CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2021 29 Both registrations and the number of available training providers for the suite of plant-based occupational apprenticeships continues to grow, coupled with an increasing interest by employers in the taking on of apprentices within their workforce. The latest figures from the Government’s Apprenticeship Service shows the following registrations for trailblazer apprenticeships in England: Construction Plant Operative - There are 27 registrations, with the highest number occurring in the South West. Hire Controller - There are 63 registrations, with the highest concentration in both the West Midlands and South East regions. 6 end-point assessments have now been completed since the launch of the apprenticeship in early 2019. Lifting Technician - There are 17 registrations, with all predominately in the regions of the South East and Yorkshire/Humber. Currently there are no registrations listed for the recently-launched Construction Equipment Mechanic apprenticeship due to a number of reasons, predominately due to a lack of training providers taking up this apprenticeship. The colleges that traditionally offered the previous plant mechanic framework apprenticeship are only offering the land-based version, which is in a higher funding band. Despite numerous appeals and dialogue with the Secretary of State for Education, we have presently been unable to effect a band increase in the construction version to match the land-based version. However, a number of providers have now expressed an interest in delivering this occupation and the CPA’s recently appointed Apprenticeship/Skills Delivery Ambassador, Paul Skitt, is now working with the providers to encourage the take-up and advise on the particular aspects of each of the plant-based occupations. Paul is further working with a number of CPA members in guiding them through the process on taking on apprentices and how the employers themselves can deliver the majority of the required training in-house. Paul would be pleased to assist any CPA member in navigating the registration and delivery aspect of trailblazer apprenticeships and can be contacted at paul.skitt@cpa.uk.net . Available training providers and assessment organisations for all of the trailblazer apprenticeships are listed at www.cpa.uk.net/trailblazerproviders TRAINING TRAINING: 1 Trailblazer Apprenticeships Delivery