Have you ever wondered how the construction industry fills in the gap for specialized roles? Despite a large looming crisis of skilled labour, an aging workforce, rising demand for projects, and technological advancements? The answer to all of that is by building trade apprenticeships.
Trade apprenticeships equip individuals with the skills, necessary knowledge, application of new technologies, and understanding of safety measures and regulations to work on construction sites.
Thus, a strategic system must be built to include them as a part of the future of the construction industry.
Addressing the skills shortage
The UK construction industry needs to employ 50,300 workers per year to meet the expected requirement of skilled work for the next five years. That is an increase from last year’s requirement of 45,000 workers.
As a drastic measure, the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) is investing £267 million, which involves supporting new entrants and apprenticeships into the industry. This prioritizes three primary areas:
- Diversifying skilled people in construction
- Develop a training system to build current and future needs
- Support the industry to train and develop the workforce
Apprenticeships as the solution
Building trade apprenticeships is a way of maintaining quality in the workforce and addressing the skills shortage. It is a highly effective, time-tested strategy. It is different from recruiting, as it involves practical training combined with a classroom-like environment. This ensures apprentices not only learn theoretical knowledge but also hands-on knowledge under the guidance of an industry-experienced expert.
1. Hands-on experience and ROI
From day one, a trade apprentice gets to know the job through real-world experiences and adds value to the work that they do under guided supervision. They offer a solution to workforce woes by delivering economically sustainable solutions.
- Enhanced productivity and superior quality of work: Trade apprentices learn while being on the job, which promises improved productivity and good quality of work
- Guidance from seasoned industry experts: The apprentices are provided training under the supervision of a mentor who ensures the quality of work is up to the mark.
- Return On Investment (ROI): Investing in apprenticeships is one way of handling the costs of hiring instead of hiring skilled labour at premium rates
2. Tailored skill development
It is a no-brainer that construction sites need more than labour; they need skilled and knowledgeable labour. Implementation of practices such as green building development, smart tools, and newly developed construction technologies is taught to individuals who can be future-proofed accordingly to changing construction trends and needs. Modern apprenticeship programs include:
- BIM or 3D modelling: visualizing complex construction projects
- Drones and Robotics: Experience with gadgets to survey uncharted land
- VR and AR: Virtual reality and augmented reality to provide training in controlled environments.
3. High retention and career growth
For businessmen in the construction industry, trade apprenticeships are one way of reducing costs and retaining employees.
- Earn while you learn: By not hiring fully trained workers at premium rates, apprenticeships offer an affordable option where they can be trained by offering them a stipend. This increases the longevity with the construction firm they are working with
- Increased retention: Apprentices are more likely to stay because of the skills and relationships they develop while being in the construction industry. This reduces the turnover rate
- Career growth: Trade apprentices are more productive because they continuously learn while increasing the chances of gaining higher roles as they progress through training.
4. Future-proofing the industry
The industry needs to ensure a smooth pipeline of workers that can meet industry demands. This is done by:
- Workforce development: The workforce is developed with the help of trade apprenticeships. With the government and construction regulatory bodies investing in the necessary apprenticeship programs, construction business owners can now build a reliable, sustainable, and diverse workforce
- Quality and Safety: Apprenticeship programs focus on workmanship and safety practices. This helps in reducing construction accidents, increasing project outcomes. Apprentices who adhere to safety and regulatory standards are invaluable for the construction industry, which requires a high level of safety
- Industry collaboration: Trade Apprenticeships foster partnerships among industry stakeholders that include employers, trade unions, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions
5. Innovation and adaptability
Apprenticeships bring innovation and adaptability to an ever-changing market in the construction industry. It is done through:
- Introduction of new ideas: Apprentices bring forward new ideas and creative solutions to projects that need
- Diversifying the workforce: People from all walks of life are included as part of the workforce, which promotes inclusivity.
- Linking up with trade schools and engineering colleges: Engineering colleges and diploma schools offer trainees or apprentices higher positions for specialized roles
- Staying updated on industry trends: construction companies focus on new laws and regulations, and prepare the apprentices as per the requirements.
How to build trade apprenticeships: tips for construction business owners
Incorporating a quality workforce into your business firm requires channeling all the resources. Here are a few tips for business owners like you in the construction industry :
- Build contacts with trade schools: building contacts with trade schools, vocational schools, training centres, and engineering institutions ensures a fresh supply of new talent.
- Develop training programs that align with industry practices: Training programs are a system where you can incorporate training and on-site work simultaneously.
- Promote benefits: Show career opportunities that emphasize job security.
- Invest in mentorship: Investing in mentorship programs offers a learning curve from seasoned experts.
- Show employee-friendly policies: Show associations with trade bodies, government institutions, and support for incentives.
Conclusion: Building the Future of the Construction Industry With Trade Apprentices
It is time to view trade apprentices as not some sort of training gimmick that only provides certifications. They are the future of the construction industry as they fill the gap of skill shortages, quality work, and most importantly, changing trends in practices.
Trade Recruit is a top construction hiring agency that provides you necessary apprentices as workforce based on the field of work you specialize in. So call us right now to get the right kinds of people for every sector your construction business needs.