Boost For Construction Apprenticeships

Scotland's construction industry is celebrating a rise after 6 years in apprenticeships for young people.

The number of apprenticeships in Scotland is rising. 

New figures released by the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) show that the there has been a 7% increase. 

This follows six years of decline where figures reached a record low. 

Despite the rise, industry experts are urging the government and employers to ensure the growth is balanced and that all sectors benefit from securing young people.  

Paul Mitchell, SBATC Registrar and Head of Employment Affairs at the Scottish Building Federation "hopes and anticipates" the trend will continue over the coming years as the industry continues to recover.
 
He said: “However, whilst growth in apprenticeship registrations is always welcome, levels of apprenticeship recruitment have remained relatively low in recent years with industry employment and apprentice numbers still well below pre-recession levels. In this context, it’s very important that we ensure that there is balanced growth across all sectors of the industry. There is currently a spike in infrastructure investment as the Queensferry Crossing approaches completion in 2016. However, growth in the private commercial and repair and maintenance sectors is much more modest. Representing almost half of the industry’s output, it is these sectors together with house-building that will drive future growth in apprentice numbers.
 
“In addition we also have to ensure that the construction apprenticeships offered are fit for purpose and reflect the needs of employers. To this end, we have recently introduced phase tests, improved the evidencing of learning whilst on site and enhanced the delivery of health and safety training through a partnership with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.
 
“We need to continue to get the message across that the construction industry can offer a wide variety of high quality, long-term career opportunities across a broad range of trades as well as in professional and managerial roles. With the industry in recovery mode and apprentice numbers on the rise, there has never been a better time to consider a career in construction.”