The construction industry is facing a major skills shortage, with recent figures revealing that since 1990 there has been a 40% drop in the number of under 24s joining the industry. With an ageing workforce, 17% of whom are due to retire within the next 10 years*, there are currently too few young people joining the industry to fill the gap. National Apprenticeship Week taking place from 6th to 10th February 2012, aims to raise the profile of the value of apprentices to employers.
Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson is committed to encouraging young people to consider entering the construction sector and provides apprenticeships that offer recruits the chance to learn practical on the job skills and equip themselves for a future career in the construction industry.
Ben Johnson, 19, has been employed as an apprentice carpenter at Crest Nicholson Midland‘s Hunts Grove development in Gloucester.
Ben comments: “After two years studying carpentry at college I realised that I much preferred the hands on aspects of working on site, so looked for an apprenticeship where I could keep up my study and learn my trade through experience. I was really pleased to get an apprenticeship with Crest Nicholson and would love to go on to work for them full time once I’m qualified. Working for such a big company means I get lots of opportunities to learn new skills that I wouldn’t get to experience just through college. Plus I’m getting to learn by being hands-on and being taught by experienced craftsmen in the trade right now. None of my friends are currently doing apprenticeships but I’d definitely recommend it.”
Stephen Stone, Chief Executive of Crest Nicholson, comments: “It is essential for the future growth of the construction sector and to address the potential skills shortage we are facing in coming years that we attract more young people to work in the industry. At Crest Nicholson we have a robust Apprenticeships training programme in place in order to equip young people with the skills they need to forge a successful, lifelong career in the building and construction industry. As Ben testifies, an apprenticeship is an invaluable means to getting on the job practical training that equips young people with the skills they need to set themselves up for the future and ensures that specialist skills continue to be passed on.”