Building Firm Foundations For The Region's Next Generation Of Construction Apprentices

The construction sector is currently in the grip of a widespread skills shortage with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) recently announcing that approximately 157,000 new recruits are required by 2021 to keep up with current demand. There has also been a reported 26% fall in the number of UK apprenticeships taken up in the first quarter of 2018, a statistic that leading learning providers like Northumberland College are keen to turn around in joint collaboration with regional employers.

Working with the likes of Bernicia and Taylor Wimpey who employ apprentices across all trades, the College’s purpose-built construction academy offers state-of-the-art workshop facilities and complements vocational-based training provision available to 16-19 year old students. It sees multi-trade organisations successfully working in partnership with Northumberland College to enable learners to enter employment fully prepared.

Construction-led apprenticeship courses follow frameworks and standards designed in conjunction with industry requirements and reflecting employers’ exact needs. As well as mainstream construction methods, opportunities have also been created for College students to learn specialist heritage skills. This has been welcome news, especially for organisations working on older buildings, using traditional craft techniques or alternative raw materials, and has helped to plug an industry skills gap, especially in Northumberland.

Paul Richmond, Head of the Construction Academy at Northumberland College explained, “Employers, especially those who provide niche construction services, often find themselves struggling to find the right candidates for employment so by giving our learners a complete insight into the industry across all trades, we can reduce the skills gap and offer well-rounded training. Our construction academy opened in 2014 and because of the quality of facilities, we can provide a full overview from traditional, highly skilled craftsmanship and long-standing working methods to use of modern techniques, the latest technologies and new equipment.

“For areas like Northumberland where construction could include farm or agricultural-based projects in more rural areas, this is definitely an added bonus and a boost to the local economy through greater employment opportunities.

Courses at Northumberland College are delivered by industry professionals in realistic workshop environments and range from entry level to advanced level 3. They include joinery, carpentry, tiling, plumbing, painting and decorating and property maintenance, with other, more unique courses including building crafts, textile floor covering and block paving. Work placements are also offered to full time students.

The College updates its apprenticeship programmes regularly in line with regional partners and sector stakeholders. Due to the quality of training received, students have been very successful in their respective subject areas representing the North East in national competitions like Skill Build.

Paul added, “Our association with companies including PASLOD, Rubi, Sigma and WEBER means that learners are trained using the latest technologies in preparation for employment. We are at the forefront of learning provision and larger construction organisations with a payroll over £3m could use their levy funding to access and take advantage of employee development through apprenticeships.

“Construction companies cannot afford to dismiss the importance of attracting the next generation of talent and through apprenticeships, we can increase opportunities, especially for females, and inspire young people to join the industry.