FMB welcome new construction apprenticeship standard

Government introduces two new apprenticeships improving standards in construction.

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) have welcomed the Government’s introduction of two new apprenticeships in bricklaying and plastering.

The FMB expressed concerned that the Government’s ambition to deliver three million apprenticeships by 2020 would lead to quality over quantity in apprenticeship training. However, today, with the apprenticeship standards set to increase, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to working with the construction industry to create quality, career-led apprenticeships.

Research by the FMB shows that two-thirds of construction SMEs believe that the overall quality of construction apprenticeships had decreased during the past 30 years, with 70% of mall construction firms saying they would be more attracted to taking on apprentices if the quality of construction apprenticeships improve.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Given that it is construction SMEs that train two-thirds of all apprentices, the Government is right to back the FMB’s mission to increase the quality of apprenticeships.

“The Government’s Trailblazer process is all about putting control back into the hands of the employer to ensure that apprenticeship training actually reflects what’s required in the workplace. It is the employers – large and small – who have given up their time to shape these two new high quality apprenticeship standards and they should be commended. What this means is that the bricklayers and plasters of the future will have a much higher minimum skill level than they do currently. All bricklayers will be able to build arches and chimneys and all plasterers will be able to install drylining, and apply solid and fibrous plaster. These broad skills will future-proof the individuals from forthcoming recessions and ensure that we don’t lose them from the construction industry at the first sign”

Jenny Herdman, Director of the Home Building Skills Partnership, said: “The Home Building Skills Partnership is pleased to have worked alongside the FMB to develop an apprenticeship standard that promotes the skills of the bricklayers we need to meet the Government’s target for increasing housing supply.”

Sarah Beale, CEO at CITB, says: “Approval of the bricklaying and plastering Trailblazer apprenticeship standards is fantastic news for learners and industry alike. They will help young people get the skills they need for successful, rewarding construction careers while ensuring the country has the bricklayers and plasterers it needs to build the many projects in the pipeline.”

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