MEETING THE INDUSTRY’S SKILLSCHALLENGE IN THE NEW TRAINING

LANDSCAPE

4 November 2015

Dr Tony Thomas MBEProfessor of Work-based Learning

THE NEW TRAINING LANDSCAPE

MEETING THE INDUSTRY'S SKILLS CHALLENGE IN THE NEW TRAINING LANDSCAPE

HIGHER AND DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS

Tony Thomas - B&ES Conference 4th November 2015

WHY CONSIDER RECRUITINGHigher/Degree Apprentices?

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a) Report – urgent need for action; in all disciplines at all levels particularly at design; and management/supervision;

b) Significant number of the dwindling apprentices do not provide B&ES employers with the spectrum or level of skills they need!!

What problem are we trying to solve?

a) The creation of a highly-skilled economy with high-growth, high-value B&ES sector that has considerable potential.

b) The BSE sector needs a competent, professional workforce enabling employers to compete for the more complex works to be undertaken.

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Are there enough young people of the calibre required?

a) The sector urgently requires the right people in the right jobs, equipping them with the resources and training required to work to the best of their ability;

b) This supply chain challenge requires collaborative working at all levels to ensure information is shared and projects are well co-ordinated;

c) Who sets the sector’s recruitment targets?

B&ES President - Jim Marner Facing up to labour problemsSeptember 18, 2015

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The Government’s Goal

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“Whilst Apprenticeships are already central to raising our nation’s skills and delivering strong returns for the economy, for employers and for apprentices themselves, we must ensure they become more rigorous and responsive to the needs of more employers.”Matthew Hancock MP Minister of State for Skills & Enterprise Sept 2013

“Our goal is for it to become the norm for young people to go into an Apprenticeship or to university or – in the case of some Higher /Dergee Apprenticeships – do both” Nick Boles MP Minister of State for Skills July 2014

THE NEW TRAINING LANDSCAPE

Trailblazer Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships Level 4

Degree Apprenticeships Level 6

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CONTRACTORS’ CONSORTIUM

a) 15 larger construction employers – lead;

b) Trade Bodies – ensure specialist interestsB&ES, CECA, FMB & BUILD-UK;

C) Profession Bodies – set standards CIBSE, CIAT, CIOB, ICE & RICS;

d) Construction Heads Of Built Environment (CHOBE); and

e) Universities/HE providers. Tony Thomas - B&ES Conference 4th November 2015

CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONS

a) Building Services Engineer;

b) Civil Engineer;

c) Construction Supervisor/Mgt;

d) Design Coordinator/Management; &

e) Quantity Surveyor & Estimator.

Tony Thomas – B&ES Conference 4th November 2015

STANDARDS – Professional Bodies

a) Knowledge skills and behaviours derived from PB competences;

b) Assessment based upon PB assessment process;

c) Education baseline within the standard – appropriate PB;

d) The Level 4 qualification is above the requirement of PB;

e) Relevant and required industry safety and sustainability qualifications included

ensuring apprentices have the ability tocontribute in the workplace.

Tony Thomas - B&ES Conference 4th November 2015

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ASSESSMENT

A variety of assessment methodologies are used including:

a) examinations;

b) project work;

c) assignments;

d) on the job assessment; and

e) Professional Body interview.

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EDUCATION RECRUITMENT Higher Apprenticeship - Level 4

The first year at Level 3 enabling a broader range of entry criteria - from a broader range of backgrounds and so improving diversity.

In particular this means that a Maths A-level will not be a pre-requisite for non engineeringpathways.

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Level 4 – Construction common 1st year

a) Different pathways are being taught common areas to improve interdisciplinary collaboration;&

b) Specific pathways are then chosen mutually by employers & apprentices.

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HIGHER APPRENTICESHIPSLevels 4 to 6

CONTRACTORS – concerns about current arrangements

a) Mismatch – academic and workplace learning;

b) design/professional office bias;

c) insufficient workplace competencies;

d) differences in university curriculum across UK;

e) low HNC/degree conversion to professional status; &

f) academic year restrictions in a project-based environment.

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Presentation Title 17

In Future Apprenticeships will:

a) Defined by Occupations not Quals;

b) employer and Professional Body led;

c) synoptic end assessment;

d) graded – pass and merit; and

e) linked to professional membership.

Tony Thomas – B&ES Conference 4th November 2015

SECTOR RECRUITMENT STRATEGY

B&ES consider Sector Skills Strategy

In partnership with strategic partners formulate national and regional recruitment targets :

a) Craft, Technician & Professional Apprentices;

b) influence providers FE/HE colleges/universities to deliver the skills and competences the sector needs.

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CHANGING SUPPYCHAIN

Fulltime education for 14 to 19 year olds changing;

Widen recruitment to attract the best apprentices;

a) UTCs - 44 currently, with 20 more opened by 2016;

b) Studio Schools - small schools, open year round, with a 9-5 working day;

c) Free Schools - State-funded but not controlled by a Local Authority;

d) FE Colleges - will recruit students at the age of 14 from 2016; and

e) Independent Academies - many specialising in Engineering or STEM subjects.

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Differences occur in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

THE FUTURE

“If we carry on doing what we are doing,

we will carry on getting what

we get.”Dale Carnegie

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The Facts

Higher/degree apprenticeships combine on the job training while studying towards a high levelqualification.

Given the current focus on rising university tuition fees, plus the shortage of skills and knowledge of low carbon engineering this is a natural extension to our existing graduate, apprentice and student programmes.

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THE BENEFITS

1 Meet the unique needs of your business;

2 Recruit from a larger talent pool;

3 Increase your productivity; and

4 Fill your higher level skills gaps.

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For Employers

Tony Thomas – B&ES Conference 4th November 2015

63% of employers expect to need more staff with leadership and management skills in the years ahead.

5 Clear progression routes;

6 Attract higher calibre staff;

7 Develop existing staff; and

8 Train the way your business works.

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For Apprentices

Tony Thomas – B&ES Conference 4th November 2015

1 The potential to achieve graduate and postgraduate-level qualifications whilst gaining professional membership of CIBSE;

2 A unique, new way of achieving developing professional skills while earning a salary;

3 No debt via student loans as the Government has pledged additional budget to fund the higher education provision;

4 A clear pathway to achieving their ambitions and higher earning capacity; and

5 Recent reports estimate that completing a Level 4 higherapprenticeship could result in increased lifetime earnings ofat least £150,000.*

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How to recruit apprentices

Tony Thomas – B&ES Conference 4th November 2015

Looking to recruit? Find your perfect match at greatbusiness.gov.uk/apprenticeships.

The National Apprenticeship Service provides a service to support employers and has made it easier than ever to employ an apprentice.

Employers Guide to Higher ApprenticesNational Apprentices Service.

I will send the web-link to all delegates!!

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ANY QUESTIONS ?

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NEW Employers

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Try taking on a full time student during the busy summer vacation period.

Contact Tony for details of students available.

Thank you for your attention.......

Tony Thomas

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