link you to the relevant people to discuss your requirements in more detail.
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