Scottish construction industry: committed to apprentices despite Covid-19

Scotland’s construction firms have continued to demonstrate their commitment to apprenticeships despite the impact of Covid-19, according to new figures which come ahead of Scottish Apprenticeship Week (March 1-5).

During the pandemic the sector still managed to recruit 70% of the previous year’s apprentices, according to data published by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Of 30,000 apprentices learning in Scotland almost a third are in construction, even though the sector represents just 8% of all jobs.

The Scottish construction industry already requires a minimum 4,000 recruits each year, and that’s before factoring in government plans to build thousands of houses, retrofit others and upgrade roads, hospitals and other building to make them fit with our future needs.

The sector is modern, diverse and taking on the challenge to reduce carbon within society as well as reduce waste generating through building. For example, lots of Scottish homes are built in factories now using timber frames and minimizing waste on site. In addition, the government is fighting climate change by committing to stop using fossil fuels like coal and oil to power the economy by 2050 - known as reaching ‘Net Zero’.​

Construction is modernizing and becoming an ever-more attractive industry for people of all backgrounds and whatever their skills set. Within 5 years of completing an apprenticeship the Scottish average wage in construction is about £27,000 - about £5,000 higher than those that complete a degree or college course.

The theme for this year’s campaign is Business Backing Talent, with the aim to demonstrate how businesses benefit when they back talent through apprenticeships. In support of this DYW Forth Valley, on behalf of the wider DYW regional group network, have collaborated with partners from the Scottish construction industry to develop ‘Build Your Future’, a virtual programme of events aimed at bringing industry and career insight into the classroom/home-school environment. Each day will be themed around a different aspect of construction:

Monday 1 March: Innovation in Construction

Tuesday 2 March: Trade/Apprenticeships

Wed 3 March: Women into Construction

Thurs 4 March: Professionals in Construction

Fri 5 March:  Design Major Infrastructure Project

Rachael Dorman, Programme Coordinator, DYW Forth Valley said:

“There are many routes young people can access into careers within the Construction industry and apprenticeships are recognised as a strong entry pathway. Together with our industry partners we have built upon our previous activities in Forth Valley to create Build Your Future, launching in Scottish Apprenticeship Week, demonstrating how this industry ‘backs talent’. This virtual programme has been designed to provide young people, their parents and educators across Scotland with insight from individuals currently succeeding in the Scottish Construction Industry in a bid to encourage young people to consider a career in the built environment.”

John McKinney, Regional Manager, NFRC said:

“NFRC has supported Scottish Apprenticeship Week since 2012 and continues to do so. While it is good to have a focal point for the week, NFRC has been working in collaboration with others to deliver a series of events to promote the full range of career opportunities within construction to young people throughout the year and looks forward to continuing to do so either virtually or in person when restrictions allow.

“Due to growing workloads, as the sector recovers from the impact of Covid-19, skill shortages are one of the top concerns for roofing contractors in 2021 – so now is a perfect time to consider taking on an apprentice, and help build a new generation of roofers in Scotland.”

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Strategic Partnership Director Ian Hughes said the event demonstrated the value of apprenticeships – and the changing nature of the construction industry.

“Construction is one of the most exciting industries in which to work,” said Hughes. “With over 170 different professions, and the increasing use of modern methods of construction, the industry needs new recruits who are keen to help rebuild Scotland as we emerge from the pandemic, rebuild the economy, and embark on an exciting and rewarding career.”

Jane Buxey, Chief Executive, Stone Federation Great Britain said:

“Stone Federation is delighted to support Scottish Apprenticeship week and the efforts to encourage the next generation to consider a career in construction.  Stonemasonry is one of the many fantastic traditional craft skills that continues to play a vital part in the modern construction sector, and we are committed to encouraging and resourcing the next generation of stonemasons.”

If you are interested in a career in the construction industry visit: https://www.goconstruct.org/

How employers can get involved:

1. Download and use the campaign resources on: www.apprenticeships.scot/resources
2. Use #ScotAppWeek21 and #BusinessBackingTalent to show your support for apprenticeships sharing photos, films and stories
3. Post your apprenticeship vacancies. Visit the apprenticeships.scot campaign page for more information and resources.
4. Build Your Future can be found here www.dyw.scot/buildyourfuture

For more info on how your business can engage with the Build Your Future campaign visit here -  https://www.dywforthvalley.com/blog/build-your-future8973575