David Grailey, Managing Director of MTC Training, added: “Leveraged in the right way, the UK manufacturing industry will be a game-changer in maximizing green economic opportunities. But to achieve this, manufacturers need people with both academic and practical knowledge to produce high-performance products for growing industries. By designing a new apprenticeship with the University of Birmingham, manufacturers will be able to access the skilled engineers they need to grow and thrive now and in the future.

Both MTC Training and the University of Birmingham have strong track records in delivering apprenticeships, with the University currently offering 15 degree programs and MTC Training offering seven programs at levels 2, 3 and 4. Participation in both institutions increased year by year. .

As well as offering progression pathways for students completing their apprenticeships at levels 3 and 4, the program aims to increase equality of access to level 6, opening up engineering career opportunities among groups currently under -represented.

By targeting hard-to-reach groups, providing additional support and mentoring to learners, and being flexible with entry requirements, the program hopes to increase the participation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds or who have no not follow a traditional academic learning path.

“There are very few organizations with a level of expertise in both materials science and manufacturing that could offer a degree apprenticeship of this quality,” Professor Grove added. “We are excited about the opportunities to work with MTC to positively impact a significant skills gap within the manufacturing industry as a whole. »