With companies of all sizes tightening their belts, research by ConstructionSkills revealed that out of 1,500 industry firms surveyed, apprenticeship take up was 85 per cent lower than previously planned as companies look to cut back on overheads. With record unemployment among 16-24 year old, that is a major issue.

As apprenticeships provide a platform for future generations of construction workers, as well as give work opportunities to young people, the webinar is looking at how the decline in apprenticeships can be reversed. It is also part of a campaign by Willmott Dixon Partnerships to encourage more apprenticeship take up across the UK. Currently, the repairs and maintenance specialist has over 60 apprentices spread across the country.

Details:

When: Thursday February 18th at 1.30pm for 50 minutes.

Where: take part at your desk. Sign-up prior to Thursday by going to www.cn-apprentices.com and you can also pose some questions.

Why take part? This is an opportunity to put forward views on the state of apprenticeships in the construction industry. For example;
• What do you think about the current situation?
• What do you need from government and trade bodies to help?
• How do you see the future of apprenticeships for the industry?
• What do you do to support apprentices?

Mark says, “If employers do not halt this trend and take on more apprentices, we will find ourselves in a similar situation to that of the 1990s recession, where a noticeable skills gap in the workforce emerged when the economy shifted from stagnant to positively buoyant, and the skilled workforce that was required to fulfil order books was simply not there.

“Apprenticeships are a key element of our plans; they will maintain our skills needs and ensure we provide opportunities to young people local to where we work. Apprenticeships ensure people can fulfil their aspirations and also the future requirements of the local community and industry as a whole.”