Construction apprenticeships are needed to boost economic recovery, according to new research published by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
The FMB’s report Trading Up looks at the barriers building firms face when it comes to apprenticeships and upskilling. It presents a blueprint for collaboration to unlock additional training opportunities.
Key findings reveal:
– 68 per cent of FMB members are either currently training an apprentice or have done so in the past;
– Of these, 85 per cent train and recruit 16 to 18-year olds;
– 40 per cent of completed apprentices will stay working for the SME company who trained them for at least three years.
The report makes a series of recommendations, which include:
– The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to scale-up construction SME-targeted advertising as part of the ‘Fire it Up’ campaign;
– The Department for Education should ringfence funding for colleges to recruit an Industry Liaison Officer who will create and foster relationships with local employers;
– The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) should focus on improving communication with SMEs and other stakeholders on a local level and upgrade the financial and administrative support that is available to them.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “Putting local builders at the heart of apprenticeship development and training will unlock additional high-quality opportunities for young people and help Britain get back on its feet. We need an army of builders to help deliver the new homes that this country desperately needs. They will also upgrade our existing homes to make them more energy efficient and fit for purpose in the years ahead.”
