The skills shortage in the UK is well documented and with an aging workforce and increasing infrastructure needs, attracting talent continues to be a challenge. Estimates suggest that 250,000 additional project and construction workers will be required by 2028. Unfortunately, our industry is not attracting new entrants quickly enough to meet this demand.
The ECIA met with Donna Mulvihill, Head of Learning & Development for Altrad UK, Ireland, Nordics and Poland. Donna shared with us one of the solutions that altrad developed with a group of partners to tackle the skills shortage.
“While we acknowledge the significance of apprenticeships in addressing these skill shortages, traditional apprenticeship models typically span over four years and often have high entry requirements. These factors can sometimes deter many young people from applying.
So what did we do to address this problem?
In 2023, Altrad piloted the first Trainee Maintenance Operative (TMO) pathway in the Teeside area.
The Trainee Maintenance Operative pathway is just one of the pathways within the Work Ready Programmes. It is a collaborative and co-funded partnership between the (ECITB), Employers, Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and other local partners or authorities as well as a network of various colleges & training providers nationwide.
The Programme lasts up to 16 weeks and was developed to create a pipeline of new entrants to help address skills shortages in engineering construction. It offers learners aged 18 and over the opportunity to gain recognised industry skills and accredited qualifications as well as helping them secure employment.
Trainee Maintenance Operative is the job title that has been used for our previous learners that have been employed once they successfully completed the programme. Actual job role profiles and titles are normally decided by the individual employers.
The programme framework consists of 3 stages:
The first stage is the pre-employment sift. This requires employer involvement along with the training provider in the recruitment\assessment\selection process.
The second stage is the Pre Employment Programme (PEP), learners receive Work-ready skills and ECITB certification including:
- (CCNSG) Safety Passport & ECITB Digital Passport
- Manual handling, abrasive wheels, low risk confined space
- Working at height & Working safely with hand and power tools and equipment
The last stage covers the technical training & assessment. Content includes completing trade specific units in Mechanical Fitting, Pipefitting & Plating. It also includes a Basic Introduction to Rigging.
Upon successful completion of the programme, learners gain a Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations and employability skills training.
Following the success of our pilot schemes, we are now expanding our commitment to further programmes nationwide.
We recognise this programme is essential for addressing the skills shortages and creating sustainable opportunities for the future. We now seek other employers to join this programme. By collaborating, setting basic standards, and attracting new talent, collectively we can ensure the long-term success of our industry.”
