One of the Harrogate district’s largest employers has said many school leavers are “totally unprepared” for working life and called for more apprenticeships.
Jonathan Lupton, managing director of gritter manufacturer Econ Engineering, issued the plea during National Apprenticeship Week, which started yesterday.
Mr Lupton, who began his career as a 16-year-old apprentice at Econ, urged businesses to work with school and colleges to solve the skills gap.
He said:
“Not everyone wants to go to university, and for those who don’t, apprenticeships offer them an opportunity to learn and earn at the same time. However, before stepping foot in the workplace, they need to be moulded for life after school.
“In recent years, some of the school leavers that have come through our doors have been totally unprepared for the rigours of the working life. And speaking to colleagues in other businesses this isn’t unique to us.”
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Mr Lupton said Econ, which employs 240 staff, has employed apprentices since it was founded in 1969. He said this enabled recruits to get to know the business inside out by learning from experienced staff.
He added:
“In my view, businesses need to be working in partnership with local schools and colleges to help shape and prepare our future workforce, one that is better skilled, and one that can help take our great manufacturing heritage to the next level.”
Econ, which manufactures 85 per cent of the winter maintenance vehicles on UK roads, highlighted its latest apprentices — 17-year-old Oliver Merrin, and 21-year-old Michael Urban, who are both welders.
They will work under the supervision of Eddie Herron, who began his career at Econ as an apprentice 45 years ago.
Mr Lupton said:
“We are lucky with both Michael and Oliver. They have the right work ethic and under Eddie’s supervision, will become masters of their trade.”
Harrogate College launched an employers’ network last year to encourage local firms to talk about their training needs with a view to the college adapting its courses accordingly.
