The skills gap in the UK manufacturing sector is a major challenge facing the industry; as the sector currently faces the reality of an ageing workforce. The challenge is that not enough people view the manufacturing industries as an attractive enough career path, even from school level. So, this is where apprenticeships come into play. Apprenticeship programmes teach young people and those looking to further their careers by learning a new trade or increasing their skillset the knowledge and hands-on skills to learn something new and gain the satisfaction of making something with their hands… while getting paid a salary for the benefit. You’ve heard the saying, ‘have your cake and eat it’, right? This is precisely the benefits of an apprenticeship.
As the voice of the UK aluminium industry, the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) works closely with Make UK (The Manufacturers’ Organisation that champions and celebrates British manufacturing and manufacturers), to encourage the use of apprentices within the UK aluminium and wider manufacturing sectors.
In this article, we will delve deeper in to what ALFED and Make UK do to support apprentices, and give you a sneak peek into an exclusive opportunity available to ALFED members at Make UK’s Technology Hub in November… So, keep reading to find out!
What do ALFED do to support apprentices?
ALFED is actively working to support apprenticeships within the aluminium industry by promoting skills development, training, and career opportunities for young people. ALFED recognises the importance of apprenticeships in addressing the skills gap and ensuring the future of the UK’s aluminium industry. Here are some key ways in which ALFED is supporting apprenticeships:
- Apprenticeship Programmes and Partnerships
ALFED partners with various educational institutions, training providers, and industry bodies to promote apprenticeship programmes in the aluminium sector. An example of an organisation that ALFED have partnered with here is Bloodhound Education with the Aluminium Ambassador Programme. Any ALFED member who participates in the programme will become aluminium ambassadors and therefore will be industry role models, trained and equipped to engage directly with students, teachers and parents in education and community settings. This will range from careers talks to hands-on Aluminium related activities, designed to bring the curriculum to life and make the link between the classroom and careers. They will promote positive images of the industry, bring complex and innovative technologies to life, and reach a wider and more diverse audience.
According to ALFED CEO, Nadine Bloxsome: “The ALFED Aluminium Ambassador Programme is a great opportunity for the UK aluminium sector to establish industry role models to support education and training for students, parents and teachers, promoting the benefits of a career in a leading sustainable industry and to ensure the future succession of skilled staff.”
To find out more about the programme, please click here.
- ALFED Apprentice of the Year Award
In a bid to celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices in the UK aluminium sector, ALFED are proud to be launching the inaugural Apprentice of the Year Award at this year’s Annual Dinner; taking place at the De Vere Beaumont Estate, Windsor on Thursday 28th November 2024.
As the rate of change in our world accelerates and technology continues to shape our future, young people are poised to play a crucial role in driving innovation and progress. ALFED recognises the vital importance of supporting and empowering the next generation of professionals in the aluminium industry. This award not only celebrates individual accomplishments but will also hopefully help to inspire and encourage the next generation of professionals in our field. It promises to be a glamorous affair and will provide a platform to showcase and celebrate the exceptional talent and dedication of apprentices across the aluminium sector. From manufacturing to sales, apprenticeships offer a flexible pathway for bright, highly skilled individuals to embark on rewarding careers in our industry.
To find out more about the Apprentice of the year Award, please click here.
- New Skills Podcast, with ALFED and Comton Group
Wednesday 18th September saw Peter Comerford and Michael Bolton from the Comton Group head to the ALFED HQ in Daventry, Northamptonshire to host a bonus podcast for season 3 of their ‘The Metals Guys Talk Business’ podcast with ALFED CEO, Nadine Bloxsome.
Taking on a key focus on apprenticeships and new skills, and as the deadline for the ALFED Apprentice Awards nominations draws closer, it was a fantastic opportunity to discuss key issues shaping the future of the aluminium sector, including building new skills, retaining talent, and creating innovative career paths. Our member guests shared valuable insights into the importance of apprenticeship schemes and recruitment initiatives, which are crucial for developing the next generation of talent. We spoke about best practices, discussed the challenges we face as a sector and in individual companies, and highlighted ways to support and nurture new talent in our industry.
The podcast guests included:
- Mark Allen – ALFED President and Sales Director of Mechatherm International Ltd
- Amy Bird – Countrywide Metals Ltd and Founder of Women in Recycling
- Michael Horan – CEO of Sherwood Stainless & Aluminium Ltd and Chair of the ALFED Apprentice of the Year Award
- Rachel Wiffen – Senior Engineer & Quality Systems Manager of Innoval Technology
To listen to the podcast in full, please click here.
What do Make UK do to support apprentices?
Make UK is heavily involved in supporting apprenticeships across the UK manufacturing and engineering sectors. They work to ensure that apprenticeships remain a strong and effective pathway for developing the next generation of skilled workers. Here’s how Make UK supports apprentices:
1. Apprenticeship Programmes
Make UK runs its own apprenticeship programmes at its Technology Hub in Birmingham, which provides world-class training facilities for engineering and manufacturing apprentices. These programmes are designed to meet the needs of both apprentices and employers by offering hands-on, practical training alongside academic learning. The hub offers training in various disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and mechatronics.
2. Support for Employers
Make UK helps employers in the manufacturing and engineering industries to develop apprenticeship frameworks that meet their specific business needs. This includes advice on structuring apprenticeship programmes, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and integrating apprentices into the workplace smoothly. A lot of this is done through Make UK’s annual National Manufacturing Conference in February, and the National Manufacturing Day that takes place in September year-on-year.
- Promoting Apprenticeships and Career Awareness
Make UK works to raise awareness about apprenticeships and their benefits for both employers and young people. They collaborate with schools, colleges, and career advisors to promote manufacturing and engineering as attractive career paths. By doing this, they help to combat skills shortages and improve the public perception of careers in these sectors.
7. National Apprenticeship Week and Advocacy
During National Apprenticeship Week, Make UK plays a prominent role by organizing events, workshops, and campaigns to highlight the importance of apprenticeships. They use this platform to showcase successful apprentices, share best practices, and advocate for policies that further support apprenticeship schemes.
Join ALFED and Make UK at the Apprenticeship Open Day on Tuesday 19th November 2024!
ALFED are delighted to announce that we are working with Make UK to host an Apprenticeship Open Day at the Make UK Technology Hub (B6 7EU) from 10.00am – 1.00pm on Tuesday 19th November 2024.
Make UK’s impressive Technology Hub offers an extensive range of conference and event facilities, all designed to make your event memorable. To find out more about the hub, please click here.
Set up specifically for apprentices and new starters in the UK aluminium and manufacturing industries, the day will be set up to include the following activities:
- Make UK Presentation on Apprenticeship and Skills
- Make UK discounts on technical short courses for ALFED members
- Tour / workshop activity
- Lunches
Please note, there are limited spaces available for this event, so to secure your FREE place, we advise to register quickly to avoid missing out. To register, please click here.
To find out more, or to learn about how to become an ALFED member, please visit: www.alfed.org.uk.
