Commenting on the launch of industry’s Transport
infrastructure skills strategy: two years
on report, Transport Minister welcomed the 2,784
apprenticeships created in road and rail in the past
year. She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment
to creating 30,000 apprenticeships in road and rail
bodies and increased diversity of the transport
workforce, with a strong focus on encouraging more
women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
(BAME)
people into the industry.
The report shows more than 5,000 apprentices have begun
training in road and rail sectors alone since 2016,
demonstrating how significant government and private
investment into projects across the country is helping
to unlock brand new careers, upskilling the workforce
and supporting social mobility.
This year the report shows:
- an additional 8,000 opportunities will be created
every year in the express delivery sector
- training places for maritime cadets will rise to
1,200 over the next 7 years
- 10,000 apprenticeships as a result of an expanded
Heathrow before 2030
, Skills and
Apprenticeships Minister, said:
This report shows that significant government
investment in transport is playing a key role in
creating life-changing opportunities through its high
quality apprenticeships - helping us lead the way in
unlocking new jobs and ensuring this country has the
skilled workforce it needs for the future.
Although we are seeing evidence of
better BAME representation
in the sector, our ambitions are clear. From road to
rail, maritime to aviation, we must all redouble our
efforts to bring more women into technical and
engineering roles, remove barriers, ensuring we bring
talented people from all backgrounds together to
tackle the skills gap.
We are committed to strengthening links between
employers in our sector and young people,
particularly in the creative, innovative world of
engineering through our Year of Engineering
campaign. I look forward to even more apprentices
starting brilliant careers in years to come.
Mike Brown MVO,
Commissioner, Transport for London and chair
of STAT,
said:
The power of collaboration on skills from transport
employers who are committed to creating more high
quality skills and training opportunities for people
of all ages has already provided great results across
the sector.
The increase in transport apprenticeships is vital to
addressing current skills shortages, helping to fill
gaps in future skills, improving productivity and
driving growth in Britain for the future.
