The Engineering Council welcomes the announcement made by Government today, during National Apprenticeship Week, which further sets out its plan for Trailblazer Apprenticeships.

Throughout the initial eight Trailblazers, the Engineering Council and a number of professional engineering institutions have engaged with employers to ensure a greater focus on quality for the learner and routes to professional registration have been achieved.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “National Apprenticeship Week is designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.We want to see Apprenticeships become the new norm for all ambitious young people, and employers who are dedicated to growing their own talent and increasing the skills base of the nation. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved this trailblazer for their commitment to Apprenticeships and Traineeships.” 

With the continued obligation for the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) to underpin and support Trailblazer apprenticeships, the launch of the EngTechNow campaign will support individuals when pursuing professional registration as Engineering Technician (EngTech) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng), with companies benefiting from an increased number of professionally registered engineers and technicians, a vital step in delivering future growth and prosperity for the UK. 

Jon Prichard, CEO of the Engineering Council says: "The EngTechNow campaign will directly support engineering apprentices and employers engaged in Trailblazers, providing them with information on professional registration. At the end of a Trailblazer programme, an engineering apprentice should meet the requirements for professional registration as EngTech. The EngTech post nominals provide employers with the assurance and recognition that an individual has undergone rigorous independent assessment of their competence and commitment, benchmarked at a global level, whilst also demonstrating their commitment to their own development  a professional code of conduct. Companies demonstrating support for professionally registered technicians may find they can attract and retain the best talent.”

The Government plans to develop a further 29 Trailblazers over the coming months ensuring different sectors are represented. A further eight  have been announced in the engineering sector, welcoming further involvement from the Professional Engineering Institutions and employers. Those interested in getting involved in an existing or working on a new Trailblazer should contact: Apprenticeship.Trailblazers@bis.gsi.gov.uk 

Further information and the Government announcement can be found here