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Lack of Apprenticeships Jeopardises the Recovery of the Construction Industry

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Lack of Apprenticeships Jeopardises the Recovery of the Construction Industry

ApprenticeshipsAs increasingly more contractors and construction companies throughout the UK are turning to migrant labour to fill the skills gap in the industry, it begs the question – why aren’t we utilising our own unemployed workforce?

Well, the simple answer is that we don’t have enough apprentices.

For the eighth year in a row, the number of construction apprentices that have been completed has fallen. The most recent statistics for 2013-2014 shows that only 8,030 people completed an apprenticeship in a relevant sector, which, when compared to the 18,980 people in 2008-2009, explains quite easily why the industry is beginning to struggle.

It’s also important to remember that during the last recession, the industry lost almost 400,000 workers, and with the increased workload it is now experiencing as the industry begins to recover, it has no choice but to recruit from other countries in the EU.

Can we keep up with demand?

Another concerning statistic shows that only 50% of people embarking on a construction apprenticeship in 2013-2014, actually completed it. Again, this figure has fallen from the previous year when 66% of apprentices successfully completed the course.

The CITB estimates that 120,000 skilled workers will be needed over the next 5 years, which would mean the number of people completing apprenticeships would need to almost triple to stay on target.

Simon Curry is the Chief Executive of a specialist contractor accountancy, and explains that they are “seeing demand for subcontractors in many areas of construction” and if the building sector can not secure the necessary skills in the UK, it will put the recovery of the industry in jeopardy.

As a result of this skills gap, many contractors have no choice but to hire foreign workers on a higher wage to fill the gap.

The rising cost of overseas recruitment

The recruitment process and the subsequent increase in costs is putting pressure on the timescales and budgets of many projects. This means that projects are taking longer to complete and costing significantly more, which is bad news for the industry and the recovery of the economy as a whole.

Light at the end of the tunnel…

A spokesman for the CITB has stated they have evidence that, despite the fall in apprenticeship completions recently, the number of people taking up an apprenticeship is on the rise.

Obviously, the effects of this will take a while to filter through to employers and contractors, and it will only happen if the government, and the succeeding government, are dedicated to investing in the industry. They must make apprenticeships easily accessible to new workers, and ensure businesses are able to invest in our apprentices of the future.

Only with sustained commitment and investment in apprenticeship programmes will the UK stay on the right track for recovery.

HST’s Apprenticeship Programme

Here at Health and Safety Training Ltd, we’re committed to getting as many new recruits through the course as possible, so we can continue to supply well-trained and experienced apprentices to the construction industry.

We have a range of programmes to suit any career in construction, and our expert instructors can tailor a course to suit your needs as a learner, or an employer – simply get in touch today to find out more!

 

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