Strong progress on diversity in transport apprenticeships

By Andrew Baxter

11 July 2019

Progress on diversity in transport apprenticeships is making strong progress, according to the Strategic Transport Apprenticeship Taskforce’s (STAT) Three Year Progress report.

The annual report sets out progress against ambitions from the Government’s 2016 Transport Infrastructure Skills Strategy, as well as information on the diversity of those undertaking apprenticeships.

Report shows diversity has increased in road and rail apprentices, with proportion of BAME apprentice up 56% in two years.

Gender diversity has also improved, with women now making up 15.4% of technical and engineering apprenticeship starts, up from 10% two years ago, representing a 54% proportional increase. As previously highlighted by Fleet News, female representation changing the fleet sector is also changing.

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, reflecting the customers that we serve, and stimulating creativity of thought and approach.

“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 and do not feel they face barriers to achieving their career aspirations.”

Nusrat Ghani, MP, 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.”