Additional Funding Allocated For Providers That Offer Welding Apprenticeships

The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) has approved increased funding for 13 apprenticeships in England's 'growth sectors.' The Treasury has disclosed details about a £50 million apprenticeship trial lasting two years, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the Autumn Statement of 2023. From April, 13 specific apprenticeship standards, including pipe and plate welder programmes, will receive a funding boost of £3,000 per apprentice.

To be eligible for the funding, training providers must have a minimum of 15 apprenticeship starts. During the trial, the Department for Education (DfE) will support qualifying training providers in financing capital investments, like course equipment and machinery, which are normally not covered by government funding. Gareth Davies, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, stated, "The trial will raise funding for accredited providers offering 13 high-value apprenticeship standards in advanced manufacturing, engineering, green, and life sciences."

Addressing Skills Gaps

Mr. Hunt emphasised that the growth sector trial aims to explore ways to increase the number of apprentices in engineering and other key growth sectors experiencing shortages.

The selection of the 13 standards was influenced by feedback from stakeholders, evidence of skills shortages, and data on sectors with modest current apprentice levels.

Welding is among these expanding sectors, with the ECITB's Labour Forecasting Tool (LFT) predicting a 50% increase in demand for welders. The LFT forecasts that by 2030, the engineering construction industry may require up to 2,100 welders.

In a recent discussion with Energy Voice, David Nash, ECITB's Head of Strategy and Policy, emphasized the importance of trades like welding in delivering vital energy transition projects for the industry.

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