Aerospace, marine and energy manufacturer Rolls-Royce has pledged its support to the Industry Apprentice Council (IAC) after one of the company’s apprentices joined the ‘voice of industry apprenticeships’.
Ashley Amatt, 20, from Derby, will join his peers from around the UK as they continue to ensure the voice of learners is being heard at the highest level. There are currently 14 apprentices on the IAC, which was formed and is funded by EAL, the specialist awarding organisation for industry qualifications.
Ashley (photo above) said: “I wanted to join the IAC as I believe any difference I can make to advance how Apprenticeships are run, viewed, promoted and changed, however small, is a great thing for myself and others.
“Having started my Apprenticeship in September 2012, I’ve already seen ideas and best practice within my company that could be shared with friends on Apprenticeships at other companies.
“I believe the whole apprentice and learner community can benefit from everyone sharing their experiences and helping to improve the vocational pathway.”
Ashley, an advanced technical apprentice, joins peers from companies including Airbus, BAE Systems, Caunton Engineering, DAF Trucks, Ford Dealerships, Ford GB, KMF, MBDA, National Grid, Nestlé, and Vauxhall.
All aged 18 to 24 years old, the IAC’s members were brought together by EAL to give apprentices a national voice for the first time – allowing them to input on Apprenticeships policy and promote the vocational pathway to young people.
The IAC has already met with Skills Minister Matthew Hancock MP, the Department for Business, Skills and Innovation (BIS) Apprenticeships Team, and the All Party Parliamentary Apprenticeships Group (APPAG), among others.
Ann Watson, Managing Director of EAL, said: “The IAC was founded by EAL to give a voice to industry apprentices and enable them to lead the way – inspiring other young people to follow in their footsteps. It is our way of re-investing in the industries we serve and we hope the IAC will have a lasting impact in showing the real benefits that industry Apprenticeships offer.”
