The Government recently announced plans for new V Levels qualification after PM pledged to get two-thirds of young people into higher-level learning.
Andrew McClusky, Managing Director, BEP Surface Technologies, comments on the Government’s new V-Levels announcement:
“The Government’s plan to introduce new V-Level qualifications is a positive step towards rebuilding Britain’s technical skills base, but only if it’s backed by meaningful investment and real industry partnership.
For decades, vocational training in the UK has been eroded by underfunding and poor infrastructure. Many engineering colleges have closed, and too few training centres have the modern machinery or experienced tutors needed to prepare young people for advanced manufacturing environments. At BEP, we’ve had to send apprentices long distances to facilities that are simply not equipped to deliver the level of specialist training our industry demands.
Engineering is not a classroom subject that can be taught from a whiteboard. It requires hands-on learning with real equipment and mentoring from people who have worked on the shop floor. Yet the reality is that talented engineers can earn two or three times more in industry than in teaching, making it challenging to attract and retain the expertise needed to train the next generation.
If these new V-Levels are to succeed where others have failed, they must be properly funded, technically equipped, and aligned with the needs of modern industry. That means serious collaboration between the Government, educators, and manufacturers.
Engineering remains the backbone of Britain’s economy. Unless we rebuild the capability to train skilled engineers here at home, we risk losing not just a generation of talent, but the industrial capacity that underpins our future growth.”
About: BEP Surface Technologies
BEP Surface Technologies specialises in electroplating, metal finishing, and coating. Based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, the 54-year-old company specialises in working with hard chrome, nickel, and copper. It serves engineering and manufacturing, energy, nuclear, defence and packaging industries across the globe. BEP is certified ‘Fit For Nuclear’ and holds ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications. For more information, visit bep-st.com