The latest official figures released by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, show the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre is top of the regional league table for engineering apprentice achievement.

Anne Griggs, head of business development at the AMRC Training Centre, said the latest figures are testimony to the continuous improvement culture at the centre and the pivotal role its industry board plays in shaping a fit-for-purpose curriculum.

“Engineering and manufacturing skills are vital to the success of the Sheffield City Region economy and these figures show that the AMRC Training Centre is top of the league when it comes to delivering these skills.”

The training centre – part of the world-leading Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the elite Russell Group University of Sheffield – opened its doors just six years ago and has been instrumental in attracting global brands such as McLaren, Rolls-Royce and Boeing to establish production facilities to the region.

Ms Griggs said: “These are difficult and confusing times for industry, with employers rightly thinking hard about whether and where to invest in their talent pipeline. The success figures show that an apprenticeship with the AMRC Training Centre is a safe investment in the region for strengthening the skills and talent base of their business with tangible benefits to the bottom line.”

She added: “We are delighted with these figures and the recent award of the Ofsted Good ranking, which are great achievements for such a young organisation — but we are not complacent. We have rapidly switched to on-line recruitment methods to make it easier for employers and apprentices to access our wide range of courses.”

“Although we had record numbers of employers wanting to sign up in March, the pandemic has led many to put things on hold. Nevertheless, many engineering and manufacturing firms in our region are still working and we have switched to virtual and on-line learning to support the growth and development of their apprentices.

“Like them, the AMRC Training Centre is open for business, providing the region’s manufacturers with access to world-leading facilities and the best apprentice achievement rates in the region.”

The figures were released as evidence grows of manufacturers in the region continuing to invest in quality apprenticeships, despite the impact of the global pandemic on business confidence.

Phil Longden, NE Components operation director, in Hope Valley, said: “Things may be uncertain but we do need to maintain skill levels now and looking to the future, so continuing with an apprentice programme is incredibly important.”

His sentiments were shared by Andy Smith, managing director of Sheffield-based Atlantic Pumps. He said: “Business is down but there is still a huge amount to do, supporting our clients in protecting their assets and helping them to fulfil obligations. We wanted to take on a new apprentice now because, ultimately, we believe in both our future and the future of apprentices.

“Our business relies on having quality engineers with a great attitude for customer care. These are in short supply and we have found the best way to get them is to invest in creating them ourselves, in partnership with the AMRC Training Centre.

He added: “It isn’t a quick fix though, so we have gone ahead, knowing that if we want this resource for 2021 and beyond we have to invest now. With the AMRC Training Centre, we can recruit the right attitude and rely on the training centre teaching the skills to create a powerful mix and provide exactly what our customers need.”

Ms Griggs concluded: “When the Government decides we are able to return to our workplaces and go back to some form of normality, focus will turn to economic recovery. A skilled UK workforce will be a key ingredient for that and apprentices have an essential part to play.”

For more details on how the AMRC Training Centre is responding to the Covid-19 outbreak, including the very latest information, visit the Web site (www.amrctraining.co.uk/coronavirus-advice).