Apprentices for the construction industry

It contributes considerably to Devon’s economy in terms of job creation and economic output, but the construction industry at an entrant level has a skills problem, says a leading industry expert.

Seen as something of a litmus test for local economies, the construction industry reflects the strength and confidence of the marketplace.

In Devon, nearly 25,000 people were employed within the construction industry in 2013 – that’s 5.3% of total employment.

And looking at its supply chain, the jobs created and its contribution to economic output, and the construction industry and its associated partners play a vital role in Devon’s overall economy.

So why does it struggle to attract new entrants through apprenticeship schemes?

Trades such as bricklayers, roofers, plasterers, floor layers, scaffolders, shopfitters, crane operatives, glaziers, engineers, plant technicians, and many more skills form the lifeblood for the industry’s future.

The problem, according to BAM‘s Construction Director, Graham Kingdon, isn’t the lack of interest from young potential apprentices, it’s the lack of opportunity.

Construction firms are sometimes unwilling, or unable, to commit to a two-year apprenticeship programme, when they can’t guarantee that work is available for that period within an acceptable geographic radius for the young apprentice to travel.

The nature of the work, as many trades will confirm, is fluid and those employed in the industry often find that they work on projects across a wide geographic area.

For 17 to 19-year-olds, some without their own transport, that can be a real problem, and with many school leavers looking for opportunities, it can be a difficult business in which to find apprenticeships.

Now a new company, launching this week, will match up apprentices with construction firms.

South West Shared Apprenticeships will effectively employ apprentices who will be allocated to jobs within the building industry.

In return, construction firms are asked to commit to at least 13 weeks of work in one location, which is far more likely than a two-year contract.

And the apprentices, over a two year period and perhaps over a number of projects, will accumulate sufficient experience to achieve Level 1 and 2 NVQs, helping them improve their employability in the industry.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for economic growth, says:

“There is a serious shortage of skilled labour as the economy recovers.

“Not all contractors can ensure continuity of work near where it’s reasonable to expect a young person to travel to.

“South West Shared Apprenticeships will remove that burden from contractors. By employing the apprentices directly and managing placements for them across multiple contractors if required, the company allows contractors to take an apprentice on for as little as 13 weeks and will only pay for the time the apprentice is with them. The company will then place the apprentice elsewhere and manage transport and college training for them.”

It’s a win-win situation, says BAM’s Graham Kingdon:

“The industry is trying to improve its profile among schools and college students, and encouraging new entrants. Schemes like this will remove some major barriers that make it difficult for construction industry apprentices to feel secure about the option.”

South West Shared Apprenticeships is a partnership of Bournemouth Council, which leads the group, the Construction Framework South West, led by Devon County Council, and industry partners BAM Construction Ltd, Morgan Sindall and Mouchell. The partnership is advised by The Construction Industry Training Board and the SOSAVI Consulting.