11.07.19
Transport apprenticeships’ BAME representation increases over 50%
A report published today shows that the number of transport apprentices from under-represented BAME backgrounds have increased in the past two years.
The initiative to increase diversity in the workforce is being led by the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce (STAT), set up in 2016 to support younger people in the industry.
A three-year progress report marks the latest in a series of annual reports setting out progress, in line with ambitions from the government’s 2016 transport infrastructure skills strategy.
Minister Nusrat Ghani said: “Drawing from the widest pool of talent is vital for any industry, particularly where there are skills shortages.
“41,000 people are needed in roads by 2025, and rail needs 50,000 extra people by 2033 to deliver planned investment.
“That’s why it’s fantastic to see how apprenticeships can be used to attract and train a more diverse workforce.
“STAT’s work is vital in getting under-represented groups into transport apprenticeships and meeting skills needs. They are providing great opportunities for all, regardless of background.”
Statistics in today’s report show that BAME representation now stands at over a fifth of apprentice intake, representing a 56% increase over the last 2 years.
Mike Brown MVO, chair of the Strategic Apprenticeship Taskforce and London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “It’s fantastic to see the increase in diversity in those joining the transport industry as apprentices.
“In order to keep the sector at the forefront of innovation, it is vital that we continue to attract and inspire a variety of people into transport careers.
“By working together across the industry, we have managed to start challenging the perception that a career in transport is for a certain type of person.
“We need to ensure that we maintain and drive this momentum forward, so that, more and more, people realise the wide range of roles on offer.”
The picture for women’s representation also shows positive improvement, with women now making up 15% of technical and engineering apprenticeship starts, up from 10% two years ago.