A SCOTS university and development organisation have collaborated to establish a new recruit platform for apprenticeships.
The Manufacturing Skills Academy at the University of Strathclyde’s National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) will work with Skills Development Scotland to create a new scheme to improve the recruitment process.
The goal is to encourage more young people to apply for Scotland’s manufacturing and engineering sector.
A report by WorldSkillsUK found that 83% of young people experienced barriers to enter the manufacturing workforce whilst 48% said they never received information about a career in manufacturing.
Manufacturers receive many applications for entry level roles and often have to turn prospective candidates away.
The NMIS said others struggle to find applicants due to limited resources and advertising options.
The new platform aims to help small businesses gain access to the talent pool that were turned away from larger companies with similar positions.
Four organisations and 20 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have partnered with the Manufacturing Skills academy for the trial.
Dr Avril Thomson, head of skills programmes at the Manufacturing Skills Academy, said: “The demand for manufacturing and engineering skills is on the rise and we have a pool of enthusiastic young people who want to get into jobs across the sector.
“At the moment, however, we’re seeing a gap where smaller businesses struggle to find the right people despite the fact that hundreds are applying for positions at larger companies.”
The database will allow businesses to sort candidates by location and qualifications.
If successful, the scheme will be rolled out across the UK with the potential to expand outside of manufacturing and engineering.
Dr Thomson added: “The Pre-Approved Talent scheme will support both candidates and potential employers.
“Candidates will be hand-picked and the employers will have the reassurance from another company that they are suitable for the role.
“By offering a matchmaking style service we hope to speed up and simplify the recruitment process and encourage more talent into the sector.”
The Scottish Government’s Making Scotland’s Future programme is funding the initiative expected to launch 4 March until 8 March.
Gordon McGuinness, director of industry and enterprise networks at Skills Development Scotland, said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in Scotland’s economy, bringing economic benefits not just for employers, but the communities they serve.
“Looking at how we can further improve recruitment, and in particular to widen out the quality talent pool for smaller businesses, is bound to make a positive impact, we look forward to working with partners to test the new approach.”
