Thatcham urges Government not to tinker with apprenticeships

Thatcham has urged the Government to take caution when making changes to the automotive industry apprenticeships.

It added that while it is in full support of the programme and putting employers in control, the current system employed by the sector is working well.

Peter Shaw, Chief Executive at Thatcham, said: “It is pleasing to see apprenticeships firmly on the Government agenda but we believe that the first priority should be in ensuring that apprenticeship schemes remain fit for purpose, easy to access and properly funded.”

Thatcham has its own academy running a number of apprentice programmes giving young technicians first hand experience of the latest technology from working in its repair technology centre.

Shaw added: “Thatcham has the resources in place and a successful track record in promoting and administering apprentice schemes, and we think that shifting the emphasis to already cash pressurised employers, who rely upon the expertise and leadership from training institutions, would be a mistake.

“Employers undoubtedly have an important role to play in making sure apprentice programmes remain relevant and teach the kind of skills that the next generation of repair technicians will need. That’s why we continue to work closely with all of our employers and regularly encourage their feedback.”