The Construction Apprenticeships Working Group: #Apprenticeships task group setting the Standards

A task force set up in April to shape the future of construction apprenticeships has reached a key milestone, with the approval of 51 new Apprenticeship Standards.

The new employer-designed Standards will mean employers of all sizes will be able to access world-class apprenticeship training that meets their skills needs.

The Construction Apprenticeships Working Group is formed of representatives from across the industry, including large contractors and SMEs. The panel was set up to support the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Skills Group to drive forward the design of construction apprenticeship Standards, to meet industry skills needs.

Chaired by Steve Hearty, CITB’s Director of Apprenticeships, the group has worked with the Institute of Apprenticeships (IfA) and employer groups to ensure the new Standards are approved for delivery ahead of the end-of-year deadline. The group now aims to progress a further 20 Standards by December. The new Standards include trades across Civils, Access, and Carpentry and Joinery and many other skilled occupations.

The group has worked closely with the IFA who attended the working group meetings, with the Standards now live on the IFA website. Critically, all new Standards have been designed to:

Ensure apprenticeship provision in the occupations and locations where there is the greatest need for skilled workers first, based on CITB’s labour market information

Address key issues that have reduced apprenticeship completion rates and the number of people successfully entering industry from an apprenticeship

Grow the proportion of women and Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) undertaking and completing apprenticeships.

Mark Reynolds, Skills Lead for the CLC and Chief Executive of Mace, said:

“This is a big step forward for construction apprenticeships and the industry. The creation of the working group has provided crucial insight into the future needs of the construction sector. Their work, together with the IfA, has helped to identify potential skills gaps and ensure industry employers are able to develop the Standards they need. The group and the IfA have also made good progress on shortening the approval process and in addressing any concerns around consistency in occupational competency assessment.

“The new Standards will help to empower employers to deliver the skills they need to meet the demands of a modern business. They will do this by strengthening construction apprenticeships, which will play a vital role in building the workforce of the future.”

Paul Allman, Director of Hawk Group and Construction Apprenticeships Working Group member, said:

“The new Standards have been created by employers for employers in our industry. The group all have key roles in construction and know what training is needed for a successful apprenticeship. This work is testament to the commitment of our industry to ensure we create apprenticeships that are delivering for employers.”