Subscribe

Subscribe to MEM Magazine

MEM Business

Construction Apprenticeship Numbers Soaring

Construction Apprenticeship Numbers Soaring

According to figures released by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) this week, the number of people starting construction apprenticeships in the UK is at a record high. The announcement came at a fitting time during National Apprenticeship Week, and it appears that the national drive to encourage companies to implement apprenticeship schemes has certainly paid off!

In 2015/16 just fewer than 25,000 people started a construction apprenticeship across England, Scotland and Wales, with the CITB funding over 8,400 employers which supported 24,600 apprenticeships, with £57 million provided as part of funding grants. For every apprentice that a company employs, the CITB has up to £10,250 of funding available, and research conducted in February suggests that 179,000 new workers are needed over the course of the next five years, so it is important that these figures continue to increase.

These figures show that more employers than ever before are taking on apprentices, commented Sarah Beale, the Chief Executive of the Construction Industry Training Board. These record numbers are made possible by increased awareness of the opportunities available, including through the industry-led Go Construct website. We are also working to improve the quality of apprenticeships, with CITB supporting construction employers to develop 31 new Apprenticeship Standards to meet the changing needs of our industry.

Beale has also stressed her encouragement to all employers in the industry to start taking on apprentices, because not only is it good for the sector it is also great for growing businesses. She also stressed that the CITB is ready to provide them with the funding and support that is needed to make any new apprenticeships possible.

These record breaking figures are just what the industry needs to be seeing in a time clouded by economic uncertainty, as it provides a boost and shows that there is plenty of positivity out there still!


Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News

Share this post

Subscribe to MEM Newsletters!