BAE and Compass Group chiefs to kick off Apprenticeship Week

The panellists will champion the importance of apprenticeships to Britain's business success. Speakers include Sir Roy Gardner, chairman Compass Group and Nigel Whitehead, group managing director of programmes and support, BAE Systems. Philip Whiteman, chief executive of Semta said: "Support for apprenticeships is increasing but Semta's latest research shows that between 2012 and 2016 our sectors need to recruit 82,000 scientists, engineers and technologists across the UK yet only 15 per cent of businesses in our sectors currently recruiting." Whiteman added: "Apprenticeships are also key to upskilling so we are working to convince employers of the proven benefits and the outstanding support available." Semta has teamed up with leading employers and the National Apprenticeship Service to launch the Apprentice Ambition – a 10 point plan designed to take the number of advanced and higher level apprenticeship registrations from 8,000 to 16,000 by 2016. Philip Whiteman concludes: "Apprenticeships are a highly effective route to develop technical skills which we know are in short supply due to an ageing workforce. To this end, to help employers get the best possible return on investment from apprentices, we are continuing to work with partners such as The National Apprenticeship Service and The Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network to implement innovative ways of overcoming the perceived barriers to take-up." The event will also offer an Apprenticeships Surgery where employers can seek individual advice and guidance from Semta's skills experts. For further information contact: customerservices@semta.org.uk