While the UK construction industry is booming, its future growth depends on its ability to attract talent. In fact, it has been projected that the growth of the sector will require the creation of over quarter of a million new jobs.
To help meet this challenge companies of all sizes are being encouraged to hire apprentices. Employing an apprentice will not only help you company, but will help ensure the future of the sector as a whole.
As you can see from the graphic below, many employers within the construction industry have improved their companies through the hiring of apprentices. It is also telling that companies that hire apprentices are popular with consumers.
To learn more about how to hire an apprentice, and the benefits of doing so, please look through the infographic below.
We're very fortunate that Tom Laws, from the National Careers Service, has agreed to share some of his tips for employers thinking of hiring an apprentice. You can find this below the infographic.
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Advice for employers
From National Careers Service Adviser Tom Laws
What are the major benefits of employing an apprentice for an employer?
Apprenticeships increase business productivity while providing high quality training for learners of all ages, making those with an apprenticeship more employable than those with other professional and technical qualifications. Apprenticeships develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce and improve productivity while reducing costs.
Is it possible for small businesses to employ an apprentice?
Apprenticeships deliver for employers of all sizes.
What are the first steps a business should take if they are looking to employ an apprentice?
The National Apprenticeship Service is here to support employers and has made it easier than ever to employ an apprentice. This includes having dedicated employer teams, including SME specialists.
Follow these steps to take on an apprentice:
- Check for an apprenticeship in your industry and at a suitable level.
- Register your interest in employing an apprentice with the National Apprenticeship Service.
- Find a training organisation that offers apprenticeships for your industry - they’ll handle your apprentice’s training, qualification and assessment.
- Check if you’re eligible for a grant and apply.
- Advertise your apprenticeship - your training organisation will do this for you through the Find an Apprenticeship You can track your vacancies by registering as an employer.
- Select your apprentice and make an apprenticeship agreement with them.
What tips can you give for choosing the right apprentice?
- Advertise your apprenticeship - your training organisation will do this for you through the Find an Apprenticeship You can track your vacancies by registering as an employer.
- Select your apprentice and make an apprenticeship agreement with them.
What are your top tips for training an apprentice?
The Government’s reforms mean young people can choose the route that’s best for them. With new higher and degree apprenticeships on offer, young people can combine a world-class degree with a high quality apprenticeship. We want it to become the norm for young people to see an apprenticeship as an equally valid career pathway as going to university.
Quality is key to apprenticeships. We have already taken steps to ensure apprenticeships are high quality and meet employers’ needs – mandating that they must be paid jobs; include substantial and stretching training; and be at least 12 months’ duration and our research shows that these reforms have having a positive impact on quality.