Employers Urged to Shape the Next Generation of Skilled Engineers
25 October 2012
Employers have the opportunity to shape the next generation of skilled environmental engineers by taking part in a survey about the new Higher Apprenticeship in Engineering Environment Technologies.
The online survey seeks views on what practical, work-related knowledge and transferable skills are needed by engineers working in industries which use and manage natural resources, such as water, air, wind and land.
Trevor Hunter, Deputy Director of Higher Apprenticeships at City and Islington College, which is leading the development of the Apprenticeship programme, said that employers’ views are essential to getting the content of the training right.
"Environmental engineering skills are needed by industries as diverse as construction, manufacturing and waste management which apply science and engineering principles to improve the natural environment and to meet health, safety and quality regulations and sustainability targets.
Teresa Esan, Director of Employability and Employer Engagement at City and Islington College, said: "We need to understand the current and future needs of employers so that we can tailor the apprenticeship programme to fit with the development of this really important skills sector.”
The Apprenticeship curriculum will provide a framework for training existing staff and new entrants to the equivalent of degree level in environmental engineering technologies.
Apprentices will be able to join the programme from various starting points including Level 3 vocational courses, A Levels, HNCs or equivalent qualification, and the framework is likely to include specialist modules for qualified staff in industries such as energy, construction, logistics and manufacturing.
With a planned start date of January 2013, the intention is to initially train 120 apprentices across the country with a target of more than 700 trainees within two years.
To have your say on the environmental engineering curriculum and skills development please visit http://www.pearsonpanel.co.uk/uc/AppEngEnv
All completed surveys will be entered into a free prize draw to win an iPad. Winners will be notified within 10 days of the survey end date (26/10/12).
