A new agreement, signed at the recent Glass Focus Conference in the UK, intends to drive skills development for the glass sector. According to the MoU, Siemens Industry will be a core provider helping British Glass deliver quality assured apprenticeships and consultancy support.
Siemens Industry has joined forces with the British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation (BGMC) to support a programme of industry-led learning and skills development.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by both parties on 23 May to pave the way for closer skills and training collaboration across the sector. Siemens Industry will be a core provider helping British Glass deliver quality assured apprenticeships and consultancy support within two identified geographical regions: The North West and Humberside/Yorkshire, including on-the-job training and access to a four year multi-disciplined apprenticeship model.
Brian Holliday, Divisional Director of Siemens Automation said: “It’s a pleasure to sign this memorandum of understanding with the glass sector – it is a real leap forward for ensuring employees of the future have the right skills set to take this crucial market forward.”
British Glass already operates its own “Glass Academy” learning and skills development programme designed to ensure the industry has the skills to be a world leader by 2020. The new agreement with Siemens Industry will further the aims of this innovative programme by jointly tailoring relevant training and apprenticeship schemes.
Steve Martin, Head of the Siemens Industry Glass Sector, commented: “Siemens is delighted to have reached agreement with British Glass to help drive the skills agenda within the glass sector. By looking to future needs, the sector is proactively tackling the skills development issues it faces. By providing access to Siemens’ expertise and resources, we intend to help the sector deliver the skilled workforce it will need to compete globally in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”
The work of the Glass Academy is set to offer over 350 new apprenticeships for 16 to 23 year olds, as well as help to enhance the skills of professionals already in more advanced positions within the industry.
Dave Dalton, CEO of British Glass said: “We are proud to be building on our already well recognized Glass Academy with Siemens Industry – who we know have a strong reputation in the skills arena. By exploiting their expertise we know we can really help develop young talent in our sector – which is crucial if we are to grow the glass industry in a sustainable fashion over the coming decade.”