FETA Training and Skills Group hosts T-Levels webinar
The recently established FETA Training & Skills Group has been examining T-Levels as a route to bring more young people into the industry and on Monday 19th June 2023 held a webinar to explain how member companies can work with colleges to access this talent pool.
Member companies of FETA have for many years commented on the lack of younger people joining the industry and there have been several initiatives designed to widen the appeal of the sector. The fact remains, however, that there is a real problem attracting new talent to engineering.
T-Levels have replaced BTECs for 16-19 year olds and involve around 45 days on industrial placement. Each T Level is equivalent in size to three A levels and helps young people develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to thrive in the workplace.
Hosted by FETA CEO Chris Yates, the inaugural T-Levels webinar was well attended and involved contributions from guest speakers Steven Watterson, Manager of T Level Provider Readiness for the Association of Colleges and Wendy Belfield, Commercial Director at InTandem Systems and T-Levels ambassador.
Chris Yates commented: “We all recognise there is a skills shortage that is impacting the future success of our Industry. T-Level courses can deliver the skills your organisation needs and industry placements offer a unique opportunity to help develop new talent and get young people work-ready. There are specific courses for our industry and more could be added if we work with colleges and training bodies – this is an opportunity to further career prospects and make a real difference in the battle to close the skills gap.”
A recording of the FETA T-Levels webinar can accessed here
Martyn manages the Heat Pump Association, and several groups in the Refrigeration, HEVAC and Chimney Associations across FETA. He is also responsible for improving channels of communication internally to members, and externally to the many organisations, institutions, trade bodies and government departments relevant to the work of FETA, and maintains the FETA web site.
