Remit makes case for apprenticeships

Shadow skills minister Toby Perkins MP and local MP and former Foreign Secretary Dame Margaret Beckett MP toured the state-of-the-art academies of Remit Training in Derby last week to understand how the training provider is helping to address the skills gap in the sector.

The senior politicians were joined by representatives from Institute for the Motor Industry (IMI) along with manufacturers Volvo Truck & Bus, MAN Truck and Bus Ltd and IVECO, who have all benefitted from Remit’s major investment in apprenticeships and EV training.

Remit Training used the visit to voice concerns about a perceived a lack of urgency in the government’s response to the skills issue, particularly in regard to electric cars, and also called on the government to increase apprenticeship funding rates to cover significantly increased operating costs.

It also emphasised the need to introduce apprenticeship standards that are more tailored to meet the demand for EV technicians.

Remit Training CEO Sue Pittock said: “Rising inflation and increased wages in a highly competitive sector are having a significant impact on the sustainability of automotive apprenticeships.  Unless the government acts to fund them better, training providers and employers will have little choice but to reach for commercial training solutions instead.”

Toby Perkins MP said: “It is wonderful to finally be able to come to Remit and visit the automotive facility in person, after the virtual tour last year as part of National Apprenticeship Week. Labour regard apprenticeships as the gold standard and companies like Remit which provide high-quality apprenticeships are vital to our Covid recovery.

“It was also great to have the opportunity to discuss Labour’s proposals to create 100,000 new apprenticeships during the tour. We are committed to ensuring that more young people have the opportunity to undertake an apprenticeship.”

Dame Margaret Beckett MP, said: “Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to undertake an engineering apprenticeship on the apprenticeship programme of what was then a major employer in the North West in Trafford Park. It was an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed and from which I have benefitted throughout my life. I am a strong believer in the value apprenticeships can offer both to the individual and to our country.”