Apprentice applicants at record high for engineering programme

Having successfully passed OAS’s rigorous screening process and assessment centre, 80 ambitious candidates are in a talent pool ready to be matched with employers.

OAS is now looking for new employer partners who want to future-proof their workforces by creating the next generation of engineers.

Incorporating apprenticeships into a training and recruitment strategy offers great benefits to any business.

Apprenticeships provide a cost effective way to attract enthusiastic, motivated, young talent, with 75% of employers agreeing that taking on apprentices has lowered their recruitment costs, according to the latest figures from the National Apprenticeship Service.

Firms stand to benefit from increased employee retention and loyalty, as well as higher levels of staff performance. 92% of businesses who employ apprentices believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

Apprenticeships also help address the engineering skills shortage by providing learners with the relevant skills and experience that will help them add value to their organisations from the start of their careers. Apprentices on OAS’s programme gain additional expertise compared to other learners through exposure to the latest engineering technologies crucial to the future success of the manufacturing sector.

David Hughes, managing director of training partner MTC Apprenticeships which manages the OAS apprentice programmes, said: “OAS apprentices are exactly what the industry needs to fill the high tech jobs of the future. Our programme produces apprentices capable of rapidly adding value to their employers, and several of our apprentices have gone on to win awards and accolades in recognition of their exceptional skills.”

Firms can take advantage of a range of funds and financial incentives to support the employment of an apprentice. UK employers with a payroll of over £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy to cover training costs, while eligible smaller businesses can access a £1 million fund that has been created through an exclusive partnership between OAS, MTC Apprenticeships and Lloyds Bank.

To encourage the creation of new jobs for young people, the government has recently announced an additional, temporary, six-month bonus of up to £2,000 per learner for employers taking on new apprentices.

OAS www.oas.ukaea.uk

MTC www.the-mtc.org