The quality of motor industry apprenticeships has been recognised by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) through a new grant to make apprenticeship places available to young people and adults across the UK. Schools Secretary Ed Balls announced an £11 million government fund to help firms build a more highly skilled workforce during the difficult economic times. Of the 16 firms which have reached agreement with government, six vehicle manufacturers are included:
· Scania in Milton Keynes
· DAF Trucks in Oxford
· Ford Motor Company in Daventry
· BMW in Bracknell
· Mercedes-Benz UK in Milton Keynes
· Jaguar Land Rover in Gaydon
The apprenticeship scheme follows the £2.3 billion Automotive Assistance Programme activated in February 2009. The UK automotive industry is 800,000 strong and its success depends on maintaining the highly-skilled workers within it. It is essential that the expertise of UK workers is supported as new technology and innovation will play a larger role in the development and production of forthcoming models.
For more information on funding and support click here.
Click here for the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team’s (NAIGT) report into the future of the UK automotive sector.
