Make UK has 2,000 candidates to place in employment.
Manufacturers’ organisation Make UK has urged employers not to shelve plans to recruit apprentices amid the current Covid-19 crisis.
Some engineering and manufacturing companies could consider withholding apprenticeship schemes as production delays have impacted revenue streams, but Stephen Mitchell, Director of Apprentices and Technical Training at Make UK’s Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham, believes it would be a mistake to suspend apprentice recruitment.
He said: “We completely understand that these are testing times for all employers, but apprentices are resilient and full of drive; they help to provide fresh ideas and are vital for business growth. During this time of unprecedented change, you still need to look at the future of your business, and apprentices play a key part in this.”
Under UK lockdown, Make UK has moved most of its training and assessment programmes online, as it continues to help secure places of employment for its 2,000 candidates.
“Even if employers are not in a position to take on apprentices immediately, we would encourage them to start the conversations now. We are constantly holding telephone interviews, and our streamlined recruitment process means employers can access applications and candidates with minimal fuss and delay,” added Stephen.
For more information on the Society’s free apprentice and student membership, go to: soe.org.uk// membership/membership/ free-membership-forapprentices-students.html