Householders prefer building firms who employ apprentices

Householders are more likely to hire construction companies who train apprentices according to new research from the Federation of Master Builders.

The results show that nearly two thirds of home owners would have a more favourable impression of a construction firm knowing they train apprentices.

Half of home owners would be more likely to hire a building firm knowing they train apprentices.

More than two in five would be more likely to recommend a building firm based on the fact they train apprentices.

It would also appear to be in the best interests of construction companies if they highlighted their commitment to training apprentices, with almost two thirds of home backing the idea.

The findings of the study coincide with the first day of National Apprenticeship Week in England and are based on responses from 2,000 home owners across the UK.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “This new research confirms what many of us already knew – apprentices are good for your business. The building industry is extremely competitive and these results suggest that training an apprentice will help a firm stand out from the crowd. Home owners aren’t just concerned about the craftsmanship of their builder, they want to know they are hiring a firm with strong values. It therefore makes sense that a business that invests in young people is seen in a better light.

“If the burgeoning skills crisis in the construction industry wasn’t enough to motivate those firms not already training to start doing so, hopefully this evidence will do the trick. It’s helpful to know that apprenticeship training can not only provide rewarding career opportunities for young people, but it can also help a firm’s bottom line.”

The government’s new Apprenticeship Levy is to come into force next month and Mr Berry hopes that larger-sized companies will become more involved in training the construction workers of tomorrow.

He said: “In construction, two-thirds of all apprentices are trained by SMEs and it is our hope that the new Levy will encourage the larger firms to also engage more readily in training the future workforce”

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