Construction's Major Employer Groups to take on over 1,500 Apprentices in 2012

Construction’s major employer groups have committed to taking on over 1,500 apprentices between them in 2012 according to the Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council CITB-ConstructionSkills.

Employers, including those from UK Contractors Group, Home Builders Federation and Major Home Builders Group, have collectively allocated training budget for 1,560 full time apprentices in their business plans for this year in order to prepare for an increase in workforce demand expected when the market picks up towards the end of 2013.

Mike Bialyj, Director of Employer Services, CITB-ConstructionSkills said: “The outlook for apprenticeship recruitment in 2012 is looking much healthier than last year’s figures. As a managing agency our own recruitment numbers are on the rise but these figures from the major employer groups are also encouraging. It’s clear that employers are carefully planning their 2013/14 workforce* now to make sure that they have the skills and talent at the ready to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise.

“Apprentices are the lifeblood of the industry and continued support for apprenticeships is critical if we are to have a steady pipeline or talent coming into the sector. We are an aging industry with one in ten expected to retire in the next decade so we really need to continue to recruit and train more people into the sector.

“It’s also great that so many of the larger employers have been helping SMEs by taking on an apprentice but allowing that apprentice to train and work for the smaller contractor. This has been working really well for many throughout the sector.”

Stephen Ratcliffe, Director of UKCG said: “With business conditions remaining difficult, it’s great to see firms on the front-foot and prioritising investment in apprenticeships and talent development. The premium in construction is on the quality of apprenticeship programmes. These additional placements are welcome opportunities for young people to develop the depth of skills they need to secure a long term sustainable career”.

Kier Group Plc plan to take on at least 145 apprentices this year. 

Ian Dickerson, Head of New Entrants at Kier said: “We have a strong track record of investing in training and supporting apprenticeship programmes and are pleased to announce that this is to continue and expand into 2012. Kier has benefitted greatly from supporting and investing in apprentices. Many of our skilled and valued employees have come into the industry via this route, and we want to continue to source and develop new entrants in this way.”

Employers from the Home Builders Federation intend to take on over 100 apprentices despite being one of the trade groups hit the hardest in the recession.

Karen Jones, Human Resources Director from Redrow Homes said “We strongly believe in training and developing our workforce. Apprenticeship recruitment is a key part of this and Redrow will continue this commitment in 2012. Along with other members of the Major Home Builders in the UK we are looking to expand and develop our workforce ready for future growth.”

CITB-ConstructionSkills has been working hard with industry to help SMEs take on apprenticeships by developing its shared apprenticeship scheme and providing additional funding and support.

For more information about CITB-ConstructionSkills training grants visit http://www.cskills.org/levy-grant/grant/index.aspx

*The 2012 Construction Skills Network report forecasts a 4% increase in construction output expected in 2013