(Pictured apprentices learning about the operation of a double pole switch fused spur and how to ensure it is isolated.)
Ken Price recently met with Ashley While, Business Manager at RTR Services, to discuss apprenticeship awareness and the findings of a recent survey. Below are the key insights from their discussion.
Addressing the Knowledge Gap
Ken Price, Managing Director of ADSA, highlighted a critical issue revealed in the survey: nearly 69% of non-apprenticeship levy-paying organisations were unaware that they only need to contribute 5% towards an apprentice’s study fees. This lack of awareness could be limiting the number of skilled professionals entering the powered pedestrian door sector.
The survey was conducted as part of a review into the Apprenticeship for Powered Pedestrian Door Technicians, which ADSA developed and launched in 2020. The goal was to identify barriers to enrolment and participation, ensuring that both employers and apprentices fully benefit from the programme.
To date, South Staffordshire College has trained over 80 apprentices across seven cohorts at its Tamworth campus.
Survey Findings: Barriers and Challenges
The survey uncovered several key obstacles to apprenticeship enrolment:
Limited awareness: 31.8% of respondents were unfamiliar with the programme despite its industry-wide relevance.
Travel and location concerns: 28.8% cited accessibility and distance from the training provider as major challenges.
Time constraints: 19.7% of employers were concerned about apprentices being absent from work for training sessions.
A particularly striking finding was that 60% of respondents—mainly smaller businesses not paying the apprenticeship levy—were unaware they could still offset up to 95% of training costs. In contrast, levy-paying organisations were generally informed about financial support and more likely to invest in apprenticeships.
Despite these challenges, the programme received strong support, with 73.4% of respondents affirming its effectiveness in addressing industry skills gaps. However, opinions on the two-year duration varied, with some favouring a shorter 18-month or even one-year timeframe.
Recommendations for Programme Improvement
Based on survey feedback, several key recommendations emerged to enhance the apprenticeship programme:
Increase Awareness: Improve communication about financial incentives and the value of apprenticeships to encourage wider participation.
Enhance Course Content: Introduce more practical training, with a focus on fault-finding, compliance regulations, and real-world troubleshooting.
Flexible Training Options: Develop a more adaptable structure, allowing apprentices to progress at a pace suited to employer needs.
Additional Support for Employers: Provide further guidance on managing apprenticeships, including mentorship strategies and structured progress updates.
Exploring Short-Duration Courses
One of the most compelling recommendations was the potential introduction of short-duration courses tailored to different experience levels. These courses would extract key elements of the existing apprenticeship programme and adapt them for professionals at various career stages. This initiative could support both new entrants and experienced technicians looking to upskill without committing to a full two-year course.
Next Steps
Ken Price welcomed the survey findings and committed to Ashley White that he is reaffirming ADSA’s commitment to continuous improvement:
“We appreciate the valuable insights from our members. This feedback provides a foundation for future enhancements and underscores the need for greater awareness. We remain dedicated to refining the apprenticeship programme to better serve the industry and develop skilled technicians.
The Apprenticeship for Powered Pedestrian Door Technicians has played a vital role in preparing individuals for success in the sector. While awareness and accessibility remain key challenges, the survey findings outline a clear roadmap for improvements. By addressing barriers, implementing recommended changes, and considering short-duration courses, ADSA is taking proactive steps to strengthen the industry talent pipeline.
With ongoing investment in training and development, the sector can look forward to a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of today’s rapidly evolving market.”
Ashley White commented “If any of our customers require any further information about the apprenticeship then please contact ADSA via the following contact details : fae@adsa.org.uk or call 01827 216136.”
