FEATURE HIRING APPRENTICES
More apprentices in half the time? The government is working with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the National
two apprentices felt that they could have completed the requirements in less time than they did. “There’s such a wide spectrum of abilities in a group of apprentices,” he says. “Some will be better at some of the work and others will pick up different aspects more quickly. “Both the lads said they could have completed the physical work a lot quicker. “To be honest, I think shortening the process is a good thing, because it’s best if apprentices just get in, get theoretical knowledge and really get good at what they do on the job. It’s like learning to drive. You can pass your test and get a driver’s licence but it doesn’t mean you’re a good driver. It’s only through driving that you get good at it. “Learning in the college format only gets you so far. But it’s so important nowadays for people to have a piece of paper showcasing their qualifications. Plus, it’s a sense of achievement, especially for those who maybe didn’t do so well in school. It tells them they can do it. “But the older I get the more I
House-Building Council (NHBC) to deliver fast-track apprenticeships, with the aim of training more apprentices over shorter periods. The fast-track apprenticeships can be completed in 12-18 months compared with traditional construction apprenticeships lasting 24-30 months. The hope is that there will be 5,000 more construction apprenticeship places available in a year. There is more than £100 million coming from NHBC to create new training hubs, and £40 million from CITB to back viable industry partners to provide training. The news has been met with mixed feelings from construction industry stakeholders. Preece is not excited about the change. “I completely disagree with shortcuts to apprenticeships,” he says. “The lads who complete these shorter programmes will not have the skills needed to uphold industry standards, and the overall quality of work would drop as a result. “Construction is a hands-on trade, and mastering the necessary skills takes time, patience, and experience on site. If anything, I would recommend extending training to a minimum of three years to ensure apprentices are fully prepared to meet the demands of the industry.” Bailey is more optimistic about the proposed changes, noting that his
realise that experience, physically doing the job, getting it wrong and doing it again – that’s the best way to learn.”
Master Builder 30
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