New Broad-Based Construction Apprenticeship

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A new Level-3 apprenticeship standard is filling a skills gap in the building sector and giving a boost to school-leavers, according to construction employers.

The recently-approved construction support technician (CST) apprenticeship is the result of two and a half years of collaboration between Leeds College of Building, a network of employers, professional bodies (CABE & CICES), associations (TICA & CECA), and major contractors across the construction and built environment sector.

Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Some 27 companies from the construction sector, led by Phil Evans of Barratt Developments, collaborated with the education sector on the creation, design and development of the apprenticeship programme. This co-ordinated effort enabled the new apprenticeship framework to be fully endorsed by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE). The training will launch in September and school leavers can apply now.  

Barratt Developments has agreed to take on 25 new CST Apprentices, with similar interest expressed by energy and regeneration specialist Equans (the new name for Engie’s services-led activity), Persimmon Homes, and several local thermal insulation and civil engineering contractors. 

 “Gaining formal approval for this new apprenticeship is such brilliant news as it fills a significant training gap. This will now offer a great opportunity for employers and hopefully allow a host of apprentices from a range of backgrounds to build long and successful careers in construction and the built environment.”

– Brian Duffy 

Faculty director, Leeds College of Building

Broad base

“Many employers want a local apprentice who can learn on the job from a young age. With this training, apprentices get a good grounding in six potential career pathways – estimating, quantity surveying, architectural technology (design-and-build), purchasing, on-site technician and planning – before choosing to specialise,” continues Duffy.  “This broad understanding of the sector will be invaluable to employers, particularly SMEs who need staff with more rounded skills.”

Get on the scheme

The CST apprenticeship acts as an alternative pathway to A Levels and requires four GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including maths and English. Apprentices attending Leeds College of Building will complete a BTEC L3 diploma and produce a work-based portfolio whilst working towards completion of an end point assessment to conclude their apprenticeship over the two-year duration.

Employers considering taking on an apprentice and interested in the CST apprenticeship can contact the Leeds College of Building Apprenticeship Team on 0113 222 6041 or email wblinfo@lcb.ac.uk.

Picture: Construction Support Technician (CST) Apprenticeship pathways include estimating, quantity surveying, architectural technology (design and build), purchasing, on-site technician, and planning.

www.lcb.ac.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
16th June 2022

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