North East STEM Foundation

National Apprenticeship Week: 'Skills for Life' mantra resonates strongly as ever

08/02/2024

'Skills for Life' mantra resonates strongly as ever

As we delve into the 17th National Apprenticeship Week, the theme, 'Skills for Life,' resonates more profoundly than ever before. In a rapidly evolving world where technological advancements redefine the employment landscape, encouraging individuals to consider the transformative potential of apprenticeships is crucial. This year's theme urges us to explore alternative paths that foster lifelong skills and knowledge, challenging the notion that a university degree is the exclusive gateway to success.

A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by education charity Teach First, highlights a concerning trend. Of 750 parents surveyed, more than half of parents (51%) from lower socio-economic backgrounds believe their children are "unlikely" to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM). Moreover, only two-fifths (41.8%) of 1000 young people aged 11 to 16 surveyed from the same background would consider a STEM career. This data underscores the pressing need to bridge the gap in STEM education, particularly in a time when such skills are integral to addressing urgent issues like climate change.

Britain stands on the cusp of a new era of rapid technological advancement and a green industrial revolution - a transformation that rivals the Industrial Revolution in its impact. However, our educational structures remain largely embedded in the past, designed for the needs of the 20th century. The looming skills gap in STEM subjects poses a threat to the UK's economic growth and its ability to tackle crucial issues in the years ahead.

As hundreds of thousands of jobs are expected to be created throughout this transformation by the needs of a low-carbon economy, it is crucial to build the nation’s skills to create the engineers required to build and install the government’s target of 600,000 heat pumps per annum by 2028, deploy up to 50 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity in the UK by 2030 and manufacture and install the electric car batteries which will help the government meet its ambitious zero-emission vehicle mandates.

One stride towards recognising the importance of apprenticeships is the Chancellor's £50 million pilot investment in apprenticeship training for engineering announced in the Autumn Statement. This commitment underscores the pivotal role of engineering in driving the gears of the British economy. However, it is imperative that these funds are utilised proactively by connecting young people with ambition to businesses with vision to align with the evolving needs of businesses and young talents.

The recent 21% increase in the minimum hourly wage for apprentices, from £5.28 to £6.40, is a positive stride toward attracting and retaining talent within the apprenticeship framework. This not only addresses the prevailing skills shortage but also positions Britain competitively on the global stage. Fostering a workforce equipped with the expertise and capabilities required for success in the 21st century is pivotal for sustaining our nation's economic vitality.

In embracing the theme of "Skills for Life" this National Apprenticeship Week, we must recognise that apprenticeships offer a dynamic platform for individuals to cultivate not only job-specific skills but also the ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industrial landscape. The traditional university degree may not be the be-all and end-all, and it is our collective responsibility to highlight and incentivise the apprenticeship route. Through strategic investments, increased wages, and a steadfast commitment to quality STEM education, we can ensure that the bedrock of our society are equipped with the practical and transferrable skills, which helps to prepare them not just for life but also for the workplace through providing hands-on professional experience, which many universities struggle to deliver.

ENDS

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For further information contact Harry Sinclair 01325 363436

Photo caption: David Land, Chair of South Durham UTC and trustee at the North East STEM Foundation

Editors’ Notes:

The North East STEM Foundation’s aim is to ensure every young person, regardless of background, has an opportunity to study STEM subjects in a high-quality, modern environment supported by employers, futureproofing both industry and the local economy by delivering highly skilled, innovative workers. The charity does this by inspiring and attracting future generations into the sector via STEM outreach programmes, removing financial barriers to allow all children to access STEM education and by creating more high-quality STEM focused environments at key stage 3, 4 and 5.

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David Land, Chair of South Durham UTC and trustee at the North East STEM Foundation
David Land, Chair of South Durham UTC and trustee at the North East STEM Foundation
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