Marvin OnumonuA report, titled ‘Construction Apprenticeships: Opportunities. Challenges. Support,’ by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) says that apprenticeship starts must triple to meet industry demand.
The report found that about 82,000 apprentices are enrolled in construction apprenticeships across Great Britain, with 33,000 starting in 2023-24.
Currently, only 21% of construction businesses employ an apprentice, and only 10% employ more than one.
CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) forecast estimates that 251,500 additional workers will be needed between 2024 and 2028.
To meet the industry’s annual recruitment requirement of 50,300 workers, apprenticeship starts need to triple.
The report suggests providing employers with targeted support and raising awareness of apprenticeship benefits.
CITB’s New Entrant Support Team (NEST) supported over 3,500 new apprenticeship starts between April and December 2024, more than doubling its impact.
Lucie Wright, head of careers strategy at CITB, said: “Apprenticeships are vital to the future of the construction industry. A hard-working apprentice is a fantastic asset to any business.
“If industry, government and education providers work together, we can make a big difference to people’s lives by increasing apprenticeships.”
Wright added: “Working in partnership with the government and the National House Building Council, we’re delivering new homebuilding skills hubs to deliver fast-track apprenticeship training, providing learners with training in “real-life” site conditions for an immersive, hands-on experience led by expert trainers.
“This being said, apprenticeships only form part of the training landscape – a relatively small part at that.
“At CITB, we’re also committed to developing alternative pathways to help more people into the industry and to help upskill existing workers.”
