Pandemic scheme to support young engineers is a “lifesaver”

An @ECITB_Skills scheme to provide training support for trainees, apprentices and graduates in the engineering construction industry during the pandemic has been praised by employers as a “lifesaver”.

The Train to Retain programme – run by Government skills body the ECITB – provides training grants to apprentices, trainees and graduates who have been unable to pursue their current recognised industry programmes at this time of economic instability. By targeting the retention of essential skills in the engineering construction industry, the scheme aims to help employers retain and develop the talent they will require to bounce back when economic conditions improve.

Warrington-based nuclear service provider Nuvia has agreed Train to Retain support for 27 apprentices, 8 graduates and 3 trainees.

“The train to retain initiative has been a lifesaver,” said Kate Blackie, L&D Advisor with Nuvia.

“For us, it came just in the nick of time. It has helped us to retain individuals who were in the early years of their engineering career.

“Not only has the scheme helped Nuvia to retain these valuable assets, but it has allowed the individuals to see that there is a great deal of support for them and their chosen careers, enabling them to feel their worth within an industry that greatly needs their skills both now and in years to come.”

KBR – a global provider of full life-cycle professional services – has used the Train to Retain scheme to keep eight apprentices and 20 graduates in training during the pandemic. The Leatherhead-based engineering consultancy has praised Train to Retain for its positive impact on employees.

Elspeth Marsh, Talent Manager, KBR (EMEA), said: “The Train to Retain Scheme has allowed a number of our graduates to further explore their strengths and career aspirations during challenging times. It has acted as another way to support their personal wellbeing, further demonstrate their value and help equip them for a successful future.”

Interest in the scheme from employers has been significant. The ECITB has agreed support to date for 139 apprentices, 339 graduates and 30 trainees whose professional training and development in their respective engineering construction roles has been impacted by Covid-19.

Chris Claydon, ECITB’s Chief Executive said “I am proud of the hard work that has gone into the Train to Retain scheme and the support we have been able to offer the engineering construction industry at this challenging time. 

“To help keep hundreds of young engineers around the country in work and learning vital workplace skills is a real investment in the future of our industry.”