The power of apprenticeship support

The Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme contributes to the funding of new apprentices in the manufacturing sector in and around the Midlands, helping local SMEs secure the skills they need for the future. 

Now in its ninth year, it demonstrates the funder’s long-established and continued commitment to helping SMEs and their local communities grow, succeed and thrive. Steve Gee, CEO, of Close Brothers Asset Finance, Industrial Equipment Division, provides insight into the Programme and the long-term partnership with The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Training Centre.

The Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme has partnered with The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre since 2015. How did this come about?

At MACH 2014, two main issues were being discussed – access to finance and new blood coming into the engineering industry.

 We came up with the idea of sponsoring young people to enter the engineering sector as SMEs were still struggling after the financial crisis (2008 onwards), which had impacted them a few years earlier.  We spoke to the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) and they made the initial introduction to The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre – the rest is history!

Why have you been doing this, and what is in it for you?

It’s about giving something back. The Engineering and Technologies sectors are very important to us. We support them in many different guises, not only providing funding for new technology, but also as part of our responsibility to help address the social and economic challenges facing businesses today, and the apprentice sponsorship is a great example of this.

There’s been a noticeable positive shift in the attitude towards apprenticeships over the past years – why do you think that is the case?

I think at last it is getting the profile it deserves. It’s not cheap to invest in apprentices – and it’s important firms see it as an investment and not a cost. Handled correctly, apprenticeships can help an SME flourish and at the same time develop the individual apprentice.

University isn’t the right path for everyone – would you encourage school leavers to consider apprenticeships?

University is just one route available to young people and it’s a good one, but it’s not for everyone – my personal preference was to get out into the world and build experience and also some income! 

 If you speak to apprentices at the end of their apprenticeship, you will find many are more rounded than some people who’ve gone down the university route because of the practical, hands-on nature of their education – and they have five years more income to show for it.

According to the research, 90% of manufacturing and engineering firms feel that apprenticeships are at least partly the solution to the UK’s skills gap. What’s your view?

I agree entirely. There are skills gaps in most sectors – including engineering and finance. We need to embrace the ideas and practices of today’s younger generation – otherwise, we will stand still, which in today’s world means you can get left behind.

Many firms (60%) say that if more financial assistance was available, they would put someone forward to participate in an apprenticeship scheme. Would you encourage others to follow in close brothers footsteps?

It’s about seeing the bigger picture. I believe we all have a duty to look at where. As ‘UK PLC’, we need to concentrate our efforts and money. I would definitely encourage other companies to support apprentices – we know first-hand what a hugely positive impact they can have.

For more information, please visit closeassetfinance.co.uk/manufacturing