Specialist training schools come together to discuss opportunities to promote NDT apprenticeships
20/09/2018
For the first time, five leading specialist NDT training schools have come together to discuss how they can continue to raise awareness of NDT apprenticeships, upskill the existing workforce and encourage new talent into the industry.The landmark meeting was organised by independent apprenticeships provider and levy consultant Skills Training UK, which has been delivering Level 2 NDT Operator and Level 3 NDT Engineering Technician apprenticeship standards since becoming a Corporate Member of BINDT in September last year.
Stephen Crawley, Chief Operating Officer at Skills Training UK, said: “In the past year we have partnered with some of the leading NDT specialist training schools in the country, all of whom offer something quite unique to employers and can provide relevant technical method training and examinations.
“These crucial partnerships and our close relationship with BINDT have been key to the ongoing success of our NDT apprenticeship programmes. This meeting has helped us to identify ways we can enhance our offer and reach new employers and sectors.”
Alongside meeting hosts Lavender International were representatives from IMechE, The Welding Institute (TWI), Aerospace Inspection Ltd and the International School of Aerospace.
The meeting began with an apprenticeship update from Skills Training UK, which revealed that 67% of the apprentices that have joined their programmes are aged between 16-25, with a growing interest from women looking to join the profession.
A number of employers across a wide range of sectors covering engineering, aerospace, welding, oil & gas, nuclear, automotive and manufacturing are also using the apprenticeships to up-skill existing employees.Sam Cunningham, Technical Sales and Account Manager at Skills Training UK, said that the company would continue to work with employers to create opportunities: “We had 200 talented individuals apply for one of our recently advertised NDT apprenticeship roles. While we continue to build our employer networks, the demand for the apprenticeships currently outweighs the opportunities,” he said.
“We will continue to work closely with our training schools and employer partners to help to find and create opportunities for these talented individuals to kickstart their NDT careers.”
After attending the meeting, Roger Lyon, Project Manager for BINDT Apprenticeship Schemes, said: “When it launched its involvement last year, Skills Training UK was a welcome addition to the list of lead providers for the three NDT apprenticeship schemes.
“To get several representatives from the NDT training schools to meet and discuss ways they can improve and enhance the apprenticeships to reach new audiences is extremely progressive for the sector and shows the vitality and importance of the skills gap agenda.”
www.skillstraininguk.com
