The apprenticeship could cover advanced engine or transmission diagnostics, or electronic signal multiplexing, or electric vehicles. S&B CEO Philip Marsh suggested it could incorporate higher levels of the IRTE's irtec technician standard (which IRTE recently announced it would revise). The exact scope of the apprenticeship course would be devised during the development process.
The idea came about partly because of the need to develop skills in maintaining vehicles that are increasingly technically complex. In addition, it would offer a pathway for talented apprentices that show promise in their course, but who are not interested in pursuing a career in management.
To receive sanction from the Institute for Apprenticeships, any proposed trailblazer is required to have the backing of at least 10 employers, one of which should be a small to medium-sized business, according to Lloyd Mason, engineering development manager at Arriva UK bus, who was involved in the existing technician trailblazer apprenticeships. (A level 4 trailblazer apprenticeship does exist, but is geared to workshop management: 'engineering manager'.)
S&B is soliciting interest from employers of technicians in the CV industry to get involved. Interested parties are asked to contact Lloyd Mason by email: masonl@arriva.co.uk
