Prime Minister announces 100,000 new engineering apprentices

Working through new and established apprentice schemes, the initiative has been created by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Engineering and Technology and is backed by the Gatsby Foundation.

The Prime Minister made the announcement as the Bloodhound Supersonic Car visited Downing Street, along with a number of existing engineering apprentices and school children.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“British engineering and innovation are a part of our history that we are rightly very proud of and our engineering excellence continues to change the world that we live in for the better. Bloodhound is a fantastic example of what our engineers can achieve.”

“Apprenticeships are at the heart of our mission to rebuild the economy, giving young people the chance to learn a trade and to build their careers, creating a truly world-class, high-skilled workforce that can compete and thrive in the global race.”

Stephen Tetlow, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said of the initiative:

“To help UK companies succeed in this ever-growing competitive global marketplace, we need people with the highest professional skills and abilities.”

“This initiative will ensure that the UK has a growing stream of Engineering Technicians being developed to a level that is recognised and respected around the world.”

“We are pleased that Mr Cameron recognises the importance of Engineering Technicians to the UK’s engineering, manufacturing and construction sectors.”

The Prime Minister unveiled the apprenticeships scheme in the same week that the Queen’s Engineering Prize celebrates the best of British engineering. World leaders in their chosen field such as Tim Berners-Lee – the father of the internet – will be presented with the awards during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 25 June.

The government is committed to ensuring more people can access high quality apprenticeships – which is why we are investing record amounts, with up to £1.5bn this year alone. Already, since 2010, we have passed the 500,000-mark of new apprenticeships.