Give next generation of engineers the opportunities they deserve, Make UK urge

Association will use World Engineering day to promote apprenticeships programmes.

Manufacturers’ association, Make UK, is using this year’s World Engineering Day, which takes place on 4 March, to call upon employers in the Midlands, UK, to offer the next generation of engineers the opportunity to shape both their careers and the future of ‘Engineering for A Healthy Planet’ – the day’s theme for 2021.

Many engineering and manufacturing companies are thinking about delaying or cancelling their apprenticeship programmes considering the current COVID-19 crisis, but Stephen Mitchell, Director of Apprentices and Technical Training at Make UK’s Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham, says companies must look at the long-term picture. “We understand that these are testing times, but employers still need to look to the future - and apprentices play a key role in this,” he said.

“Make UK has over 2,000 young people in its talent pool looking for apprenticeship opportunities, including a considerable number of young women. We have world-class facilities here in Aston, and our streamlined recruitment process means employers can access applications and candidates with minimal fuss and delay.

“Even if employers are not in a position to take on apprentices immediately, we would encourage them to start the conversations now.”