A national apprenticeship scheme in the UK will be delivered via a new company formed by the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) and the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA).

BITA president David Rowell calls the scheme "a very significant development" for the industry as it faces an ageing workforce, especially the loss of skilled engineers.

"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, proven commercial benefits of developing their own engineers," he says.

Explaining the single scheme's advantages, FLTA chairman Geoff Martin says the two associations have been running successful apprenticeship schemes for "a while" and have introduced many new engineers into the materials handling sector.
"We believe this new venture, involving training centres throughout the country, will see a step change in levels of recruitment. The timing is crucial because we want to attract high-calibre young people who, even now, are considering their education and career options."

BITA and the FLTA will announce the company's name and launch in the future, a spokesman tells Forkliftaction.com News.

It is not the two associations' first joint venture. Ten years ago, BITA and FLTA joined forces to establish the materials handling industry's accredited scheme for Thorough Examination. More than 400 companies are now accredited to the Consolidated Fork Truck Services national scheme.