According to results of a recent survey conducted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), despite the gloomy state of the economy, businesses in the engineering and technology sector are continuing to expand and recruit new staff. Out of those 400 companies interviewed in the survey, 62 percent had identified business expansion as a reason for recruitment.

Furthermore, according to the survey, 63 percent of companies expect to recruit staff in 2009. By sector, this ranges from 90 percent in civil engineering, 78 percent in energy, 73 percent in defence and aerospace, 72 percent in electrical, and 70 percent in electronics. The major source of recruitment (94 percent) remains in the UK.

This is good news for those who aspire to jobs in electrical engineering. Particularly after the release of the draft Apprenticeship Bill in late 2008, educators and employers within the industry are excited to have vocational training back on the government’s agenda. In January this year, the government further released a report called “Apprenticeships in England????, which sheds much needed light on the benefits of vocational training to employers, employees and the economy. In addition, the first National Apprenticeship Week, from February 25 to 29, was launched to encourage employers and young people to consider the merits of such training.

The draft bill aims to establish the new National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) as the leading agency that assists employers in advertising their apprenticeship vacancies through a national portal. The agency is also expected to help both young people and skilled adults understand the range and diversity of existing apprenticeship opportunities and, where appropriate, apply for one online. In the words of David Lammy, Minister for Skills: “This bill now ensures that apprenticeships are a badge of quality, without question… Apprenticeships are valued across Britain as a means of providing employers with a well-trained workforce that helps their businesses succeed.????

For jobs in electrical engineering, as in other sectors within the building services industry, apprenticeships are a valuable channel through which young people can learn from their older and more experienced counterparts. Particularly in the case of those adults with engineering backgrounds from manufacturing, apprenticeships enable them to retrain and become qualified for electrical engineering jobs. Such talents already existing in the industry are key to its future and will also play a role in addressing the current skills shortage.

Most importantly, apprenticeships are an intelligent way for businesses to invest in their future, as the demand for skilled labour is only going to increase no matter what the economic climate may be. In order to boost the number and quality of electrical engineering jobs, employers within the industry are urged to recognise and advocate for the value that vocational training can add to their businesses and clients. As companies continue to expand and recruit new staff, more apprenticeship vacancies are expected to be on offer. As a result, more industry-approved and experienced training organisations and colleges are needed in order to ensure the delivery of high-quality apprenticeships.