Training

05 Apr 2012

Apprenticeship standards to be made stricter

The standards governing apprenticeships in the UK are to be made tougher to encourage a higher standard of training for the workforce of tomorrow. As the UK's population ages, there has been great concern over a growing skills gap. To address the issue, skills minister John Hayes this week announced that apprenticeships will be increased to minimum length of 12 months, as of August 2012. This means that those 19 and over will have to complete training for a period of one to four years...
30 Mar 2012

Be focused when approaching training

Training is a vital in recruiting the electrical contractors of tomorrow and ensuring that those in the sector are abreast of the latest techniques and legislative changes. However, having access to apprenticeships and training is all well and good, but if you are on the wrong course or are unsure of its purpose than the benefits of the programme will be cancelled out. Dominic Cotton, director of communications and new businesses at UKYouth.org, explains that being focused is essential to...
27 Mar 2012

Apprenticeships can help to maximise productivity

Apprenticeships can help students become workers capable of maximising their productivity. This is the opinion of Steve Huxham, chairman of the Recruitment Society, who explained that training allows workers to experiment with different areas before choosing the one that best suits them. "There is a positive message there about using apprenticeships to avoid the feeling [of being fed up] in the future because people do end up based in places where they will be more productive,"...
02 Mar 2012

FMB: New workers key to business recovery

Businesses looking to stimulate growth and boost their revenue should consider investing in apprenticeship programmes. This is the opinion Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), who explained that new workers will be key to business success and recovery. "It will be those companies that have a trained workforce that will be able to bounce back quicker than those who don't have young people coming in to replace the workers who are...
22 Feb 2012

Older workers 'key' for training

Older workers are key for training up new employees and helping companies feel much more connected. This is the opinion of Dr Lynda Shaw, cognitive neuroscientist and business improvement strategist. With many Britons expected to be working into old age, companies have to find a way to integrate them into their future plans. However, instead of being a burden, having older employees still in the workforce can actually be beneficial. "The great thing about that is they are able to...
20 Feb 2012

A 'better relationship' is needed between businesses and education providers

A better relationship is needed between businesses and education providers to help get young people into employment, according to one industry expert. Tara Daynes, human resources expert and training specialist, explained that "making the transition from education to business can be very difficult", and strong partnerships are vital to help this process. "Not only does it help students know what is in store, it also helps them to develop the skills that are often not covered...
14 Feb 2012

Govt to fund degree level apprenticeships

The government has unveiled a new level of funding to support apprenticeships up to degree equivalent. As a part of National Apprenticeship Week, David Cameron announced that businesses and training providers can now bid for a share of £6 million from the Higher Apprenticeship Fund to support the development of trainees in an array of sectors, including renewable technologies. The prime minister also opened the Employer Ownership Pilot, which gives companies access to £250...
08 Feb 2012

Banks back apprenticeships

Some of the UK's leading high street banks have announced that they will create new apprenticeship teams to help get young people in employment. The declaration was made at a financial services sector roundtable as part of National Apprenticeship Week. Barclays, HSBC and Santander will each launch their own training schemes, offering a total of 2050 apprenticeship opportunities. Skills minister John Hayes commented: "I am delighted that these banks are investing in...
07 Feb 2012

FMB: Apprenticeships are the best way to learn a trade

Apprenticeship training is the best way to learn a trade, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Following a survey revealing that enthusiasm for and provision of apprenticeships is still alive and strong in the construction sector, the FMB is encouraging greater uptake of training schemes. The survey also revealed that chief among those reasons for employing an apprentice where providing young people with opportunities and making sure businesses have people with the right...
06 Feb 2012

Show initiative and interest during work experience

People undergoing a period of work experience must show "initiative or interest", according to one industry expert. Mike Barnard, product manager at Milkround, explains that employers want to see workers who show creativity and curiosity in the company. "The main thing if you're doing work experience is to come in and be enthusiastic, ready to learn and do things and to keep asking for more work as soon as you've done something," he said. This will also allow...