Semta scheme supports key sector training

The UK automotive industry is being encouraged to reskill its workforce by accessing a government-backed scheme designed to support training in the engineering industry.

The £65m programme is part of the Train to Gain initiative run by Semta, the sector skills council for science, engineering and manufacturing technologies.

Train to Gain will act as a brokerage skills service to offer funding in a range of training courses, including apprenticeships, business improvement techniques and NVQ’s.

Skills shortages are estimated to cost England £700m a year in lost productivity. However, Semta hopes the initiative will combat this loss and improve the UK’s position in the international automotive market.

Semta’s chief executive, Philip Whiteman, said: ‘Our role is to enhance the sector's competitiveness and, during these tough times, it makes sense to train for the upturn. We are working with automotive companies on establishing what they need to succeed and our specialist advisors will help them develop training plans that will produce economic value.