NAPIT have announced, in partnership with the National Apprenticeship Service and Stephenson College in Coalville, the launch of a new Advanced Apprenticeship in Microgeneration.
It is estimated that some 60,000 Microgeneration Engineers will be needed by 2020 to deal with the ever growing industry of renewable energy installation.
In their annual skills survey the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reported out of almost 700 employers half of these said they are worried that they will not be able to fill an increase in highly skilled positions as low skilled positions decline. NAPIT have recognised it is therefore critical that this process is started immediately to protect the future of UK plc.
The Advanced Microgeneration Apprenticeship will begin as a pilot scheme in the East Midlands, before launching nationwide across the UK, with five colleges providing initial off the job training.
Martin Bruno, NAPIT’s Chief Operating Officer says: “This is the first apprenticeship of its kind offered in the UK and because of the broad range of subjects covered it will run as an Advanced Apprenticeship over four years”
“We have been working closely with the National Apprenticeship Service and they are just as excited about this initiative as we are.
“Our strategic partners, Stephenson College have been very supportive and already have considerable experience running national training programs, this coupled with the national presence of NAPIT and our resources will ensure that the program is a success”
Robert Kelly, Vice Principal at Stephenson College says: “The College is delighted to be working in partnership with NAPIT and the National Apprenticeship Service on this innovative Apprenticeship Scheme which will be vital in providing future skilled personnel in this area”.
Robert added “Stephenson College prides itself as being at the forefront of new technologies in Renewables and this scheme further demonstrates the College’s success in the achievement of the Training Quality Standard in Building Services Engineering and will enable the College to train the next generation of ‘Low Carbon’ Apprentices”.
Apprentices will cover Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Heating Systems and Microgeneration disciplines over a four year programme with 8 weeks work experience in the first 12 months. Initially apprentices will be offered to NAPIT members in the pilot scheme, then once the scheme goes national it will be available for any company to participate.
For further details of the Microgeneration Advanced Apprenticeship pilot scheme please contact the Apprenticeship Helpline at Stevenson College on: 01530 519001.