The construction industry in the UK is facing a huge challenge. According to a recent article by Sky News, the builder shortage is putting the government's growth plans at risk. This is because “the UK's population growth is far outpacing the size of its construction workforce”. With this in mind, contractors have an urgent need to find new ways to fill the gaps in their workforce. One tried and tested way is growing their workforce with apprentices.
The Current Builder Shortage
The Sky News article highlights that the shortage of builders is not just a small problem, but a massive barrier in moving forward. According to the article, the UK has lost 320,000 construction workers. As a result, we’ve been left with “just 29 workers per 1,000 people”, which is the lowest on record. Because of this, there are now fewer skilled tradespeople available, which means construction projects are delayed and therefore, costs are increased. For this reason, contractors have found it more difficult to meet deadlines and maintain quality standards. Put simply, we need to increase the number of people training in the construction industry, and one way to do this is to encourage more apprenticeships.
Benefits of Hiring Apprentices
Taking on apprentices bring many advantages:
- Cost-effective labour: Apprentices typically earn lower wages compared to experienced tradespeople, making them a cost-effective option.
- Skill development: By training apprentices, contractors can ensure that they develop skills tailored to specific needs.
- Loyalty and retention: Apprentices who receive proper training and mentorship are more likely to stay with the company long-term.
To read more on how mentorship is vital in the construction industry, check-out our article “Mentoring Month: Celebrating the Power of Mentorship in Construction”.
How Apprenticeships Work
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom learning. This two-pronged approach gives apprentices the chance to gain practical experience on site, in real-life situations. And at the same time, learning the theoretical parts of their trade. In the UK, apprenticeship programmes are supported by government initiatives, where they provide financial incentives for businesses that take part.
Starting an Apprenticeship Programme
Here are a few things to think about before starting an apprenticeship programme:
- Identify your skill gaps: Work out which areas of your workforce needs some extra skills.
- Partner with Training Providers: Join forces with local colleges or vocational schools that offer apprenticeship programmes.
- Create a Plan: Develop a clear plan that outlines the roles and responsibilities of both apprentices and mentors.
- Monitor Progress: Stay up-to-date with your apprentice’s progress to make sure they are meeting their learning objectives.
Success Stories of Apprentices
Many contractors have successfully hired apprentices – you may have been an apprentice yourself! Hiring apprentices has said to help boost productivity and improve morale amongst more experienced staff, as they enjoy mentoring new talent.
Challenges and Solutions of Apprentices
While hiring apprentices provides many benefits, there are some challenges too:
- Initial Investment: Training requires time and resources, which can be difficult during busy times.
- Quality Control: Ensuring consistent quality in work carried out by apprentices can be difficult.
By careful planning and ongoing support from experienced team members, these challenges can be eased.
Conclusion
With the UK builder shortage in the news, hiring apprentices is a smart move for contractors. As we’ve found out, it helps fill the labour gaps in their workforce now, at the same time as training skilled workers for the future. These skilled workers will understand the contractor’s business needs better than anyone. In summary, putting a well-run apprenticeship programme into place, contractors can help solve their current challenges and grow their business with skilled labour for long-term success. Not only this, it helps solve the nationwide skill shortage.
