Association is trailblazer for National Apprenticeship Service initiative
CESA (the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association) is being used as a trailblazer in a programme to encourage Apprenticeship programmes amongst UK manufacturers. The programme is being developed by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and CESA’s involvement will be a key part of a high profile launch with Michael Hancock, Skills Minister, during Apprenticeship Week, 11th-15th March 2013.
The Association is calling on its members, along with other companies and organisations in the catering equipment supply chain, to pledge to take on apprentices. “We are in danger of having a critical skills shortage,” says Nick Oryino, chair of CESA. “The NAS is working with CEDA, CESA and the FCSI to tailor a selection of programmes for our industry. By making this pledge, companies can help release the funding that is required to set the programme in motion.”
Companies interested in ‘taking the pledge’ should contact Ellie Ulrich of the National Apprenticeship Service, who has specialist knowledge of the catering and hospitality sector. She can be emailed at: ellie.ulrich@apprenticeships.gov.uk.
CESA originally approached the NAS following discussions at the Association’s annual conference, held in November 2012, where the need to develop a skilled workforce for the catering equipment industry of the future was a key issue. The NAS is keen to support such programmes by CESA, and other trade associations, to bring the Apprenticeship message to member companies.
“We are working with the NAS to investigate what Apprenticeship programmes are available to address skills shortages across all disciplines, including manufacturing, engineering, servicing, sales and marketing and general office administration,” says Nick Oryino.
Meanwhile a survey of CEDA, CESA and FCSI members found that while around 30% of respondents already employ apprentices, over 50% would be willing to do so and a further 33% would consider it.
CESA has also held discussions with SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies) about developing apprentice schemes in the catering equipment industry.
For more information visit www.cesa.org.uk