Construction Apprenticeships Working Group

This month saw the first meeting of a new group which will shape the future of construction apprenticeships.

The Construction Apprenticeships Working Group, chaired by Steve Hearty, Director of Apprenticeships at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), met during April to help address future skills requirements in the construction industry.

The groups includes a number of key industry figures from a range of large and SME contractors.

The aim is to support the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), by bringing forward evidence that identifies the industry’s future apprenticeship needs, the barriers to them, and the development of construction apprenticeship standards. It will also work with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Benita Notely, IfA Head of Standards, intended to underpin this new, joined-up approach.

Tony Ellender, group member and Emerging Talent Manager at Balfour Beatty, said: “I am delighted to join this group. It is the perfect opportunity to accelerate the progress of construction apprenticeship standards across the industry.

“After a successful first meeting, I am extremely confident of a clear, consistent, approach to the development of apprenticeships throughout construction leading to more talented individuals joining our sector.”

The inaugural meeting saw the group discuss a number of topics, including:

• Defining what occupations construction employers need from apprenticeships
• Addressing key reasons for failure to complete apprenticeships and/or enter construction
• Grow the proportion of women and Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) undertaking and completing apprenticeships
• Ensure provision is available in the occupations and locations where it’s needed.

CITB’s Steve Hearty, said: “Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of the construction industry. It is vital that the right training is in place to produce the highly-skilled workforce required, and help encourage more talented people from all backgrounds into construction.

“Our first meeting was highly constructive and demonstrated the strategic approach that we will be taking to apprenticeship standards going forward. This talented and capable group is well equipped to deliver the outcomes industry needs.”

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