Apprenticeships

Indicative data published by the Government shows that apprenticeship starts for the academic year 2010/11 rose by more than 50% compared to the same time the previous year which is promising news for anyone looking for a career in gas engineering.

The figures show that apprenticeship numbers have risen across all age ranges and levels of training across the apprenticeships programme from 442,700 in the full 2010/11 academic year compared to 279,700 starts in 2009/10.

Of the 442,700 apprenticeships starts between August 2010 and July 2011 there were 292,700 intermediate level starts, 147,900 advanced level starts, and 2,100 higher apprenticeship starts.

Here at Gas Training and Assessment, Basildon’s premier gas training specialists, we are very optimistic about future prospects for gas engineering students and these figures suggest that with more investment in the training and development of young people, opportunities for employment will continue to grow.

John Harrison, partner in the firm, said: “ With university fees increasing, more and more young people are looking at the gas sector and other industries to acquire a skilled trade which will improve their job prospects and help them achieve a rewarding career. As economic conditions improve and more companies take advantage of cash incentives from the Government to help fund apprentices, more and more opportunities will become available to give young people a lifeline.”

Gas Training and Assessment has been established for 15 years providing training to accommodate all levels from entrants through to experienced gas engineers. A variety of courses are open to both staff and self-employed heating engineers and bookings can be made as and when required. The gas specialist can also provide assessment alone if training is not required.

The centre’s tutors and assessors are all highly-qualified gas and electrical engineers with many years experience.

For more information on courses and assessments, call 01268 727797 .