FLT associations join forces to deliver national apprenticeship

The scheme will be delivered via a new company formed between BITA (British Industrial Truck Association) and the FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association). BITA president David Rowell said: "This is a very significant development for our industry which faces a serious skills gap as older, experienced engineers retire. Fresh talent must be recruited as a matter of urgency and this new consolidated scheme will enable us to present a powerful and persuasive message to young people while demonstrating to the industry at large the long term and proven commercial benefits of developing their own engineers." FLTA chairman Geoff Martin added: "Both our associations have been running highly successful apprenticeship schemes for a number of years and have introduced hundreds of new engineers into the materials handling sector. "However, we believe this new venture, involving training centres throughout the country, will see a step change in levels of recruitment. The timing itself is crucial because we want to attract high calibre young people who, even now, are considering their education and career options."