Gen2 case study

Gen2 was created by five companies from the engineering, nuclear and advanced manufacturing sector – Amec, British Nuclear Fuels, Corus, Iggesund Paperboard and UCB – to deliver and safeguard employer-focused apprenticeship training in Cumbria.

Talent for the engineering sector

Apprenticeships are the primary route into the sector in Cumbria and Gen2 has built a solid local reputation as providing career pathways into the blue-chip engineering companies in the area.

Gen2 manages the recruitment process, including marketing, and conducts one-to-one sessions with applicants as well as aptitude testing, interview and selection and induction.

Most apprentices join as school leavers, but a growing number of companies are also making apprenticeships available to upskill existing employees up to Level 6.

Learning Techniques

Gen2 apprenticeships are typically divided in to two phases; a training phase and a development phase.

The training phase give learners the opportunity to acquire the basic skills they need: they undertake relevant technical qualifications and learn the practical skills needed to be “safe and semiproductive” in their field.

The development phase is spent on-the-job, and is when the apprentice hones and develops their skills to become fully competent in the field.

Throughout the programme, Gen2 provides mentoring and reviews, and offers ongoing support to both the employer and the apprentice.

Employers working with Gen2 have reported better work ethic, higher levels of loyalty to the business, and strong foundations for knowledge within their business thanks to Gen2 apprenticeship programmes.

Read our report on how to ensure a quality experience for apprentices and employers.

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