Employers such as Pinewood Studios, which is involved in making the new Star Wars film, and designer shoemakers Loake, have formed 26 new Trailblazer groups to create apprenticeship standards in a variety of sectors. These 26 groups, which also consist of employers Rolls Royce, BT, Dr. Martens, and English National Opera, will design apprenticeships in 39 occupations, and existing Trailblazer groups will design an additional four.
This is the latest step in the Government’s plans to deliver 3 million new apprenticeships by 2020 and will give employers a greater say in designing high-quality apprenticeships that meet the needs of industry. It comes on the same day that another Trailblazer employer, RBS, announced it is recruiting 400 apprentices to work across the business in areas including IT, customer service and human resources.
Skills Minister Nick Boles believes these programmes will help apprentices develop a crucial skill base for their career.
“Pinewood Studios was home to the new Star Wars film. Now the force is strong with young apprentices who will get the opportunity to boost their skills in a wide range of roles including TV and film set design. These apprentices will have the expertise their industry needs.
“Our Trailblazer programme allows employers across the country to have their say in training tomorrow’s workforce, helping us achieve 3 million apprenticeships by 2020.”
Andrew Smith, Director at Pinewood Studios, thinks the apprenticeships are a great way to introduce young people into this industry.
“Young people are the future leaders of tomorrow’s industry and being part of the Trailblazers means we can guarantee they have the essential skills and training. The apprenticeships we create will be a key route for new entrants into the industry and will set them on course for a fun, challenging but ultimately rewarding career.”
The Government also confirmed the creation of the Apprenticeship Delivery Board to advise on how best to expand the apprenticeship programme. The Board will be jointly chaired by David Meller, and Richard Harrington MP, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Apprenticeships.
Richard Harrington MP, Joint Chairman of the Apprenticeship Delivery Board said:
“The creation of the Apprenticeship Delivery Board is further proof of the incredible commitment that this Government has to apprenticeships, which will give so many more people the opportunity to earn a wage, and gain a valuable qualification and skill that they will have for life.”
David Meller, Joint Chairman of the Apprenticeship Delivery Board said:
“Through my work as Chair of the National Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network I have seen first-hand just what a difference apprenticeships can make to people’s lives, and how beneficial they can be for employers who gain loyal and skilled staff that add genuine value to their business.”
