Featured

Construction summit focuses on future of apprenticeship training

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the Institute) welcomed around 150 representatives of large and small employers to its first digital construction summit. This allowed everyone to take a wide-ranging look at the skills needs of the sector, how they are being served by current apprenticeships, and how this can be improved upon. The summit will pre-empt the revision of apprenticeship standards across the occupational route and a review…

SELECT stresses importance of correct electrical training routes with new guides

Campaigning trade association SELECT has launched a new series of recommended training routes to provide clear advice on the right path to becoming a qualified electrician in Scotland. Developed in partnership with The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), the guidance is designed for both school leavers and those looking for a career in the electrical industry at any age. Crucially, the three routes clearly stress that becoming a fully qualified electrician can only be achieved with valid…

Apprentice electrician highly commended in Bellway apprentice awards

18-year-old apprentice electrician, Tom Rafter, has been highly commended at Bellway’s annual Apprentice of the Year awards.Tom, from Maghull, Merseyside, is based at the company’s North West regional office in Hunts Cross, but works across a number of residential developments in the Merseyside and Lancashire regions. As reported by Business Up North, he was highly commended for his exemplary attitude, commitment and high standard of daily work. Bellway currently employs…

SkillELECTRIC to return in 2022

Unfortunately due to the practical requirements of the SkillELECTRIC competition and the ongoing disruption caused by coronavirus lockdowns; it has been agreed it is not possible to run a UK-wide programme of SkillELECTRIC activity in 2021. SkillELECTRIC says it is working on improvements to the competition and resources ready for re-launching in 2022 and will announce the new cycle later in the year. To register your interest for taking part…

Electrical engineer wins Ambassador of the Year at Scottish Apprenticeship Awards

Electrical engineer Cameron MacDonald was crowned Ambassador of the Year at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, held earlier this month. As reported by Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser, 21-year-old Cameron, who is an operational technology lead at Diageo’s Alloa base in Clackmannanshire, volunteers his time to promote apprenticeships at schools and events. He said: “It’s a great privilege to win and it’s not something I ever thought would happen. “My main goal…

JTL welcomes the new skills investments announced in the spring budget

The leading work-based training provider in England and Wales, JTL, has welcomed the increased incentives for apprenticeships and traineeships announced in Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s spring budget, in the hope they will support employers to take on apprentices. The financial incentives introduced as part of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs last year, offered employers £2,000 to take on apprentices aged 16 to 24 and £1,500 for those aged 25 and over.…

Scottish Minister echoes praise for employers’ commitment to training

Minister Jamie Hepburn has joined influential training providers, the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB), in saluting Scotland’s employers for continuing to support young talent during COVID-19. The industry bodies have applauded businesses for recruiting, training and nurturing trainees during the pandemic and say their dedication is the perfect example of “business backing talent” – the theme of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 1-5). Anne Galbraith, chief executive…