Some 5,000 new construction apprenticeships are being created per year, but according to one economist it will barely make a dent in terms of the UK’s construction workforce.
The government is creating the apprenticeships in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the National House-Building Council (NHBC) – training professions like bricklayers, roofers, plasterers, scaffolders, electricians, and carpenters.
Meanwhile there will also be 32 new skills hubs for training, at an investment of £140 million.
However Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist of the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), said: “In terms of the numbers, 5,000 apprenticeships a year will not be enough to cover those expected to retire/leave the industry annually, so at best, this is not adding additional workers to an industry that has seen close to 350,000 leave the sector over the last five years.
“In my opinion, this initiative will not have a major impact on the realisation of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, as promised by the government.”
The apprenticeships will take 12-18 months to complete, halving the usual 24-30 month-timespan.
Crosthwaite added: “Having the time taken to become “fully qualified” may reduce the dropout rate, which is particularly high in construction apprenticeships.
“However, one has to ask, how can what once took twice as long, now be delivered in half-the time? Are there going to be quality issues as a result of shortening the training period?
“In terms of the numbers, 5,000 apprenticeships a year will not be enough to cover those expected to retire/leave the industry annually, so at best, this is not adding additional workers to an industry that has seen close to 350,000 leave the sector over the last five years.
“In my opinion, this initiative will not have a major impact on the realisation of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, as promised by the government.”
Skills England is looking to identify which areas and regions need specific construction skills and workers the most.
