How can the Construction Industry react to falling apprenticeship numbers?

 

Despite very public claims that the Government and both private and public sectors are targeting increased apprenticeship figures to introduce more young people into careers and industries – the number of construction apprentices has fallen significantly. In 2010, there were 16,890 construction, planning and built environment apprentices in the UK, but this figure has fallen to just over 8,000 by 2015.

Government incentives for employers seeking apprentices has not stopped the dwindling number of construction apprentices – as more and more young workers look to begin a career in other industries. More than 2.2 million apprenticeships have been created in the UK since 2010, with industry sectors such as health, public services, care and agriculture enjoying boosted apprentice figures.

Worryingly, the number of apprentices joining the construction industry could be diluted further as Skills Minister, Nick Boles MP, announces plans to increase public sector apprentices. This could reduce the opportunities for apprentices to join private construction firms.

He explained: “We want far more employers to get involved in apprenticeships. This means making sure that we practise what we preach in government, so we’re going to require all public-sector bodies – schools, hospitals, prisons and police forces – to employ apprentices.”

Infrastructure group, Balfour Beatty, are looking to arrest this slump by creating new Trailblazer degree course for construction apprentices, fast-tracking young workers into the industry and management roles.

Using a partnership with 12 UK universities; Balfour Beatty are hoping to enter 80 new apprentices into the industry by the end of the year – a number they will look to increase year-on-year. The group is hoping to use their partnerships with more than 7,000 industry-related companies to encourage the employment of more apprentices in civil engineering, construction and business disciplines than ever before.

Balfour Beatty chief executive, Leo Quinn, explained: “There is a skills shortage where our industry needs talent. This is our biggest ever commitment to recruit apprentices. It’s great to work in the industry, where we develop, build and run the infrastructure that we all depend on in our daily lives.”

The Trailblazer Higher and Degree courses will provide apprentices with real on-the-job experience as well as developing a professional approach to management and logistical services. The scheme will also encourage smaller contractors to take on apprentices – a group often dissuaded from using apprenticeship schemes by the high costs.

As an industry which contributes almost £90Bn to the UK economy; it is vital that construction is protected and allowed to continue to progress and flourish. Training skilled construction workers and managers can help the industry grow, attract new projects and perfect standards.

Paul Manchester, Director of Manchester Safety Services, explains: “From logistical management to safety measures; we need to train generation after generation in best construction practice. It is vital that talented young people are attracted to the industry to help improve and maintain the overall quality of construction and engineering.”

Whilst the Government may have sought to increase the number of public sector apprentices, it may be beneficial for the construction industry to protect its own future by implementing more apprentice schemes and training methods without external interference or outside influence. Imparting real-life, on-the-job experience and sharing knowledge accrued over decades could help the next generation further the success and prosperity of the UK construction industry.

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