95% of SME home builders say apprenticeships are essential, finds HBF

Research from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) found that 95% of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) home builders see apprenticeships as essential to tackling skills shortages, but current market pressures are stopping them from recruiting and training new talent.

The research showed that although micro businesses make up around 80% of the construction industry, less than 16% currently employ apprentices. 

The high cost of taking on an apprentice, especially when they are still training and less productive, was named as a key issue. 

With the current outlook, many businesses said it is hard to absorb this risk.

When asked about the main barriers, 17.5% of respondents cited challenging market conditions, and another 17.5% pointed to the difficulty subcontractors have in supporting apprentices before they become productive. 

A further 12% said finding suitable candidates was a problem.

The construction sector is expected to need around 47,860 extra workers each year to hit Government housing targets. 

Apprenticeship numbers would have to rise by between 200% and 300% to meet demand.