The two organisations have put together a multi-million pound collaborative bid with employers to draw down funding for advanced manufacturing and engineering (AME) firms of all sizes to deliver the skills required for growth and competitiveness through the Employment Ownership of Skills (EOS) Fund.
The two organisations have launched a consultation with employers through Semta's Sector Strategy Groups and Regional Councils and EEF's Regional Advisory Boards, along with trade associations, trade unions and other key stakeholders.
Lynn Tomkins, UK operations director for Semta hopes the move will see the sector speak and act with one voice on the big issues it faces.
"We know we need to recruit 82,000 people just to replace those who will retire by 2016 while a further 363,000 technical workers need upskilling over the same period," she said.
"The EOS gives us the opportunity to fund skills development in growth areas that are not currently being supported, matched with employer investment. This will accelerate skills development to support innovation and competitiveness improvements in the supply chain.
"As an employer-led organisation, we are delighted to be working with the EEF and its member companies to make it happen and to help ensure the UK's AME sector remains world class in the face of ever-increasing competition from traditionally strong as well as emerging nations."
Andrew Buckley, EEF executive director added: "With a shared responsibility for the growth and competitiveness of UK manufacturing and engineering, we believe that we can best support skills development within the sector through a combined Semta and EEF bid."
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