The UK Metals Council (UKMC) absolutely agrees with government intentions to support the national priority that is clearly evident in the need to substantially raise the volume and quality of skills that are appropriate to a world leading engineering and manufacturing economy. It wishes to work with the Institute for Apprentices (IfA) to support and help resolve the above issues of concern. As a direct representative of the Trade Associations that are most closely associated with the sector, UKMC is uniquely qualified to advise IfA on the relevance and appropriateness of standards, potentially making the process more effective and speeding up the rate of introduction of new and targeted apprenticeship opportunities.