THE APPRENTICESHIP GUIDE
Engineering - a future through training
The macro-economic outlook may be unknown, but demand from the many firms in the county’s engineering sector for new talent is not slowing – neither is their desire to keep those staff in the county. From those concerned about the future of engineering and where they will get staff, to those concerned about the future demographic of Gloucestershire, the county has reached a major tipping point. It can now offer training throughout a person’s career – at all levels, from beginner to senior management. It is a major milestone. One organisation long flying the flag for training, pushing to stretch that depth of provision, and generally leading from the front has been Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET), and it is about to stage one of its popular open evenings. If you are considering a career in engineering – and know little more than that – or know all about the sector, and have your heart set on it – then GET's apprenticeship recruitment event will put you in front of current and recent apprentices, company bosses, trainers, opportunities, and reveal everything from entry-level demands to potential career paths around the world. All in the knowledge that with the training across the board now in place, your limit within the county could well only be your own ambition. “The thing that is really encouraging now is that in Gloucestershire there is provision from Level 2 to degree level and masters level. There is now no longer any need for people to go outside Gloucestershire for training,” said Linsey Temple, chief executive of GET,
which is headquartered at CoriniumAvenue, Gloucester. “In the past they did, and they may not have come back. If the provision is strong, there is more chance people will stay, and people may well come here for that training, and not leave because of what we have here. “There are entry points and exit points all the way from Level 2 to Level 7. Even if you have had a gap in your learning, there is now nothing stopping people coming back on the ladder.” Companies that rub shoulders at GET are big and small, but all county-based – including global engineering innovators Renishaw, advanced manufacturers to the automotive industry, Delphi Technology, aerospace giants Safran to Cheltenham shower manufacturer Kohler Mira, Wickwar-based Majorlift Hydraulic Equipment Limited, ABB Limited of Stonehouse and car parts maker G-TEKT Europe Manufacturing Ltd. The positive vibe around the hugely diverse and exciting career pathway is not just talk. It is backed up by the numbers of those putting their faith in GET. “This year GET had 126 new starts on apprenticeship programmes.That is the highest we have ever had.That is a good indication to us that there is some positivity and confidence in the sector,” said Ms Temple, also a member of the employment and skills group with the local LEP. “These are our future engineers. Companies are still identifying a massive shortfall, which means there is no nervousness at the moment about engineering taking a downward spiral. “I think in terms of signing big contracts, there is
some hesitation – they do not know what the future will look like in the new world – but the appetite to recruit remains.” The GET open evening is due to take place on Tuesday, January 21, from 4.30pm till 7.30pm l Find out more at www.get-trained.org
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