Manufacturers should actively seek to form partnerships that close skills gaps rather than waiting for the government to intervene, according to Salop Design & Engineering commercial director Christopher Greenough.
A more joined up approach is the key to the industry helping itself, with engagement starting as early as primary school, according to Greenough, who is also president of Made in the Midlands.
We need our schools and colleges to talk about manufacturing as a fantastic opportunity and spend time getting to know what 21st century engineering actually looks like, he said.
Teachers are vital for sowing the early seeds into the minds of pupils looking to set out on their career path.
The engagement with education providers should be continued throughout school age and onto those who offer vocational training, according to Greenough.
He sees honest and open professional relationships with training providers as crucial. He believes that this will ensure the governments Apprenticeship Levy, to be introduced in April 2017, will work for both parties.
As manufacturers, we need to push training providers to be fully accountable to their clients and this visible accountability will ensure the Apprenticeship Levy is not just another buzz initiative that lines the pockets of the wrong people whilst failing the companies it has been designed to help, he added.
- See more at: http://www.worksmanagement.co.uk/People/news/manufacturing-skills-gap/115072#sthash.alEA8Gm5.dpuf