HOW IS BUSINESS NURTURING YOUNG TALENT?

Is economic recovery in the North West under threat from a lack of skilled resource? Are we providing enough opportunities to nurture skills and retain talent?

It is a concern shared by businesses throughout the region, irrespective of sector & size, and a question put to a panel of business leaders at a recent seminar including Siemens, MAN Group and Kids Allowed.

        Wayne Jones, Senior Vice President MAN Diesel &Turbo, (pictured left)
        stressed that in seeking apprentices, attitude is key!
        He believes that young people with the right attitude can be taught but is up to the
        training providers to work closely with employers to ensure appropriate delivery of
        course content.

        Companies operate graduate programmes but an increasing number recognise
        the benefits of home-grown young talent via apprenticeship schemes.  But are the
        education providers working closely enough with employers to deliver the
        appropriate training facility? It seems, not in all cases …

       Siemens UK skills partner reported that in 2008 Siemens
       took apprenticeship provision in-house to build a secure
       workforce pipeline for the future, trained to their own
       specification. And, despite apparently too few engineering
       graduates coming out of University, had 6,000 applications
       for 200 apprenticeship positions.

        Kids Allowed Nurseries group has taken steps to ensure that staff within
        the childcare sector are trained to the highest level by opening an academy,
        a facility also open to other providers in the sector.

        Chief Executive Jennie Johnson explained that their challenge is to
        secure funding for students 16+ up to level 5 as a stepping stone to their
        degree whereas current training schemes are to level 3.

The UK’s first technical school opens in Stockport next month where, along with input local businesses, youngsters from the age of 14 are being trained and prepared for working life. It is hoped that this will help to build a secure, future work pipeline for Stockport.