Industry reacts positively about Government apprenticeships plans

UK Construction Media finds that industry is happy with law changes for the term ‘apprenticeship’.

Yesterday was a significant day in the history of apprenticeships because the Government announced that through their Enterprise Bill, the law will recognise the term ‘apprenticeship’.

This is significant because it is designed to solidify its importance as a career path and means that the term of apprenticeship will not be able to be used when advertising courses that are of lesser quality.

The Government is committed to creating a further 3 million apprenticeships in the next five years so yesterday’s announcement is an important step in guaranteeing that an apprenticeship will be seen in equal standing to higher education while also improving the reputation of these courses.

Following this announcement, UK Construction Media has canvassed the opinion of people within the industry to find out if they see this move as a positive one.

Allan Meek who is the Managing Director of SCS Group, believes making apprenticeships as credible as possible is crucial and makes the important point that people within the industry started off this way.

He said: “Anything that Government can do to protect and reinforce the reputation of apprenticeships has to be a good thing. The simple reason is: the more credible apprenticeships look, the more people will look to them as a way to progress their career.

“Apprenticeships are vital to the construction business – and to our company where many senior managers/directors started out that way – so we all have to help support them.

“That’s why we contributed to the #loveLIVES campaign and that’s why we’ll continue to open our door to apprentices.”

The example pointed out by Allan is not uncommon in the industry. Many people in senior roles have worked their way up, starting at apprenticeship level, and as such, the move to change to recognise the term of apprenticeship is important.

It is a sentiment that was echoed by Pro Steel Engineering’s Director, Richard Selby, who said: “I welcome the change to the way in which apprenticeships are represented.

“I know from my own experience of working with those who embark on apprenticeships in the construction sector, that they can lead to extremely rewarding, long-term careers.

“Giving on-the-job training equal status with other qualifications will only enhance our sector’s expertise and importantly it will help to plug the skills gap we are still experiencing.”

Jim Verity is the HR Director at Hope Construction Materials and he described the Government’s plans as a “positive step.”

He said: “We firmly believe we get huge value from providing good quality training through our Apprentice Academy. As such we support any Government plans that would encourage employers to adopt high standards of training for these young people which can only benefit UK manufacturing.

“The Government’s announcement to elevate the status of apprenticeships to that of university degrees is also a positive step and we believe setting firm targets for introducing more young people into the industry over the next five years is something which should be welcomed.”

Mezzanine International Group, UK & Europe, designs, manufactures and installs performance structures and mezzanine floors for an international client base and Scott Chambers, Managing Director, described the Enterprise Bill as “a shining light” and spoke of his own experience, which show the value of apprenticeships.

“By recognising apprenticeships as an equally valuable contributor to the UK economy, the Government’s Enterprise Bill is a shining light on the benefits of attaining relevant, practical skills and knowledge that can be used day-to-day in business,” he said.

“It was an apprenticeship that gave me the insight and confidence to take my training as a draughtsman and turn that into an engineering solution that launched an award-winning firm with offices across the UK and Europe.

“Now, many years later, I’m inspired to give back, bringing people into my business to gain hands-on training in a variety of roles.”

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