Make 2024 the year for apprenticeships in your business
This year, more than 337,000 of people undertook an apprenticeship in England: 23% of those as young people under the age of 19 and almost 14% completing their apprenticeship whilst already in work. Of these, around 1 in 12 are started in the construction occupations. This is a step change from even 20 years ago when there were 70% fewer apprenticeship starts in the UK.
As university degrees are becoming increasingly expensive, there is clear recognition that an apprenticeship can get you ahead: getting paid to learn whilst you earn.
This week I paid a visit to PCA member apprentices on the Level 2 Structural Waterproofing NVQ qualification. This qualification is aimed at individuals working in the structural waterproofing sector of construction. I am delighted that this year we have welcomed 27 apprentices, visiting the PCA training facilities from as far afield as Northern Ireland.
More women joining our apprenticeship programme
This year’s cohort includes Mystry Deeming-Reed from Timberwise, one of just three women to have undertaken the waterproofing apprenticeship so far. Each year, we are delighted that more women take part in our training, and we are particularly delighted to welcome our first woman on to our Damp & Timber apprenticeship. According to Construction News, almost 16% of the UK construction workforce is now women and we would love to see women making up a similar proportion of future apprenticeships.
Here at the PCA, we have led by example, with our newest apprentice Harry having recently passed his apprenticeship and two former apprentices still working with us today.
Challenges in recruiting
We know it isn’t easy however, with many of our members highlighting the challenges in recruiting new entrants to their business. Talentview Construction is a great way to advertise your apprenticeship vacancies to a wider talent pool. Brought to market by the Construction Leadership Council, government and CITB, this tool is widely shared with a pool of talent that members would otherwise be unable to access.
There is a career in construction for everyone and the sectors the PCA represents vary significantly: whether improving the health of a family via damp and timber treatment, designing and installing waterproofing systems for civil engineering projects, or treating invasive weeds around railways.
We can help you
As we move into the new year and consider our new year’s resolutions, make investing in the future of your business one of them. The Property Care Association is accepting registrations for the Structural Waterproofing and the Damp & Timber specialist applied skills programme (apprenticeship) and the next available dates are as follows:
Structural Waterproofing
- 8th – 11th January 2024
- 9th – 12th April 2024
- 1st – 4th July 2024
- Manufacturer Dates TBC
- 85th – 8th November 2024
Damp & Timber
- 18th – 21st March 2024
- 20th – 23rd May 2024
- 5th – 8th August 2024
- 7th – 10th October 2024
- 9th – 12th December 2024
We are always here to assist members with their apprenticeship journey. Simply get in touch with Amber or Harry in the training team via the button below...
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