BP harnesses alternative energy through modern apprenticeships

Citation

(2003), "BP harnesses alternative energy through modern apprenticeships", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 35 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ict.2003.03735bab.008

BP harnesses alternative energy through modern apprenticeships

BP harnesses alternative energy through modern apprenticeships

BP aims to put 250 young apprentices a year through its modern-apprenticeship (MA) programme, which is available to all BP retail employees in England under the age of 25.

BP was the first organisation publicly to commit to MAs with the Learning and Skills Council's national contracts service last June. The company's decision to implement modern apprenticeships in retail operations, which combine training in communications, information and communications technology and mathematics, has been hailed as a success for the Learning and Skills Council initiative and for BP staff.

The qualification joins a wide range of training programmes delivered by BP, including national vocational qualifications (NVQs) and a degree in retail operations.

The minister for adult learning and skills, Ivan Lewis, said: "Modern apprenticeships are a vital part of the government's education agenda and we want to see a quarter of all young people choosing the MA path by 2004. I applaud BP's commitment to work-based training and hope other employers will also see how valuable this can be in equipping young people with the skills they need to meet the demands of the economy".

Bryan Sanderson, Learning and Skills Council chairman, said: "The LSC is extremely pleased BP has taken the opportunity to deliver the modern-apprenticeship agenda. Companies like BP, with a track record of providing quality, industry-specific training for staff, have a significant role to play in the success of the programme across England".

"A successful implementation of the programme at BP, with measurable returns for the company in terms of staff retention, an improved safety record and increased sales, will lead to more companies opting to deliver MAs. This partnership between the LSC and BP is a significant step on the path to improving vocational skills of our nation's workforce."

John Mumford, director of BP Oil UK, said: "We are delighted to be working with the LSC to provide young people with MA places that will give them rewarding careers in the retail industry. The MA programme builds on our highly successful NVQ scheme and will be of huge benefit to both the trainees and the company".

BP's purpose-built interactive training tool, Developing People Online, created in collaboration with LCCI Examinations Board, is being used to deliver the MA programme.