IPC’s Post

What's the Current State of Apprenticeships? When I left school, I had three main options:  1. Go to college or university, which I ultimately chose.  2. Get a job and start earning money—although I did work part-time.  3. Pursue an apprenticeship, which I also explored.   I remember visiting Fleetlands (now Vector Aerospace), where they serviced and repaired Chinooks and Sea Kings—an opportunity that was very appealing. I’d heard stories of work experience students getting to go on test flights in the Chinooks, which sounded fantastic.   However, when I applied for the apprenticeship and completed their assessment, I was told something surprising: because I was already pursuing a GNVQ in Advanced Engineering at college, I was considered "overqualified" for the program.   To this day, that decision still puzzles me. How can one be overqualified if they're eager to learn?   Perhaps they were prioritizing candidates who needed the role more, but it's something I've always wondered about. That experience was around 25 years ago, and since then, I’ve followed the academic route. But I’ve recently heard that apprenticeships are making a strong comeback.   Now, I'd love to hear from those who are currently involved in apprenticeships—whether you're an apprentice, work with apprentices, or are an educator involved in these programs at colleges or universities.   What is the current state of apprenticeships today?  What has your experience been like?  And what does the government offer in your country? ----- Connect with me and enable notifications (🔔) for daily insights on engineering excellence, mentorship, and personal development.   Join the Engineering journey of unlocking your potential and experiencing continuous growth! 🌱   Found this post useful? then please consider sharing with your networks ♻   Looking for Engineers in your field to follow? Civil: Stefanie Reichman, PE Additive Manufacturing: Enrico Gallino, Ph.D. Automation: Tim Wilborne Manufacturing: Jake Hall Production: Amir Sanatkar Great engineering educators to follow: Danny Murphy Ben Carlson STEM role models: Ruha Tacey Women in Manufacturing: Meaghan Ziemba Mechanical: Tony Kelbert Electrical: Jake Maxey #Apprenticeships #ProfessionalDevelopment #STEM #Engineering #Innovation

Just had this shared with me, and it's too good not to pass on! (Thank you Matthew Barton) https://lnkd.in/eYMt-djH Have you heard about Next Gen Makers? They're doing incredible work in the realm of apprenticeships, helping employers enhance their schemes and elevate the apprenticeship experience. Plus, they've got a nifty Employer Kitemark scheme endorsed by Make UK. Their latest venture? An online directory of top-notch employers in engineering apprenticeships. It's a game-changer for teachers and careers leaders, making it easier to guide students toward fantastic opportunities in engineering and advanced manufacturing. Featuring companies with Gold or Silver-level accreditation, based on real feedback from apprentices, this directory is a goldmine for students exploring their career paths. And the best part? It's completely free for schools! #Apprenticeships #Engineering #CareerPathways #NextGenMakers

By recognising and shining a light on the best employers across the country for #engineering #apprenticeships with the Engineering Apprenticeships: Employer Kitemark and our school careers platform, we are: ✨ changing perceptions of Engineering as a career of choice and... ✨ enabling young people to be better signposted to employers of choice in their local area to pursue apprenticeships .... It is a collective push, led by companies that care about this and facilitated by Next Gen Makers https://lnkd.in/eQw7vrMr

Engineering apprenticeships: the gold standard for hands-on learning. With 37 years of experience in industrial electrical and electronic engineering, I can attest to the unparalleled value of engineering apprenticeships. This method provides real-world experience and the practical skills that drive success in the recruitment sector. In our industry, there's no substitute for on-the-job training. It's the bridge between theory and practice, equipping aspiring engineers with the tools they need to excel. Share your thoughts: have you seen the impact of apprenticeships in your field? #EngineeringExcellence #Apprenticeships #SkillsTraining

To mark National Engineering Day, Joshua Sandat talks about his role as an apprentice Embedded Electronics Engineer at BAE Systems. Have you always been interested in engineering? "Engineering projects have always been a personal interest and hobby of mine. First and foremost, I love cars and can often be found in my workshop tinkering with them. I regularly undertake my own small motor projects and build motorbikes in my spare time – all of which are heavily modified and engineered for different applications. Prior to my work at BAE Systems, I was also hired by a local restaurant to help them design and develop a new type of kebab machine – it’s still in use today with a patented design! Designing and developing products, and solving problems are things I have always loved, so pursuing engineering professionally seemed like a natural fit for me." Why did you choose an Engineering apprenticeship? "I always knew that university wasn’t the right choice for me; I wanted an opportunity where I could learn whilst earning. While the guidance from my sixth form was unfortunately heavily geared towards university applications, I came across the BAE apprenticeship vacancy on Indeed through my own research. It looked like a good opportunity for me, especially as it was close to home in Chelmsford." What do you love most about working in this sector? "Getting to grips with different projects has been a great way to start working in the sector. We’ve been exposed to a wide variety of projects so far, which is a great learning experience. There’s three of us in my cohort, as well as four other apprentices in the first and second year cohorts, and we are a very tight knit group both in and out of work. We all have a range of strengths and approach things differently, so it’s been great to work together as a team and learn and support from each other. We are all really appreciative of the opportunity we’ve been given through our apprenticeships!" Any advice you have for other budding engineers? "If you’re applying to an apprenticeship, during the process make sure to highlight everything that makes you different. Everyone’s education is similar, so differentiate yourself by showcasing what makes you stand out. Whether that’s hobbies or projects you’re working on – it all matters. I’d also encourage anyone considering the apprenticeship route to remember that you can come in at any level and via a range of different routes; for example you can do one if you’ve already completed another apprenticeship, and if you don’t have A-Levels. I personally came in through the BTEC route, and despite my grades, it would have not been enough UCAS points to get me into university, but I was accepted on this apprenticeship."

Would your wire harness organization benefit from an apprentice program? IPC is submitting a grant proposal to the Department of Labor to develop a new Wire Harness Manufacturing Operator apprenticeship program. This initiative aims to tackle worker shortages in our industry by providing a structured learning path that combines on-the-job training with on-demand virtual classroom instruction. If awarded the funding, the project will span five years (2025-2029) and cover the apprenticeship costs for 450 wire harness operator apprentices. This includes all required instruction for qualifying apprentices, with no program registration costs for participating companies. If your organization is interested in this kind of program, fill out the short survey link: https://hubs.li/Q02BX0FG0 Together, let's strengthen our workforce and build a brighter future for wire harness manufacturing! #Manufacturing #Apprenticeship #WorkforceDevelopment #SkillsTraining #CareerGrowth

UK Government Unveils New Apprenticeship Program to Address Skill Shortage!! In response to the increasing skills gap in precision engineering, the UK government has launched a new Apprenticeship Program aimed at attracting young talent into the industry. This initiative will see an investment of £50 million over the next three years to train apprentices in advanced manufacturing, CNC machining, and mechatronics. For Employers: This is an excellent opportunity to bring fresh talent into your workforce. Apprenticeships not only provide skilled workers at a lower cost, but also help to mold new employees according to the specific needs of your business. Recruitment agencies can assist in connecting you with the right apprentices. For Aspiring Engineers: If you're considering a career in precision engineering, this apprenticeship program offers a clear entry point. Not only will you gain hands-on experience, but you'll also have the chance to secure permanent roles after completing your training. #ApprenticeshipPrograms #SkillsDevelopment #PrecisionEngineering #UKManufacturing #FutureOfWork

It’s not all about insurance!!

📢 Start of Apprenticeship Program 2024: Koehler Group opens its doors at the new state-of-the-art Apprenticeship "Koehler Group Campus" The Koehler Group is marking a significant milestone in its apprenticeship history: For the first time, a total of 108 apprentices and dual students are being trained across the company's locations in Oberkirch, Kehl, Willstätt, Weisenbach, and Greiz – including 44 new entrants who joined the Koehler Group in early September. As a result, the Koehler Group’s ambitious target, set within its sustainability strategy, of achieving a trainee quota higher than 4% by 2030 will be reached much earlier than scheduled. A key highlight is the pre-opening of the new Koehler Group Campus in Willstätt. Approximately 45 apprentices will be trained here on a 3,325 m² campus in the fields of mechatronics, electrical engineering for industrial technology, and industrial mechanics. The state-of-the-art facilities include 3D printers, C50 lathes, welding booths, and dedicated learning islands. With our training programs, we are securing our own specialists for the long term and investing in our future and success. #KoehlerGroup #ShapingTheFuture #SpecialistsOfTomorrow #Sustainability

Shaping tomorrow's engineers: the impact of apprenticeships on the electronics sector Apprenticeships have long been a cornerstone of practical education, combining on-the-job training with academic learning to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Read more 👇 https://bit.ly/49ouumk #ElectronicSpecifier #Engineering #Technology #Apprenticeships #Electronics #NationalApprenticeshipWeek