The Apprenticeship standard developed by ceda Members is now on to its third cohort, and the association is keen to see the next group of students be the largest yet!

Officially called the Commercial Catering Equipment Technicians Apprenticeship Standard (No. ST0791), the scheme has already seen two intakes since its launch in February 2020.

ceda, in partnership with ECTA Training are hosting a webinar for any business thinking about apprentice engineers.

The webinar will introduce the content of the standard and run through the delivery, eligibility, funding available etc.

Importantly, there will also be an Employer and current Apprentice on the panel discussing their experience of the programme.

The Webinar will take place at 10.30 am on Wednesday 4^th May 2022 and is open to anyone in the industry. You DO NOT have to be a ceda Member company/employee to take part in the Apprenticeship or join the Webinar.

ceda’s Adam Mason said, “The shortage of commercial catering equipment engineers is a huge challenge – you only have to open your LinkedIn feed to see the reality that there are literally hundreds of vacancies. The standard was developed by the Industry, for the Industry and it now needs the Industry to recognise that they have to invest in bringing new people into their businesses and train them appropriately in order to ensure their future growth and sustainability. I look forward to welcoming people on May 4^th and outlining in detail, how the process works, what funding is available and why this Apprenticeship standard is the way forward.”

ceda’s Apprenticeship Standard was created by a Trailblazer group of ceda Members who recognised a qualification gap in the market. The Standard was developed to attract and retain the next generation of commercial catering engineers, helping to address a skills shortage the association fear is only likely to increase in the coming years.

Apprenticeships have been proven to increase staff productivity, improve staff retention and loyalty to that business. The Commercial Catering Equipment Technicians Apprenticeship Standard will enable the individuals to achieve nationally recognised formal qualifications, delivered through a highly supported, relevant, industry specific learning programme and equip them with the necessary skills to become excellent employees not just at the end but throughout their journey.

ceda’s Technical Support Manager Peter Kay has worked tirelessly to secure government funding to create this new Standard, working in partnership with ECTA Training, who will be delivering this 27-month programme.

The funding for the apprenticeship is £15,000 which covers the cost of all the training and the End Point Assessment.  Employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy (those with an annual payroll of less than £3 million) are entitled to 95% of the total funding and have to pay the balance of 5% (£750).  Employers who do pay the apprenticeship levy will be able to claim the full £15,000 from their levy account.

To make this viable, there needs to be a minimum of 20 new apprentices joining the next cohort.

The Standard will require the apprentices to attend ECTA’s Training Centre in Stockport, Greater Manchester, for one week every couple of months, which will then enable them to enter the concluding three-month End Point Assessment gateway. ceda are currently in talks with training providers in the South, as they look to maximise opportunity and minimise travel for Southern and Central businesses.

If you are interested in learning more about the Commercial Catering Equipment Technicians Apprenticeship Standard, please register for the FREE 1hr Webinar here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DXjIFWoxTyuPRodIswX5Uw