Apprenticeship in electronics launched

 Electronics Yorkshire, the U.K.’s leading training provider for the electronics manufacturing sector, has launched an apprenticeship in electronics to meet a significant skills gap in the sector. The Intermediate Level apprenticeship in Electronic Engineering attracts full funding for 16 to 18-year-olds and will run for 24 months.

Roger Gibbeson, General Manager of Electronics Yorkshire, said, “This is a dedicated electronics apprenticeship for the industry. It fulfills a need for the many businesses I have talked to who complain how difficult it is to find well-trained and qualified employees. We are launching a specialised electronics curriculum at Intermediate Level (NVQ Level 2) and plan to introduce a higher level qualification subsequently.”

The apprenticeship will cater for young people leaving school aged 16-19 who want to work for an employer and who will train while working and earning a wage. The program takes the form of work-based assignments plus day release for classroom-based training either at Electronics Yorkshire's Leeds center or at regional venues.

The electronics manufacturing sector encompasses industries from defense to health, utilities, digital communications, and the automotive industry.

Electronics Yorkshire will also be including industry-standard IPC training modules  as part of the syllabus. This will give apprentices the advantage of an internationally recognized qualification in electronics, providing added value and greater employability.

Mr Gibbeson added, “This apprenticeship is something employers have been waiting for, and we are already seeing significant interest. We are taking expressions of interest now via our website.

“We will be looking for the best candidates, and we are in talks with schools to brief them about this excellent opportunity for their pupils.”

Electronics Yorkshire is holding two drop-in sessions to give information about the apprenticeships  in Leeds and  Sheffield.

Wed. 29th May, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Careers Centre, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9JT

Thu 30th May, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sheffield Hallam University, City Campus, Howard room 5426, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB

For information go to www.electronicsyorkshire.org.uk; call 0113 274 4270, or e-mail