Apprenticeships plans vital to UKs growth says recruiter

Gordon Brownís promise to overhaul the existing apprenticeship system will be vital to the UKís ongoing ability to compete in the global marketplace, Adecco Group said today.

Commenting on Brownís announcement that the current system of apprenticeships would be refined to become stronger and more transparent, Ren Schuster, CEO of Adecco Group, said: ìThis is a statement of intent from Mr Brown, and demonstrates a strong, positive vision by the Governmentís for the future of employment in the UK. It is good news all round; for employers, for future candidates, and for the growth of the economy, and we wholeheartedly support the move.î

Mr Schuster continued: ìThere is a clear and apparent need for passionate, talented people to fill the many vacancies that we are seeing at all levels across industry sectors. Work based training is fundamental to making this happen, and the refinements and additions proposed to the existing system will give the practice a much needed boost.î

ìIt is particularly pleasing to see such attention paid to the engineering sector, where we are seeing major staff shortages that have the potential to hamstring a potentially vibrant, booming industry if left unchecked. We have long been committed to promoting the benefits of apprenticeships, and the positive impact they have on the labour market, and to see this commitment echoed at such a level is very promising indeedî, he concluded.