When a group of apprentices took their places at South Thames College for the first time last September, they were pioneering a scheme that not only helps redress a major industry skills gap, but also offers long-term potential for a professional career in civil engineering.

The eight civil engineering apprentices are the first recruits to a programme set up by a consortium of six of the largest UK engineering consultancies; Mott MacDonald, Arup, Capital Symonds, Halcrow, WSP and Hyder.

Between them they set up an Advanced Technician Apprenticeship in civil engineering in order to deliver a formal qualification for what was a skills gap in the industry.

The consortium tendered for a training provider to deliver the programme and South Thames College won the bid. One year on and the apprenticeship in civil engineering has proven to be a huge success. In December 2010 the consortium won the Mayor of London’s Responsible Procurement Skills and Employment Award in recognition of the innovative and employer-led nature of the programme.

Planning for September 2011 starts is well advanced with a further five practices joining the consortium.

In addition the consortium are working with the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers to deliver a building services engineering technician programme.

The training has been immensely beneficial to the employers in both financial and social terms.

The apprentices are averaging a higher level of fee earning work than many graduate trainees at the same point. Apprentices also benefit from the training, having an opportunity to work towards a respected professional qualification whilst earning a living.

Once they achieve technician membership of the institution of civil engineers there are clear career pathways to Chartered Engineer status.

As well as their work- based learning programme they have the opportunity to attend formal and informal sessions delivered by chartered engineering on current project work, innovative solutions and new legislations.

TfL is using the Civil Engineering Apprenticeship in its role model case studies to demonstrate its approach to generating successful apprenticeships.

n Other apprenticeships with South Thames College. The college is running apprenticeships in more than a dozen industries, including dental nursing, motorcycle engineering and hairdressing. For more information contact the Business Development Unit on 020 8918 7275 or visit south-thames.ac.uk/ employers