GUEST ARTICLE: The benefits of a construction-based apprenticeship

There are many common misconceptions surrounding apprenticeships and the value they hold. People often think taking this pathway is a lesser alternative to other forms of higher education, but this is becoming a very outdated view, according to this guest article from chartered surveyor, Lee Hatwell.

The trades industries in particular are working towards eliminating these myths and show that apprenticeships can be a gateway to securing higher management and technical positions that requires on–the job experience but a wealth of in–depth technical knowledge. 

Munday + Cramer is a leading chartered surveyor and architectural practice with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. They have been commended for encouraging young staff to form part of the UK‘s first cohort to complete the BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Degree Apprenticeship. Whilst a valuable degree is earned, they also earn the advantage of gaining invaluable experience and hands–on training, as well as a fast–track route to attain Chartered status.

Lee Hatwell, who is also a Munday + Cramer company director, has seen huge benefits of hiring apprentices, that are often overlooked by other industry professionals. Here he shares his thoughts on why it’s something all businesses should consider…

Develop the perfect worker

“Providing an apprenticeship scheme to young workers is the ultimate way for them to learn the ‘ins and outs’ of the job whilst being entirely immersed in the industry.

This results in the quintessential worker – an individual perfectly moulded to suit the industry who can become a true asset to any team. This way of employing also comes with the added benefit of the apprentice’s salary not being a substantial outgoing for the company in the initial stages of their career.

It has been reported, by the Construction Industry Training Board, that a considerable 75% of the 1,000 construction employers agreed that the implementation of an apprenticeship scheme within the workplace was the driving force that helped to push their business forward.

Munday + Cramer themselves engage in the Degree Apprenticeship program allowing an apprentice the chance to gain a degree whilst employed in the industry.

This approach will enable the practice to develop using ‘home–grown’ talent and, in the same vein as a construction–based apprenticeship, is both effective and efficient in the growth of the business.

Impress your audience

A company‘s corporate image will be notably improved by adding an apprentice to their workforce. To clients, shareholders, investors, and even potential employees, this business decision suggests that the company is forward–thinking and entirely capable of training and encouraging development in their employees, as well as contributing pro–actively to providing opportunities to young people.

Perhaps the most prevalent benefit of hiring an apprentice in the construction industry is that once they transfer from the apprenticeship scheme into full–time employment, they will already be familiar with the workplace they are in, their colleagues and the way the business runs.

Induction periods won’t be necessary as the apprentice–turned–employee seamlessly blends into the framework of the business which is the best possible outcome for both clients and other employees.

Saving the industry

In recent years, the construction industry as a whole has seen an ever–growing decline in the number of qualified skilled workers. Meanwhile, the construction industry itself has steadily grown alongside this lack of trained professionals.

It seems very likely that there will soon be more empty positions that need filling than there are professionals currently working in the industry.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation has related this decline of trained professionals to the general absence of apprentices in the industry.

In 2014, there were reportedly just 8,000 apprentices working in the construction industry. This alone was 25% decrease from the statistics gathered in 2008.

The same study estimates that the industry would require a staggering 36,000 apprentices to plug this employment hole, proving that apprenticeship schemes are thoroughly important for not only individual businesses, but the sector as a whole.”