All on Board for Apprenticeships

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The British Plastics Federation’s Education & Skills Committee has issued its Skills & Education Report highlights the skills and training needs within its particular sector but which will resonate with the many in commerce who are trying to understand the skills gap and future training requirements.

Some key findings within the report included the fact that over 53.6% of companies who participated had at least one board member who had undertaken an apprenticeship. Further to this, the report found that:

• Skills training seen as most important for apprenticeship levels 3, 4 & 5.

• 78% of respondents recognised a gap between current training offered and what employers want.

• Skills and qualifications to validate skills are seen as some of the most important requirements of training.

• 83% respondents saw short courses as a valuable means of narrowing the skills gap.

• Half of respondents want 'hands on staff who are operational’.

• Issues attracting skilled staff include salary, lack of advanced courses available and awareness of the industry.

• 84% of respondents understood what is involved in taking on apprentices.

• ’Clear Guidance on what training courses are available’ was seen as the best help among respondents in deciding what they need for training.

Picture: Although half of board members in the plastics companies started as apprentices the latest BPF survey shows concerns of training in the industry which are likely reflected in industry and commerce generally

Article written by Mike Gannon

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