Employers Bridge The Skills Gap – Not Apprenticeship Grants

 

Seddon is one of the North-West's largest family-run construction firms and has championed apprenticeships for decades. It saw applications oversubscribed by 6,000% this year for its apprenticeship programme.

 

Hodkinson says: “The Construction Industry Training Board's announcement of a £150 million investment in apprenticeship grants until 2025 marks a promising step forward in closing the skills gap within the construction industry. According to the CITB, 31% of construction employers are considering hiring an apprentice. Another recent survey revealed that nearly half (48%) of employers say they ‘may’ take on an apprentice.

This ‘may’ needs to turn into a ‘must’ if we are to sustain our sector and meet demand.

 

This shift comes on the heels of the Prime Minister’s announcement to launch Skills England back in July. But real change will only happen through true collaboration between government bodies, education providers, and businesses of all sizes. We know we need 251,000 additional skilled construction workers by 2028. With 31% of employers struggling to find skilled staff, the challenge is clear.

If the 48% of employers still uncertain about bringing on apprentices committed to hiring just one apprentice, we could transform the industry's skills shortage. The goal is within reach but we need to do things differently – we need to incentivise apprenticeship employment.”