Apprenticeships for tomorrow’s workforce
The construction industry has faced a barrage of challenges in recent years, from economic volatility and labour shortages to increasing demand for sustainable building practices. Julie Deeley, director of operations at EN:Able Futures, part of Efficiency North, highlights how avenues like apprenticeships and skills development can unlock the sector’s potential.
To navigate the labyrinth of pressures, a larger, skilled workforce is urgently needed. Yet, the industry is grappling with a significant skills shortage, with the Construction Skills Network reporting that 225,000 new workers will be required by 2027 to meet demand.
Adding complexity, digital transformation and the push for green practices are reshaping job requirements, demanding specialised skills that traditional pathways often fail to provide. We are seeing the consequences reflected in recruitment and retention industry wide. Against this backdrop, industry leaders and organisations have started to join forces to lead the remake of the sector.
The current market
The Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO) from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has recently revealed that while recruitment challenges are widespread, construction and engineering firms are among the hardest hit, with 82 percent reporting difficulties. This has contributed to slower productivity and growth in the UK construction sector.
Beyond these numbers, there’s a deeper issue: an exodus of experienced workers taking their expertise with them as they retire, leaving gaps that are hard to fill. Meanwhile, we’re seeing outdated perceptions of what opportunities are available in the sector continue to cast a shadow over apprenticeships, deterring young people from entering the field.
This is particularly concerning as the labour government plans to build 1.5 million homes and boost infrastructure, requiring an additional 50,300 workers annually over the next five years. Individually, organisations and businesses have failed so far in developing solutions that have the large-scale impact needed to transform the trajectory of the sector and, from what we’ve seen, collaboration and commitment needs to be increased to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Dispelling myths
Misconceptions about apprenticeships have cast a long shadow over the industry, creating a perception barrier. Many still perceive construction as digging holes, laying bricks and getting dirty – which it’s not. This outdated view no longer reflects the reality of today’s construction workforce. In fact, the increasing demand for digital and green skills in the sector shows just how modern and specialised construction is, offering desirable career prospects.
As the construction industry evolves, the need for professionals skilled in digital construction technologies, sustainable building practices, and renewable energy solutions has never been greater. Apprenticeships now offer a pathway into these high-tech, high-demand fields, equipping young people with the cutting-edge skills that align with their passions and similarly, the industry’s needs, allowing them to see construction as a versatile and sustainable career choice.
Practical skills for a future-ready workforce
Practical experience is essential for progression in the industry, and apprenticeship programs take young workers on that path from the start. Encouraging businesses to ‘grow their own talent’ by recruiting young people on an entry-level apprenticeship and supporting advancement through qualifications, means they can cultivate talent from the ground up.
This approach allows employers to shape apprentices’ skills to meet specific needs, instilling industry standards and aligning them with company culture from the start. Over time, businesses can build long-term relationships, reduce turnover, and develop future leaders internally.
Many businesses prefer to hire graduates as they feel they’re more prepared for the roles but in reality, classroom learning very rarely translates to the work environment. Those that have progressed from a level three construction apprenticeship through to a degree apprenticeship have the same qualifications as graduates but upwards of three years of experience. While it’s a commitment to employ someone younger and take responsibility for all their learning, the long-term rewards are proven.
Looking to the horizon
The construction sector is rapidly changing, and while the industry does attract workers, the additional number highlighted by the Construction Skills Network report shows that there is more to do if we are going to have the workforce needed for the future. While isolated strategies have supported some businesses, more are realising that a collaborative approach is required.
Groups such as the Built Environment Shared Apprenticeship Service (BESAS), a collaboration of six prominent ‘not-for-profit’ flexi-job apprenticeship organisations including EN:Able Futures, have united to pioneer apprenticeship models that can bridge the gap between education and employment, together. Working with the Department for Education, it aims to provide pathways for young people to enter the industry and encourage built environment companies to commit to creating viable routes for them.
It’s evident that a true focus on apprenticeships from businesses, organisations and central government is needed to address the challenges facing the industry and develop a future-proofed workforce.
For a list of the sources used in this article, please contact the editor.
Julie Deeley is director of operations at EN:Able Futures, part of Efficiency North. Efficiency North is a membership-owned and led consortium of social housing providers. Efficiency North Holdings Limited is the holding company for EN:Procure Ltd, EN:Able Futures CIC, EN:Able Build Ltd and EN:Able Communities CIO. Across its branches, it provides a range of professional services that save time and money, add social value and support social and economic regeneration in communities in Northern England.
EN:Able Futures is an award-winning flexi-job apprenticeship service that recruits, employs and provides pastoral services to ensure apprentices remain employed for the full duration of their apprenticeship. The service makes it easier for businesses across Northern England to take on an apprentice, regardless of how long for, as they are not always able to commit to the duration of the training programme.
www.efficiencynorth.org/en-able-futures