How apprenticeships and the Career Transition Partnership help Veritek fill the field engineering resource gap

It’s a well-documented problem. How to fill a field engineering skills gap left by:

An ageing workforce

As the population ages, many experienced field engineers are retiring. New engineers are needed to replace them.

Profession with an image problem

One of the reasons why young people shy away from careers in field engineering is the need for more information. Yet, the role of a field engineer in 2023 provides the following:

• Hands-on, practical, well-rounded and real-world experience working with technology that leverages AI and the Industrial Internet of Things
• An ideal career for people who love working with other people, as it requires you to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• The opportunity to put problem-solving skills into practice

Challenges in recruiting and retaining talent

With the increasing demand for field engineers, it can be difficult for companies to find and retain the talent they need.

Need for training and education programmes

Potential field engineers need access to formal training programmes or educational opportunities to develop skills to excel in their roles.

So what’s the solution?

“We’ve recruited over 20 field engineers in the last year,” Says Veritek Operations Director Colin Drury. “But the process is time-consuming, from advertising the role to wading through resumes, interviewing and paperwork.

Two areas where we have successfully recruited the right people are through apprenticeship schemes and the Careers Transition Partnership.”

How apprenticeships benefit prospective field engineers

On-the-job learning

Apprenticeship schemes allow field engineers to learn in a real-world setting and learn from experienced professionals. Then apply what they have learned in the classroom or online training to actual projects. The combination of practical and classroom teaching helps them develop a deeper understanding of the work they will do as a field engineer.

Industry-standard skills

After that, apprenticeship schemes provide training that aligns with industry standards, which can help field engineers develop skills in high demand among employers.

Cost-effective

With university courses costing up to £9,250 per year, apprenticeship schemes provide an alternative option for anyone wanting to obtain industry-recognised qualifications. Better still, you can earn while you learn.

How apprentice schemes benefit Veritek

Plan for the future

Veritek’s workforce has many skills and experience, but these can be lost when employees retire. Employing apprentices and introducing a mentoring system helps retain those skills within the business.

Access the latest industry knowledge and technology

Apprentices get exposure to the latest thought processes, innovations and knowledge, which helps our business become more efficient, profitable and competitive.

Develop skills and values relevant to the organisation and roles

When apprentices learn the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours, they contribute to our highly qualified and engaged workforce and underpin our values.

“We work closely with Make UK to get our apprentices. The trade body has a strong track record of training manufacturing apprentices,” says Colin.

“New apprentices begin their roles with on-site apprenticeship training at Make UK’s world-class Technical Training Campus. During downtime from campus, our apprentices bolster their skills with real-life experience by spending time in the field alongside our fully experienced engineers.

A Veritek apprentice’s journey usually lasts four years. Upon graduation, they primarily transition into full ‘Field Service Engineer’ roles in one or more sectors in which Veritek work.”

How The Career Transition Partnership benefits potential field engineers

The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is a UK government-funded scheme that provides services and support to ex-military personnel of all ranks, trades and specialisations to help them transition to civilian employment.

To illustrate, the CTP provides:

Career guidance

It helps ex-military personnel understand the job market and identify the career paths best suited to their skills and experience.

Networking opportunities

The CTP enables ex-military personnel to connect with potential employers and other professionals in the engineering field.

“I came across the Career Transition Partnership in a previous role,” says Colin. “So I sought out the partnership’s website. The CTP makes it easy for us to advertise roles to ex-military individuals with the necessary skills to succeed in a field engineering role.”

He added, “With the CTP’s help, we’ve managed to recruit a fantastic field engineer in Scotland. The recruitment process was easy. He saw the role advertised on the CTP website and submitted his CV. From the CV, we extracted key information and experience and invited him for an interview.

We are in the early stages of engagement with the CTP, but we fully support its aim to help ex-military personnel transition into civilian employment.”

Why Veritek is backing National Apprenticeship Week

Veritek is committed to investing and developing the skills of future talent through its apprenticeship scheme and use of the Careers Transition Partnership.

Because of our success with these schemes, we urge you to check out National Apprenticeship Week, taking place between 6th and 12th February.

The week “Brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.”

What have you got to lose?

This blog is relevant to the following Veritek industry sector verticals:

Medical
Robotics and cobotics
Print & Graphics
Optometry
Digital Cinema
Photo imaging