Final call for applications to PCA's specialist construction apprenticeship
Time is running out for trainees to join the next intake of an apprenticeship in a specialist area of construction.
Applications close in March for next intake
Applications for the Property Care Association’s NVQ Level 2 diploma in Insulation and Building Treatments (Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing) close off in March.
Supported and funded by CITB, the programme has gone from strength-to-strength since the first cohort was inducted in December 2015, with the training offering a springboard into an area of construction not always on the radar when considering career options.
It draws in trainees from companies based across the UK, in both PCA member and non-member companies, and has an industry-high retention rate of 91 per cent. 18 students have passed the NVQ and a further 17 are currently going through the training.
The programme takes 18 months to complete, which includes 21 days of offsite training held at the PCA’s dedicated educational facility in Huntingdon.
Building a future for the preservation industry
Jade Stocker, the PCA’s Training Manager, said: “New recruits to the property maintenance and preservation sector are vital, to ensure the skills in this specialist area of construction are retained and fine-tuned for the next generation.
“There is a skills gap within the property care industry and by working with CITB on this apprenticeship we want to continue to raise awareness of a rewarding, skilled career in this valued trade, to address that.”
“The programme sets out to give a new generation of preservation professionals the important skills necessary to preserve and protect properties across the UK, with insight into subjects including wet and dry rot, wood boring insects, rising damp and timber treatments.
“We are extremely proud of the achievements of our trainees to date and look forward to welcoming the new cohort in 2019.
“Those who have completed the apprenticeship have been given a foothold into a sector that can offer a lifetime of learning and a varied, interesting and rewarding career.”
Don’t just take our word for it…
Lewis Moon has recently completed his apprenticeship the programme. The 22-year-old, who works for APP Preservation, said: “I’ve developed so much over the course of the training. I never wanted to go to university and now enjoy a job with plenty of opportunities, variety and a clear route to progress.”
There is grant funding available too!
Grant funding of £5,250 is available for this apprenticeship from CITB, subject to eligibility.