The Strategic
Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce’s (STAT)
3 year progress report marks the latest in a
series of annual reports setting out progress against
ambitions from the government’s 2016 Transport
infrastructure skills strategy, as well as
information on the diversity of those undertaking
apprenticeships.
And statistics in today’s report show
that BAME representation
now stands at over a fifth of apprentice intake,
representing a 56% proportional increase over the last
2 years in the share of BAME apprentices
in the sector.
The figure provides a positive result for STAT,
who have exceeded their commitment to
improve BAME representation
in apprenticeships.
And the picture for women’s representation also shows
positive improvement, with women now making up 15.4% of
technical and engineering apprenticeship starts, up
from 10% 2 years ago, representing a 54% proportional
increase. The figures again show real progress towards
the STAT’s
target of 20%. Female representation in all apprentice
roles has increased to 23.6%, up from 20% 2 years ago.
Minister said:
Drawing from the widest pool of talent is vital for
any industry, particularly where there are skills
shortages. 41,000 people are needed in roads by 2025,
and rail needs 50,000 extra people by 2033 to deliver
planned investment.
That’s why it’s fantastic to see how apprenticeships
can be used to attract and train a more diverse
workforce. STAT’s
work is vital in getting under-represented groups
into transport apprenticeships and meeting skills
needs. They are providing great opportunities for
all, regardless of background.
Mike Brown MVO, Chair
of the Strategic Apprenticeship Taskforce and London’s
Transport Commissioner, said:
It’s fantastic to see the increase in diversity in
those joining the transport industry as apprentices.
In order to keep the sector at the forefront of
innovation, it is vital that we continue to attract
and inspire a variety of people into transport
careers, reflecting the customers that we serve, and
stimulating creativity of thought and approach.
By working together across the industry, we have
managed to start challenging the perception that a
career in transport is for a certain type of person.
We need to ensure that we maintain and drive this
momentum forward, so that, more and more, people
realise the wide range of roles on offer and do not
feel they face barriers to achieving their career
aspirations.
Today’s report sets out growth in higher level
apprenticeships in the sector. Crucially, female
representation at this level is higher than the average
for the sector, which will help to reduce the gender
pay gap.
STAT has
committed to driving forward existing programmes around
diversity and social
mobility in the sector. Key commitments for
2019 to 2020 include:
- piloting a pre-employment training programme, to
support those facing significant barriers into training
and work into the sector
- developing a shared apprenticeships programme in
Data Analytics and Data Scientist, which will plug an
important future skills need
