Faber Maunsell helps tackle UK skill shortage

Faber Maunsell, a multi-disciplinary consultancy, today launches its solution to the UKís critical skills shortage in science, technology and engineering. STEP, its Structured Training Excellence Programme, will enable school leavers to have paid alternatives to academia.

The Government commissioned Leitch Report and pre budget report published this week highlights the UK skills shortage and its future impact on our economy.

STEP precedes government policy to address the issue by providing a new approach via a flexible programme that combines training skills with work experience. It is suitable for those joining Faber Maunsell after GCSEs, AS Levels or A Levels (or national equivalents) and offers exciting careers in the UK and overseas in association with AECOM, its global parent company.

STEP is being launched via Faber Maunsellís nationwide network of offices and has already had widespread support from schools, colleges and universities.

Options for school leavers include on the job training and further education:

* 16 year olds will have four days work experience plus one day at college studying for a National Certificate (two years) progressing on to an NVQ Level 3 qualification - they can then leave at that point or continue to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND) leading possibly on to sponsorship through university and a professional qualification;

* 18 year olds can either join Faber Maunsell on a Gap Year, which is paid work experience leading to possible university sponsorship or an HNC day release course.

Commenting on the launch of STEP, Ken Dalton, Chief Executive of Faber Maunsell said:

There is a skills shortage in science, technology and engineering in the UK at all levels and therefore Faber Maunsell wants to attract school leavers to help sustain our industry, which is predicting considerable growth over the coming years. This also demonstrates our commitment to nurturing these individuals and providing them with fulfilling future careers. In the future, we hope to attract between 50 to100 recruits each year into this initiative.