GAMBICA is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week this week (5-11 Feb), identifying how the important training route plays a vital part in bridging the skills gap for the STEM sectors.

Are you looking to build your workforce of the future? Apprentices can grow into valuable employees. Member organisations get to educate young and enthusiastic workers that will hopefully continue to make a difference in the industry for many years to come.

The apprenticeship route can ensure individuals build a long and successful career in our sectors. Even the former GAMBICA Board President started off as an apprentice! Steve Leech, past President and Business Manager - Process Control Systems at Siemens, said: “My apprenticeship formed the foundation of my career.  I believe they are really important to industry and are a key element of solving the challenges of today and tomorrow.  They provide a fantastic opportunity to get real life experience alongside academic development.”

Sam Tilley, Country General Manager (UK, Ireland & Denmark) at OMRON, completed an apprenticeship in the aerospace sector before moving to the member company in 2011. He said: “Apprenticeships are key to developing the skills needed for industry, but also real life skills. It’s a fantastic route to try different types of work first hand, finding your passion and enabling you to build a career in your area of interest. I would recommend to everyone, some of my greatest working memories are from my time as an apprentice.”

George Brown, GAMBICA Young Council member and Technical Services Manager at OMRON, finished his apprenticeship more recently. He said: “After finishing my A-Levels, I was still keen to continue my education but at the same time begin my working career in an area which allowed me to be creative and hands-on.

“This led me to starting an apprenticeship with OMRON Electronics, which was a fantastic entry point to gain exposure to industrial engineering and tackle real-world problems, whilst also being able to continue learning.

“Before joining OMRON, I had no experience in engineering whatsoever, but the apprenticeship allowed me to learn at a practice pace along with people that hold many years of experience, all of which has been invaluable. On top of technical skills, it also developed me as a person and taught me important soft skills like time management and communication.

“It’s safe to say that the apprenticeship scheme has been a key contributor to my career development and I would recommend the route to anyone as an entry into engineering!”

For more information about hiring an apprentice, visit the gov.uk website here.