Member Article

Industry alliance to boost regional economic growth

Industrialists from across the region have joined forces, in a bid to double the number of apprentices recruited into the sector this year.

The newly-formed North East Skills Alliance for Advanced Manufacturing is made up of representatives from all 12 local authorities, employers, business membership organisations, training providers and the National Apprenticeship Service.

It is hoped that the group will encourage SMEs to seek more information about the support available to them, who are often unaware of the training and funding opportunities which are available to them.

The North East Skills Alliance for Advanced Manufacturing is being coordinated by Semta, the
sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies.

Semta estimates that around 8,500 skilled workers are due to retire in the next six years, and for the North East to perform as a world class region, 15,000 employees need to improve their skills.

One of Semta ’s council members Teesside-based Trevor Arnold director of engineering consultants PX Limited, has already met with the Prime Minister to discuss the issue and is due
to meet the minister for skills, education and lifelong learning, John Hayes, in the near future.

Commenting on the new proposal, Mr Arnold said: “The North East has a terrific record and skills base which has helped attract a huge amount of investment from companies across the globe.

“If we are to enhance our position as the leading region for manufacturing, more companies
have to act now and in a coordinated way.”

Apprenticeship start-ups are already 20% higher against the same period last year and the
Alliance hopes a series of events, one-to-one visits, business networks and mentoring, forging
closer links with schools, colleges and universities and having one point of contact in each area
will make it easier for firms to understand the benefits of apprenticeships leading to a big rise in
time for the September intake.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Nissan’s Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK, who chairs the Alliance
said: “The North East Skills Alliance is aiming to help companies in the North East understand
the need to invest in our people.

“We also recognise the need to make it as easy as possible for companies to offer apprenticeships and graduate programmes, and to upskill their current workforce.

“There is significant potential for job creation if, as a region, we can make sure our workforce is able to capitalise on these opportunities.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .