Institutes of Technology to help close STEM skills gaps

29th May 2019

Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo)

Alex Lynn

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It has been announced that the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has voiced support for Government plans to offer a vocational alternative to universities after the first 12 Institutes of Technology were announced. The centres will aim to provide high-quality skills training in conjunction with leading employers including Microsoft, Nissan and Siemens.

The initiative forms a key part of the Government’s ‘biggest shake up to technical education in a generation’. This includes introducing new T Levels from 2020, the technical equivalent to A Levels, and more high-quality apprenticeship opportunities.

Commenting on the introduction of the new institutes, Ann Swain, Chief Executive of APSCo, said: “Our members continue to report that skills shortages in areas such as aerospace, artificial intelligence and the automotive sectors are acute. However, a highly skilled workforce is vital to delivering the Government’s industrial strategy.

“With this in mind, we welcome the introduction of these institutes, which should go some way in helping to bridge future talent gaps. Targeted investment in further education to support these sectors will ensure a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent to fill the new employment opportunities created through the Government’s push to rebalance the UK economy.”