Young people in England and Wales learnt how they can pursue a rewarding career in construction during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), with events and conversations that took place across the country.  With approximately 2,200 new workers needed in the finishes and interiors sector each year up to 2025, and the CITB Migration Report showing that 16% of companies across construction will look to provide more apprenticeships in response to the challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit, it’s a great time to be talking about apprentices and engage young people in the process.  Take a look at the recording of the Building an Apprentice Workforce webinar that FIS held on Thursday 11 February.

What can you do?
Taking on an apprentice or utilising the new Construction Traineeship initiative is a fantastic opportunity for any business.  If you have post details of apprenticeship opportunities, these can be posted on the FIS JobSpot and let us know about work placement opportunities.  The FIS website has a range of tips and advice on how you can look at taking on apprentices, take a look at the FIS Apprentice – Guidance for Employers, you’ll find it at the bottom this page – Apprenticeships.  Young people looking to learn about becoming an apprentice can get some great information from CITB Go Construct.  Scottish Apprenticeship Week will be taking place next week from Monday 1 to Friday 5 March 2021.

As the Government looks to construction to be a trailblazer in leading Britain’s economic recovery, there are great opportunities and incentives for employers to start getting new talent into finishes and interiors businesses.  Up to £2,000 is on offer for each new apprentice an employer hires by 31 March this year – there have been 19,000 applications for this fund already.

In addition, there is also a further £1,000 of funding available for apprentices aged 16 to 18 or under 25 who have an education, health and care plan or have been in the care of their local authority.  There’s also currently a £1,000 boost to help companies taking on new trainees and further support via CITB funding and grants for organisations in scope.

FIS is a KickStart Gateway organisation and can help its members take advantage of this scheme which may encourage you to take on an apprentice, have a look at The Plan for Jobs.  There is also the FIS BuildBack programme that introduces new entrants to Drylining for more information please go to: FIS BuildBack.  To get involved please:

  • Learn how to register and use the apprenticeship service as an employer then create an account with the National Apprenticeship Service Set up your Account
  • Post your apprenticeship opportunities on the National Apprenticeship Service websites England by clicking here, and on Welsh Government Apprenticeship Vacancy Service by clicking here; and on the FIS JobSpot
  • Share your apprentice stories with FIS to encourage other employer members
  • Tag your vacancies on social media so everyone can see and share your posts.

This is an opportunity for the finishes and interiors organisations to talk openly with young people and those looking for a career change about the opportunities they have to pursue a rewarding career in the sector, while also attracting new talent where people may be looking for a career change.  There is a commitment to get more learners from further education into jobs and apprenticeships, while also increasing the number of apprentices completing their training contact your local college to see if they can help.