The Association of Fencing Industries has joined the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s Directory of Professional and Employer-led Bodies (The ‘Employer Directory’).

Inclusion on the Employer Directory emphasises AFI’s position at the forefront of skills and its role in developing a future workforce for the whole fencing industry.

The Employer Directory has a membership of over 100 professional and employer-led bodies. It provides industry focused guidance to regulators Ofqual and Office for Students on quality assurance of apprenticeship end-point assessment. Directory members have also provided advice on apprenticeships, T Levels and wider technical qualifications, as well as occupational maps which guide employers and potential learners on different training opportunities.

Pete Clark CEO said:  

‘Our inclusion in the Employer Directory demonstrates our commitment to advancing standards for contractors, suppliers and manufacturers in the fencing industry. Fencing impacts on every person in the UK in our daily life from agriculture and the food we eat, the highways & railways we travel on, the schools, colleges and universities we learn in, offices and industrial work places and even the homes we live in. We are delighted to be able to contribute to ensuring the quality and competence of professionals entering and progressing within our industry have the experience and training needed through the apprenticeship to deliver the technical requirements needed for professional & responsible fencing.’

Before approving AFI’s application, IfATE considered our ability to represent employers, our capacity and capability to carry out any work and whether there were any conflicts of interest.

Nikki Christie, deputy director for the business services division at IfATE, added: “We are delighted to welcome The Association of Fencing Industries to the Employer Directory. The fantastic insights and guidance industry-recognised professional organisations provide us with are really important for making sure apprenticeships and technical qualifications stay high-quality, relevant and credible The Association of Fencing Industries will be a wonderful addition to this influential group of industry experts”

The King’s Speech set out the Government’s intention to bring forward legislation to pass IfATE’s functions to Skills England. The important work employers and others have been doing with IfATE over the past seven years to shape the skills system would then be taken on by Skills England.  The exact timing will be dependent on the passage of the bill. Ministers are clear that they place very high value on the work that employers and others have already done with IfATE. They have highlighted that it is important that the fantastic work of IfATE colleagues, along with our wonderful trailblazer groups and route panels continues, and that we deliver a smooth transition for everyone within the system.

The foundation has been laid by IfATE for employers to play a crucial role as the driving force in the future system, and to have a loud and important voice in the work of Skills England.