ConstructionSkills backs need for apprentices

ConstructionSkills is supporting construction businesses to take on apprentices during the recession as it will offer benefits both now and in the future.

Apprentice applications are down this year compared to recent years.

There have been 6,845 applications received so far and only 1,880 employer vacancies offered, but 740 employers and apprentices have been matched to date.

A total of 5,800 young people in England started an apprenticeship last year with ConstructionSkills.

With the public sector forecast to remain stable over the next few years relative to other sectors, and an increasing number of construction firms bidding on these projects, those who employ apprentices could have a major advantage.

The Office of Government Commerce's (OGC) new guidelines for public sector procurement state that contractors who can demonstrate a commitment to skills and training may be the preferred choice to take on work as part of the Government's GBP7 billion annual spend.

ConstructionSkills wants companies of all sizes to recognise the business benefits of apprentices and to commit to helping young people enter the industry to avoid losing valuable skills and talent to other sectors.

Apprentices taken on now will be trained in time for the predicted upturn in demand for construction services by 2011.

The most recent published forecasts, from the Construction Skills Network (CSN), reveal two distinct phases for the industry...

- one of recession: through 2009 and into 2011.

- one of gradual recovery: from 2011 to 2013.

Director of ConstructionSkills Apprenticeships, Max Hamps, said: "Times are tough, competition for contracts is even tougher".

"That's when a well-trained, extra pair of hands could make a real difference to your chances".

"By offering a flexible resource that can help your business grow, an apprentice could be the best investment your business ever makes.

We will continue to work closely with the house builders in particular who so far have been the most affected by the downturn".

Andrew Denby at Tamdown, a construction firm offering services for both private and public clients, said, "We're committed to apprenticeships as these are essential to the future of the industry as a whole as well as being a key element of the future of this business.

"Given the current economic climate we are confident that investment such as this will lead to their retention within Tamdown upon completion of their college courses, thus avoiding the need to spend money on expensive recruitment drives".

ConstructionSkills financially supports employers that take on apprentices with up to GBP9,820 in CITB-ConstructionSkills Grant.

In addition, a network of trained advisors provides ongoing mentoring and support.

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