New film shines spotlight on apprenticeships in the construction sector
The National Apprenticeship Service has launched a new film to encourage more young people to explore the wide range of apprenticeships available in the construction sector.
In the film, four former and current apprentices working in different roles across the sector, recount their experiences and talk about how an apprenticeship has benefited them.The four stars include an advanced civil engineering technician apprentice working for Morgan Sindall as part of the BBMV joint venture for Crossrail in London as well as current and former apprentices working for building company BE Ames, plumbing and heating business Century Plumbing and construction consultancy Costain. The interviewees also talk about the breadth of skills they developed during their apprenticeship and the importance of the sector to the economy.
Employers, led by CITB, the Industry Training Board and Sector Skills Council for the construction sector, are being encouraged to promote the film across the sector and to young people. The film will also be used by the National Apprenticeship Service in resource packs for schools and at careers events up and down the country. To view and share the film visit www.apprentice.tv.
Regina Tumblepot, 26, who features in the film, works for Morgan Sindall on the BBMV joint venture on Crossrail’s Whitechapel and Liverpool Street Station Tunnels project, and was also named Crossrail Apprentice of the Year earlier this year. She said, ‘My apprenticeship has given me the best of both worlds; the opportunity to earn while I learn, achieve a well respected qualification, whilst gaining valuable, hands-on experience. There are many different types of jobs in the construction sector, for all sorts of people from all sorts of background. I would definitely encourage more young people to think about doing an apprenticeship.’
David Way, chief executive of the National Apprenticeship Service, commented: ‘Whether you’re interested in the planning stages of building a house or the many trades involved, there are a wide range of apprenticeships on offer. Skilled staff are always in demand in this sector, and many job opportunities are set to be created over the next few years, so there has never been a better time to think about an apprenticeship in the construction sector. We hope young people will see the film and be inspired to explore what an apprenticeship could do for them.’
The film is the fourth in a series of ‘sector in the spotlight’ films being created by the National Apprenticeship Service to promote apprenticeships in key industry sectors.
Apprenticeships cover more than 250 skills and industries across 1,400 job roles, over an extensive range of skill levels. An apprenticeship in the construction sector can cover a broad range of roles. This includes construction building, civil engineering, building energy management systems, construction supervision and management, electrical servicing, surveying and plumbing and heating. Practical skills are important in this sector, and many roles require physical work.
Government funding is available to help companies take on an apprentice. Through the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) of 16 to 24 year olds, businesses who choose to grow their business through apprenticeships can access funding of £1,500. The grant is open to organisations employing up to 1,000 people, who have never employed an apprentice before, or have not recruited one in the past 12 months.
For more information on apprenticeships visit: www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
