EDSK warns over ‘fake’ apprenticeships

ABM UK Director, Adam Baker commented: “While the report is damning, it’s sadly not surprising. From the start, the levy has been more about up-skilling than apprenticeships and herein lies the issue. It’s a case of renaming or rethinking.

“It’s vital that the reputation of the levy is protected because the spirit of it is something industry is desperate for; to do this it needs to be reworked to ensure goal posts are clear. For the FM industry and many others which rely on technical skills, the levy needs to at least in part force businesses to look at ways of attracting young people.”

The levy’s failure at attracting new talent is part of the reason that ABM UK has taken matters into its own hands. The facilities solutions provider has just kicked off year three of its Junior Engineering Engagement Programme (J.E.E.P.). The programme aims to tackle misperceptions amongst children and their parents of the facilities management (FM) industry and create a pipeline of future technical talent.

The third year will build on the enormous success of the programme which has been delivered by ABM and partners to over 280 students since 2017. In addition to this figure, the J.E.E.P. Teacher Pack has also been downloaded by thousands of teachers for self-delivery.

Adam Baker commented: “Research from final module surveys revealed that there was a 14% increase in students considering engineering and facilities management as a career and a 24% rise in the understanding and importance of apprenticeships.

“Seeing feedback like this shows us that the programme is working. Our goal is to change perceptions of apprenticeships and the FM industry across the UK and we’re in it for the long haul!”