Why Bradford firms are creating opportunities for apprenticeships (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Why Bradford firms are creating opportunities for apprenticeships

8:50am Friday 10th February 2012 in Behind the News By Sally Clifford

At one time, the concept of learning as you work was commonplace.

School-leavers entered jobs through apprenticeships, and worked their way up the career ladder.

Then came the graduate route, but it seems the hike in university tuition fees, coupled with the need for people with hands-on skills to bolster traditional trades, could have impacted on the increasing popularity of apprenticeships.

The Government has recognised the importance apprentices play in contributing to the country’s economic future.

At the start of the fifth National Apprenticeship Week, running this week, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced that small firms would be given a cash incentive when they take on their first apprentice.

On a visit to Bradford in December, Mr Clegg praised TF Automation’s commitment to training apprentices following his tour of the Hillam Road company.

The company, which is involved in pneumatic distribution and the design and build of specialist machinery, has a strong history in employing apprentices.

Managing director Tony Hubbert appreciates their importance. He speaks from experience.

“In 1977, I left Grange School in Bradford and went into engineering. I reckon I was one of 600 school-leavers who went into engineering,” he says.

“I was an apprentice myself at Carter Gears in Leeds Road – they were part of the Renault Group. I was sent to Bradford College for 48 weeks to learn the basics, and as an apprentice you went round the company and spent time in different departments and you progressed. It was a well-trodden path.”

Many carved successful careers from learning while working, but the demise of apprenticeships meant many didn’t get the opportunity.

Tony welcomes the apprenticeship revival. “Apprentices are vital to the economy,” he says.

He says without the technicians working on food preparation machines there may come a time when Britain won’t be able to feed itself. “There will always be a manufacturing industry, if only for food, but we need to have the technology, people building and maintaining that equipment,” explains Tony.

He welcomes Mr Clegg’s announcement to encourage small businesses to take on apprentices, and believes it may encourage businesses who hesitated before to take on an apprentice. “Without doubt, it has to be a good move,” he says.

Established in 1976, TF Automation’s customers range from a snuff-maker in Cumbria to a major aerospace company for which it provides robotic equipment. The firm also supplies Land Rover and Jaguar as well as Hallmark Cards, Morrisons and McBride.

With unemployment increasing and fewer jobs becoming available, young people may not be able to afford to be too choosy in future.

Tony says those intent on going to university and getting a degree should consider what they are going to do with it and what is the value of it.

For Tony, hard work is the key to success. “Young people have got to understand if they are going to get some good money, they have to earn it, that is the first hurdle.

“They cannot sit there with their hands held out,” he says. “You get nothing for nothing and that story doesn’t change over the years.”

National Apprenticeship Week is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals and businesses.

A range of organisations are supporting the week by organising activities including employers, apprentices, business support and sector organisations, learning providers, colleges and schools.

Sue Price, divisional area director, says: “Apprenticeships provide businesses with a significant return on investment by increasing productivity and introducing fresh new talent and innovation. They are also a sound stepping stone for individuals to build successful careers.

“We are delighted that so many organisations across Yorkshire are supporting National Apprenticeship Week by organising events to showcase these benefits. There are some fantastic activities on offer, which I am certain will inspire more companies and individuals to reap the benefits of apprenticeships for themselves.”

John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning says: “Thanks to record investment, combined with tough measures to drive up standards, the Government has created the biggest and best apprenticeships programme in our country’s history.

“And we will go further, giving employers new incentives to train young people and creating opportunities for apprentices to develop their talents to degree level and beyond.

“National Apprenticeships Week is the time to celebrate the countless achievements of learners and employers, and to call on more firms to say ‘you’re hired’, to a new apprentice.”

* For more about apprenticeships and National Apprenticeship Week, visit apprenticeships.org.uk.