The TWG met for the first time during LiftEx 2018 in mid-November. Members of the group include employers representing a variety of fields within the lifting industry—from oil and gas to the entertainment industry—but identified common challenges, primarily including a maturing work force and a general skills shortage.
The creation of an occupational standard apprenticeship will play a crucial role in addressing both of these issues, and attracting and maintaining a new pool of talent, said LEEA.
During the first meeting, Sarah Walker, a relationship manager for the Institute of Apprenticeships (IfA), provided insights into the procedure for creating an apprenticeship standard, and Mark Stephenson of insurance provider Allianz UK shared his experiences and know-how in apprenticeship development. Luke Francis of SWL was appointed Chair of the TWG, and with the other members will attend several workshops hosted by the IfA in January and February.
