Enginuity, the former sector skills council for engineering and manufacturing, has welcomed the Government's new package of measures to bring more young people into skilled roles in the workplace.
"Enginuity welcomes this significant investment in youth employment and the Government’s continued commitment to the Youth Guarantee," says Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity. "For sectors such as engineering and manufacturing, strengthening pathways into technical careers is particularly important. Employers across our industries are facing persistent skills shortages at the same time as the UK transitions to new technologies and ways of working, including greater use of digital tools, automation and AI. Supporting more young people into apprenticeships and entry-level roles will be vital to building the skilled workforce needed to drive productivity, innovation and growth.
"Measures that support employers to recruit and train young people, particularly SMEs, will play a critical role in making these ambitions a reality. Nearly 90% of engineering and manufacturing employers are small and medium-sized businesses and practical incentives can help give them the confidence to invest in the next generation of talent.
"Alongside employer support, it will also be important to ensure the wider skills system works effectively for both businesses and young people. Simplifying access to training, maintaining the quality of apprenticeships and ensuring that reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy work for smaller employers will all be key to unlocking the full potential of these reforms.
"Through The Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs, Enginuity looks forward to continuing to work with government and industry partners to ensure these initiatives translate into meaningful opportunities for young people, while helping businesses access the skills they need to succeed.”
