Scottish skills body aims to increase uptake of engineering apprentices

Scottish industrialists have come together to launch a new group, the Forum for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Skills (FAMES), aimed at significantly increasing the number of apprentices recruited in both sectors this year.

The group, which is also looking to help companies take on more graduates and up-skill existing workforces, will be made up of representatives from champion employers, business membership organisations, training providers and key stakeholders. It is being co-ordinated by Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing, with aim of leading the country into a new era of economic growth and job creation.

An inaugural meeting was held in Glasgow last week where plans were drawn up to identify common issues and to engage businesses across the country. Among those attending were Spirit Aerosystems, Babcock Engineering Services, Selex Galileo, Clydespace, Steel Engineering Weir Group, Siemens, Thales, Skills Development Scotland, the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service and Strathclyde University.

David Watson, chair of FAMES and manager of Spirit Aerosystems (Europe), said: "There are a number of challenges facing Scotland's advanced manufacturing sector and we are determined to work more closely together to ensure this country continues to playing a leading role in the global economy and remains attractive to potential investors."

Author
Laura Hopperton

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