Why apprentices are good for business

As part of the 2010 Apprenticeship Employer Recruitment Drive ConstructionSkills held an online seminar (Webinar), to engage with employers in a different way. This helps get first-hand feedback from employers on what the apprenticeships system means to them, as well as their working relationships with ConstructionSkills as a managing agent. There was also the chance for delegates (viewers) to ask questions in advance, making this activity truly interactive – the face of things to come perhaps?

The webinar is currently available online and, with the panel comprising representatives from BAM Nuttall, Willmott Dixon and Morgan Ashurst, as well as ConstructionSkills’ Gillian Cain, it gave some really interesting insight into the construction apprenticeship landscape.

The topic of discussion was: Why apprentices are good for business, and the panellists analysed the business benefits apprenticeship programmes bring, such as building a loyal and dedicated staff with the right skills for the company, access to funding, boosting productivity and improved chances of winning public sector contracts.

The webinar was hosted by Construction News editor Nick Edwards, who quizzed the panel on some of their business challenges going forward. Whilst it was evident that industry as a whole is having to re-think business strategies, there was resounding agreement that apprentices are still a priority for them and that the future of their business depends on a fresh, well trained and engaged workforce coming through the books each year.

It isn’t just huge companies that benefit from taking on apprentices - small companies benefit too, with the additional funding available through Grant, having a young and enthusiastic pair of hands join the team and also, by demonstrating a firm commitment to apprenticeships and training. There is the added bonus of fulfilling the Corporate Social Responsibility targets that are set by larger companies.

The webinar proved to be a great sounding board and industry-wide endorsement for the continuation and further proliferation of apprentices in the construction industry – they are the lifeblood of industry and must be encouraged into a sector they perceive as being dynamic, innovative and opportunity-laden. Our panellists thought this was the case, but have a look for yourself to see if you think apprentices are good for business. 

There’s no substitute for a ConstructionSkills apprentice

Whatever the size of your company, working with one of our apprentices can be very good for business.

Taking on a ConstructionSkills apprentice can add fresh skills and talent to your business to help you build a contract winning team.

Only ConstructionSkills apprentices join you with:

• Up to £9,820 in training grants
• Our 40 years of know-how behind them
• Access to a network of over 160 expert training providers
• A 9% better chance of completing their apprenticeship than the national average
• Our local Apprenticeship Officers who make the process hassle free by helping with everything from paperwork to paying college fees

Call 0344 994 4044 or visit www.cskills.org/registermyvacancy