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Gateshead College Launches Low Carbon Vehicle Academy

The number of electric and hybrid cars on UK roads is rapidly growing and sometime in near future it’ll overtake fossil fuel cars. Obviously, There is a need for experts to help people easing the transition.

That’s what Gateshead College of North East England has been thinking. So they came up with a dedicated academy for low carbon vehicle industry. They have also opened North of England’s first public access Performance Track as part of the project.

Gateshead College’s Skills Academy for Sustainable Manufacturing and Innovation (SASMI) is the UK’s first education centre dedicated to the clean technologies sector. Housed in a state-of-the-art new £9.8 million building in Washington, Tyne & Wear, SASMI will deliver a wide range of low carbon vehicles skills training, with a focus on the automotive industry.

Green cars, electric vehicles in particular, bring with them a whole new lifestyle and new driving habits. For instance, you can’t just tow an electric car if the battery died, as it’ll damage the internal systems. There are many new things to learn about them, and that’s why the idea of a dedicated academy is not outlandish. Current courses include training for first responders, helping the emergency services and roadside rescue operators to safely deal with high voltagehybrid and electric vehicles. This will be followed by innovative courses dedicated to the production of EVs.

Mick Brophy, Managing Director of Business, Innovation & Development at Gateshead College, said: “North East England is at the heart of the UK’s emerging low carbon vehicle sector, making it the ideal home for the country’s first sustainable skills academy.

“If Britain is to continue to lead the world in the development and adoption of cleaner vehicles, we must also lead in training the people who will design, build and service them.  The Academy will support the growth of a new automotive industry, delivering the skill sets needed for these vital green-collar jobs.”

Along with Nissan and the region’s leading supply chain, the two new facilities form the hub of the Government’s £200m Low Carbon Enterprise Zone, which is expected to create 7,000 new  jobs in the region over the next decade.

Government cuts apprenticeship red tape

Boost for employers as Government outlines new measures on cutting red tape deterring employers from taking on apprentices.

 

Skills Minister John Hayes has announced a package of new measures to make it easier for employers to take on large numbers of apprentices.

Payments will be simplified, contracts streamlined and a number of data returns and audit requirements will be eliminated.

Mr Hayes said that firms that contract directly with the Government to train apprentices will now benefit from simplified payment, reporting and assessment requirements.

They will also receive better guidance to help them manage the recruitment, training and assessment of apprentices more efficiently and cost effectively.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:

“Apprenticeships are proving an increasingly effective training route for young people and companies. They are a proven way to fill skills gaps in our economy. That’s why we are boosting the number of apprenticeships and putting them at the heart of our Skills for Growth strategy.

“But for far too long too many businesses have been put off by overly complex procedures and unnecessary layers of paperwork. We’ve worked with business to cut bureaucracy and ensure the benefits for employers, learners and the economy are maximised”.

Action plan for cutting red tape

Announcing the measures at a summit hosted by the CBI today, Mr Hayes said:

“I’m determined that more employers and learners than ever should have the opportunity to benefit from our unprecedented investment in apprenticeships. Where red tape and bureaucracy deters employers from taking on apprentices, we’ll sweep it away.

“That will give more firms access to the skills they need to thrive, creating new jobs and new growth, and it will give many more individuals better prospects and the chance to gain a real stake in society.”

Measures for cutting red tape for employers include:

• A pilot for over 20 large employers who have volunteered to trial “payment by outcomes” which will eliminate a number of data returns and audit requirements.


• Providing an online plain-English toolkit for employers that clearly explains the end-to-end processes employers need to undertake for apprenticeships.


• Streamlining contracting arrangements.


• A commitment to no “in year” changes to contracting arrangements.


• A more proportionate approach to audit and inspection - reducing preparation time for employers.


• Greater use of electronic information, thus reducing paperwork.


• A more streamlined certification process.

These measures follow the recommendations of a review led by the Employer Reference Group, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and large companies, including BT and TUI Travel.

Susan Anderson, the CBI's director for education and skills policy, said: "Cutting bureaucracy will support even more businesses to become involved and these recommendations set out the right path for reform.

"They recognise that employers are primarily concerned with the day-to-day running of their businesses, and that they are committed to offering high quality training as their reputation and business success depends on this."

History of Apprenticeships (From NAS Site)

 

Britain has a long history of Apprenticeships, which stretches back to the guilds of the Middle Ages. In 1563 the system became more prescribed and regulated: the Elizabethan Statute of Artificers set out terms and conditions for training (including a duration of seven years and for the master–apprentice relationship). Apprenticeships expanded in the following two centuries, with new legislation on working conditions, environment and the conduct of apprentices in their leisure time.

Another milestone of legislation was passed in 1802 – the Health and Morals of Apprentices Act, whose provisions included a 12-hour working day and a requirement that factory apprentices were taught reading, writing and arithmetic. These developments led to the repeal of the 1563 Statute in 1814. After that year, practising a skill although un-Apprenticed was no longer illegal. The new act also loosened statutory controls over Apprenticeships, by removing the requirement for a minimum of seven years to be spent on one.

By the late nineteenth century, Apprenticeships had spread from artisan trades such as building and printing to the newer industries of engineering and shipbuilding – and later to plumbing and electrical work. Although there were approximately 240,000 apprentices by the mid 1960s, there were growing concerns about the effectiveness of Apprenticeship training. It was criticised for its exclusivity, for being male-dominated, for focusing on serving time rather than on outcomes, and for a failure to embrace new and expanding occupations. Numbers had decreased to some 53,000 (‘average in learning‘ figure) by 1990 – the decline was exacerbated by rising post-16 participation in full-time education, a lack of public funding for Apprenticeships, and the effect of the Youth Training Scheme and Youth Training programme. These initiatives catered for young people who might otherwise have done an Apprenticeship, but the quality of provision was often questionable and both programmes contributed to a poor perception of vocational training generally.

Since the mid 1990s, governments have been rebuilding the programme in an adjusted economic and institutional context. This has required state support, as has been the case in almost all countries with a sizeable Apprenticeship programme (the level of state intervention in this country has varied over recent decades, from levy-funded programmes via the industrial training boards in the 1960s and 1970s, to no support or intervention at all in the early 1990s). In response to concerns about skills shortages, especially at intermediate levels, in 1993 the Government announced plans for a new Apprenticeship scheme at Level 3 – Modern Apprenticeships. Prototypes were introduced the following year and the scheme became fully operational in 1995. The Modern Apprenticeship was focused almost entirely on occupational competence, and did not require specific technical learning.

Since 1997 a number of the programme elements have been reformed.

• In 1998, the Training Standards Council (subsequently the Adult Learning Inspectorate) began an inspection of work-based learning providers. In 2007, responsibility for inspection was transferred to Ofsted.


• Level 2 Apprenticeships were introduced in 2000.


• In 2000, the LSC took on responsibility for funding Apprenticeships from the Training and Enterprise Councils.


• The technical certificate was introduced in 2003/04 to explicitly require theoretical knowledge from Apprentices (and, implicitly, structured off-workstation training).


• The Apprenticeships family was re-branded in 2004.


• The Apprenticeships blueprint was introduced in 2005 to provide updated guidance for Sector Skills Councils on how to define their Apprenticeship frameworks.

The result of these changes, coupled with the increased investment made by the Government since 1997, has been a major improvement in the number of Apprentices and in the quality of Apprenticeships. There were 279,700 Apprenticeship starts in the 2009/10 academic year in England, compared to 239,900 in 2008/09. Completion rates – which once indicated severe problems with recruitment practice and quality – have been transformed. 171,500 people successfully completed an Apprenticeship in 2009/10 compared to 143,400 in 2008/09; completion rates were 74% in 2009/10 compared to 37% in 2004/05.

In January 2008 a new organisation, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), was announced and officially launched in April 2009. The service was created to bring about a significant growth in the number of employers offering Apprenticeships.

The NAS has total end to end responsibility for the delivery of Apprenticeships that includes: Employer Services; Learner Services; and a web-based vacancy matching system (Apprenticeship vacancies). This online system enables individuals to search and apply for live vacancies and allows employers, and their training providers to advertise their vacancies to a wide range of interested applicants.

The service has ultimate accountability for the national delivery of targets and co-ordination of the funding for Apprenticeship places. It acts to overcome barriers to the growth of the programme and assumes responsibility for promoting Apprenticeships and their value to employers, learners and the country as a whole.

Apprenticeships - Increased uptake is positive but more needed to meet youth employment challenge, says REC

The REC has today welcomed positive data on the overall uptake of apprenticeships whilst underlining the need to ensure that they provide a genuine route into employments as well as a means of up-skilling existing staff.

The latest figures show that over 250,000 apprenticeships have been created in the 2010/2011 financial year, which exceeds the Coalition Government’s targets. However, this includes a big increase in short-term Apprenticeships – often taken up by those already in employment. Furthermore, a greater number of these positions have gone to the over 25’s, raising concerns about whether the Government is responding effectively to the UK’s youth unemployment crisis.

Commenting on this, Tom Hadley, Director of Policy and Professional Development at the REC said;

“The latest data shows some encouraging trends in terms of the overall take-up and progress has also been made in terms of positioning apprenticeships as a credible alternative to university. However, we need to accelerate the use of apprenticeships as a genuine route into the work of work for young job-seekers.

This was one of the key recommendations of the REC’s Youth Employment Taskforce and the latest statistics do not mask the need for sustained Government action in this area. The recruitment industry can play its part by developing apprenticeships within the sector, and by raising awareness amongst clients and candidates.

“With thousands of A-level students leaving school this week, it is increasingly clear that young people require targeted, focused assistance. This includes practical guidance on the benefits of apprenticeships and on the sectors where job opportunities are most likely to exist both now and in the future. As well as continuing to actively promote the apprenticeship route, the Government must commit to establishing a careers guidance network that is fit for purpose.”

JCB chairman tops list of wealthiest ex-apprentices

Thanks to Caroline Betts for passing this article onto us.  Caroline is a Senior Skills Manager at Essex County Council

City & Guilds hopes ‘skillionaires’ will inspire others to succeed without a degree

A vocational rich list has named the chairman of JCB as the country’s wealthiest ex-apprentice, with a fortune of £2.15 billion.

Sir Anthony Bamford, whose career began with a two-year apprenticeship at Massey Ferguson before he took over the construction equipment company, topped the list of “skillionaires” - Britain’s wealthiest people who have taken apprenticeships or other vocational qualifications.

The rich list was compiled by Philip Beresford, the creator of the annual Sunday Times Rich List, for City & Guilds and WorldSkills 2011, the international skills competition being held in London for the first time in October.

While Sir Anthony’s father founded the company which he now chairs, second place on the list goes to a self-made man: Laurence Graff, the “king of diamonds”.

After leaving school in the East End of London at 14 and becoming an apprentice to a Hatton Garden jeweller, Mr Graff has built a fortune valued at £2 billion.

Last November he broke the record for the world’s most expensive piece of jewellery with the purchase of a £28.8 million pink diamond.

His diamond business is worth £1.7 billion, with the rest of his wealth consisting of homes in Gstaad, London, Cap Ferrat and New York City, a 150-foot yacht, a Stellenbosch vineyard and a £125 million art collection.

Others named in the list include City & Guilds-qualified celebrity chef Jamie Oliver in 33rd place with £106 million, Dragons’ Den star and businesswoman Deborah Meaden with £40 million in joint 63rd place with fashion designer Karen Millen, and Stella McCartney (£15 million).

At 36 years old, Mr Oliver is the youngest of the top 100 vocational millionaires. A fortune of £10 million is required to make it on to the list, with fellow chef Gary Rhodes, another former City & Guilds student, bringing up the rear.

Former engineering apprentices make up 24 of the top 100, while the most represented industries were high tech companies, property and construction, and the leisure industry.

City & Guilds said they hoped the publication of the list would highlight the success of people who did not attend university and inspire young people to achieve.

Chris Jones, director general of City & Guilds, said: “Our latest vocational rich list proves you don’t need a degree to succeed. The list not only celebrates the success of Britain’s leading businessmen and women, but also serves as an inspiration to others to discover their talent and unlock their potential through vocational education and skills training. Many of the contestants at this year’s WorldSkills London event have done just that and I have no doubt that one day we will see some of their names on the list.”

Also on the list in 49th place was Britain’s wealthiest plumber, Charlie Mullins, who founded and runs Pimlico Plumbers and whose wealth is estimated at £55 million. He left school at 15 with no qualifications before taking up an apprenticeship.

“That was a mistake - I should have left at 14,” he said, describing his apprenticeship as the best thing he had ever done. Now his company employs 180 people and has a turnover of £15 million a year.

He said: “Not everyone wants to be a leader or to run a business. But knowing a trade means you can have a job on a stable basis for life, and run your own business if you like. We need tradesmen more than ever, not just pushing towards everybody going to university.”

RICH LIST

The top 10 vocational achievers

1. Sir Anthony Bamford. £2.15 billion. Chairman of JCB. Former apprentice with Massey Ferguson.

2. Laurence Graff. £2 billion. Chairman of Graff Diamonds. Former apprentice with Hatton Garden jeweller.

3. John Caudwell. £1.5 billion. Founder of Phones4U. Former Michelin apprentice.

4. Sir James Dyson. £1.45 billion. Chairman of Dyson. Qualified in industrial design at the Royal College of Art.

5. Sir Terry Matthews. £1.4 billion. Founder of over 80 telecommunications companies. Former Post Office research department apprentice.

6. Jim McColl. £570 million. Chairman and chief executive of Clyde Blowers engineering company. Former apprentice engineer.

7. Trevor Hemmings. £550 million. Leisure tycoon who owned Blackpool Tower and Pontins. Former apprentice bricklayer.

8. Sir David McMurtry. £450 million. Chairman and chief executive of precision engineering company Renishaw. Former apprentice with Rolls- Royce.

9. Sir Arnold Clark. £430 million. Chairman and chief executive of Arnold Clark Motors. Former apprentice shoe designer.

10. Steve Morgan. £400 million. Chairman of Redrow builders. Studied an Ordinary National Diploma in civil engineering at Liverpool Polytechnic.

 

 

FREE Apprenticeship Seminar supported by Minister

 

Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove will be presenting at an Apprenticeship Seminar in the South West next week. Spaces are limited but still available so book while you can.

The FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) event sponsored by the South West Apprenticeship Company, Gloucestershire College, the National Apprenticeship Service and Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce will be held on 15th July at the New County Hotel, Gloucester. It’s a fantastic opportunity to find out how Apprenticeships can benefit your business, which routes are best for you and learn vital information about a new low risk option available to organisations in the South West.

Tickets can be booked by calling 01285 740550 or email region.office119@fsb.org.uk

For more information about the South West Apprenticeship Company go to www.theswac.org.uk or call 0800 334 5767

Cameron pledges £25m to fund 10,000 new apprenticeships...

The Prime Minister has pledged £25million to create 10,000 apprenticeships, as fears grow that more will have to be done to kick-start the economy.

Mr Cameron yesterday admitted families are suffering ‘difficult times’ as he announced the effort to help young people get better quality training.

Ministers are expecting grim growth figures on Tuesday, which are predicted to show the economy slowing again.

David Cameron with an experimental car built by apprentices at Jaguar Land Rover's research and development and corporate headquarters in Gaydon

When Mr Cameron returns from his summer holiday, he will attempt to show that he is doing more to boost growth.

The money announced yesterday will increase the number of apprenticeships in hi-tech industries such as advanced manufacturing, information technology and engineering.

Small and medium-sized companies will be able to bid for the money to hire apprentices.

Candidates will get a basic qualification and then continue to train until they have a higher level apprenticeship that is the equivalent of a degree.

Mr Cameron made the announcement as he visited the Jaguar Land Rover plant in the West Midlands.

The Prime Minister talks with apprentices on Friday. When he returns from his summer holiday, he will attempt to show that he is doing more to boost growth

He said: ‘I am determined that this Government should be the most  pro-business there has been, with one purpose and one goal – creating jobs and growth.

‘It is therefore crucial that we build up the skills in this country that our businesses need and that will fuel long-term growth.

‘That is why, despite some  difficult decisions on spending, we are increasing the number of apprenticeships to record levels.

‘We are investing in apprenticeships because we know they work.

‘They are good for people who want to get ahead, good for business and good for the country.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2017853/David-Cameron-pledges-25m-fund-10-000-new-apprenticeships.html#ixzz1SxHSaMHs

Paul ' s Comments on Budget makes the news.

NEAC in the News, another great story.

2011 Budget-More Apprenticeship Places NEAC can help.

Budget 2011: technical colleges and apprenticeships planned to tackle youth unemployment

Today the Government has announced the creation of up to 24 technical colleges, in an attempt to train up students between the ages of 11 and 19 in vocational skills.

This afternoon as part of his 'Budget for Growth', chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne claimed employees in the UK were lower skilled and lower qualified than their counterparts in France and Germany.

To get over this, Osborne announced the creation of 12 vocational technical colleges this year, where students will be trained in work skills and have direct relationships with employers. It is planned that this number will grow to 24 by 2014.

In another move to reduce youth unemployment, the chancellor announced plans to increase the number of apprentices. According to the chancellor's figures, only one in 10 employers in the UK offers apprenticeships, compared to one in four in Austria. In a bid to help young people into employment, Osborne announced an investment of £40 million to fund apprenticeships.

The chancellor said he hopes to create 100,000 apprenticeships over the next 10 years to "secure jobs and more growth".

Paul Champion (CEO NEAC) said "this is avery exciting time to be part of the apprenticeship scene. We all have the responsibility to ensure our young people get the highest quality skills they can and the best opportunities open to them to have a bright future in the job market. NEAC is commited to taking up this challenge and we are always looking for likeminded employers to help us with this challenge"

If you want to be part ensuring that the UK becomes more skilled and more competative through investment in its young people, and you think you want to share this responsibility with the North East Apprenticeship Company, then give us a call on 0191 4902453 or visit www.neapprenticeship.co.uk.

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