The Government has approved apprenticeship standards for the ductwork sector which have been collated by employers in the industry, many of them ADCAS members.
The Government has approved apprenticeship standards for the ductwork sector which have been collated by employers in the industry, many of them ADCAS members.
The new approach to apprenticeships began in 2012 when the Government undertook a review of apprenticeship schemes known as the Richard Review. It developed a plan to encourage the development of standards by employer groups, and the initiative known as Trailblazers was launched in 2014.
In the ductwork sector, ADCAS and B&ES took the lead and established the Ductwork Specialist Occupational Working Group, which is chaired by George Humphreys, managing director of Hotchkiss Ltd, and member of the ADCAS Executive.
Mr Humphreys said: “The Trailblazer team that we have set up for the ductwork site apprentices is an excellent representation of the industry. We are all very passionate about training and are focused on producing an excellent set of standards that will stand us in good stead for many years.”
These standards show what an apprentice will be doing and the skills required by them in each job role. The overall aim of the Trailblazer approach is to ensure that apprenticeships in England meet the needs of the changing economy.
Leading employers have welcomed the opportunity to have input into apprenticeships for their industry. Mr Humphreys said: “Training has always been part of the Hotchkiss culture. Currently eight of our senior managers are former apprentices, and we are just completing this year’s intake. I strongly believe in what we are doing with regard to apprentices in the ductwork sector, and it is excellent that Government is encouraging employers to take the lead.”
ADCAS president, Malcolm Moss of Doby Verrolec (pictured), added: “ADCAS members are pleased to have the opportunity of employing more apprentices and the Trailblazer initiative should be the vehicle that will make the process easier. The ADCAS Executive is fully behind this Government initiative.”
The ductwork Trailblazer group will continue to take an active role in apprenticeships in the sector, helping to shape the future of the industry and to ensure that companies have the skills that they require to meet the demands of their customers.