by Graham Black | Fri 19 Jul 2019
New Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship
NEW PLANT MECHANIC APPRENTICESHIP
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has granted approval for the development of a new Level 2 Trailblazer Apprenticeship for Construction Equipment Mechanics, planned to be in place for spring 2020. The approval comes on the back of several years’ hard graft from a working group supported by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA), after the IfATE initially rejected the plans in favour of the similar agricultural machinery apprenticeship scheme.
The joint chairs of the employer-led Trailblazer working group, Ed Hudson from Liebherr GB and Rob Allen from Clee Hill Plant, issued the following statement: "We are delighted that after having our bids continually rejected over the last three years, our latest bid for a Level 2 apprenticeship has been finally approved by the institute, which has now recognised the uniqueness of our Construction Equipment Mechanic occupation.”
With approval of the Level 2 Trailblazer Apprenticeship now achieved, the group aims to seek approval to develop a Trailblazer Apprenticeship for a technician-level occupation equivalent to Level 3 or above.
In another development, the working group for the new Construction Plant Operative Trailblazer Apprenticeship, led by Flannery Plant Hire, has also learnt that its draft knowledge, skills and behaviour standards have also been approved by the IfATE. The working group continues to develop this new operators apprenticeship, and it is hoped that final approval will be granted by the end of the year.