NMI, ESCO look to set up Trailblazer apprentice scheme for electronics industry

According to the partners: "We are acutely aware of the shortage of engineering skills and are proactive at addressing opportunities. The UK Electronics Skills Foundation has already taken significant steps to improve the situation and we now have opportunity to open another new pathway to entering the ranks of professional electronic engineering." The two organisations have been granted approval from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to submit an Electronic Systems Trailblazer Apprenticeship proposal. "We believe the priority is to source high calibrate graduate engineers and therefore aim to submit a Level 6 (Graduate Engineer) Trailblazer," say the partners. "We plan to build on models already in existence in our sector, where apprentices are employed after they complete A-Levels and continue their employment until they complete their degree." Trailblazers are currently in receipt of up to £28,800 from BIS NMI and ESCO are looking to create at least one generic job title and are considering: • embedded electronic systems hardware engineer • embedded electronics systems software engineer • power electronics engineer. The partners need to make a formal submission for the new Trailblazer by 15 February 2015 and want to hear from employers interested in defining the new standard and who can commit to taking at least one apprentice under the scheme from September 2015. For more information, contact skills@nmi.org.uk to register your interest and to find out more about the next steps.