Engineering Workforces Enhance with Record Apprentice Recruitment Levels

Midland Group Training Services (MGTS) is delighted that despite the difficult conditions experienced by many engineering companies in the region due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of organisations are still committed to enhancing their workforce by recruiting apprentices in 2020.

MGTS work in partnership with employers to successfully recruit and train the next generation of engineers and manufacturing leaders on a local and national level.

Despite the impact of Coronavirus a significant number of engineering organisations in the Coventry and Warwickshire area are still committed to enhancing their workforce by recruiting apprentices in 2020.

David Bridgens, CEO of MGTS, comments “The impact of coronavirus has proved challenging for both employers and training providers in recent months and MGTS is committed to providing the best possible service to our employer partners and their apprentices throughout this difficult period.

“With a severe shortage of skilled engineers in the UK, it is crucial that wherever possible companies continue to invest in young people, to develop future talent within their organisation and gain a competitive advantage.”

David Jones, Apprenticeships and Operational Excellence Coordinator GB and Ireland at BRITVIC PLC said “I am very proud to say that despite the current situation and uncertainty around Covid-19 not only has apprentice recruitment continued (with a slightly longer and adapted process than normal) but this year Britvic welcomes the largest cohort of engineering apprentices than ever before.”

Kevan Kane, Managing Director of Technoset, a Rugby based precision engineering company that has worked in partnership with MGTS for many years tells us “Apprentices are the long term future of our business and we welcome the dedication and skills that they add to the organisation.”

Tara Holland, MGTS Employer Engagement Consultant, said “The fact that from August 2020 until January 2021 employers can receive £3,000 for each new apprentice recruited aged 16-18, £2,000 for 19–24 year olds and £1,500 for individuals aged 25 and over is excellent news and a boost for employers wanting to invest in future talent.

“Large employers are already able to recover apprenticeship qualification costs through their apprenticeship levy, while smaller employers receive funding for 95% of these costs from the government.”

MGTS has successfully delivered engineering apprenticeships for over 50 years and has grown from a local provider to supporting national companies such as Warburtons.”

Joyce Morris, Learning and Development Adviser for Warburtons comments “Our partnership with MGTS began in 2019 because we wanted a training provider able to afford our apprentices with the best possible start to their engineering careers.

“What put MGTS above others was not only their wealth of knowledge, experience of the tutors and state of the art facilities, but also their professionalism. Further, our apprentices speak highly of the first-class support delivered and their learning experiences, which is clearly evidenced by their increased confidence, knowledge and skills. Such is the impression made by MGTS we continue to grow our partnership.”

If you would like to explore the possibility of recruiting an engineering apprentice please contact MGTS for expert advice and guidance: