Recent research findings published by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), which confirm that participation in new-entrant training provides positive commercial benefits for employers, has been endorsed by HVCA president elect Gareth Vaughan.
The LSC survey - which was conducted in January/February 2008 among those employers in England who engage apprentices - has demonstrated that more than three-quarters rely on apprenticeship programmes to provide the skilled workers their businesses require, and that 59% view the training of apprentices as more cost-effective than hiring already skilled staff.
Speaking during National Apprenticeship Week, Mr Vaughan confirmed that, while applications for HVACR apprenticeships continued to increase, employers remained reluctant to make the necessary commitment.
"In 2007, only 896 HVACR apprentices qualified across England, Wales and Scotland.
"Given that almost 60% of employers who provide apprenticeships believe that this creates a ‘win-win situation' - as both the employer and the employee gain from the arrangement - it is disappointing that more contractors do not have the confidence to take on apprentices, and so inject new blood into the sector."
