Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship in construction is a form of vocational training where the apprentice follows an approved training standard to gain skills and knowledge in a controlled environment and then develops these skills further in a real construction environment. New Apprenticeship courses (in England) are referred to as Apprenticeship Standards (the old ones were known as Frameworks). These Standards are developed by industry employers to better reflect the skills and knowledge required by apprentices training in new subject areas.
CONSTRUCT members employ and train apprentices in the trades of Formworker; Steelfixer; General Construction Operative; Plant operators; Plant Mechanics and supervisory and management roles.
Learn more about the site based job roles in the Reinforced Concrete Frame and Groundworks Sector by downloading our Skills Pathway booklet here.
Degree Apprenticeships are also available in Construction related occupations. These higher level apprenticeships lead to a formal degree qualification and can also be undertaken whilst in employment.
What are the benefits of taking on an apprentice?
For employers the benefits include:
- Apprentices help to harness fresh new talent into your business and the industry
- Ensure that your workforce has the practical skills and qualification you need now and in the future
- 80% of employers say apprentices made their workplace more productive
- You get a keen, motivated member of staff that wants to learn and help your business grow
- It provides the opportunity to others in your workforce to mentor and supervise new talent
What are the benefits of being an apprentice?
An apprenticeship is the perfect way to learn, gain experience, and get qualified and many who take a trade apprenticeship go on to be supervisors, managers or professionals in other construction related occupations. By combining college learning with on-site experience, an apprenticeship lets you learn, work, earn and get qualified all at the same time. It is a programme of learning and qualifications completed in the workplace that gives you the skills, knowledge and competence needed to progress in your chosen career or industry.
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16 years old and employers can receive funding to help towards the cost of the apprenticeship training. Apprenticeships are available in a variety of construction related occupations along with higher and degree level apprenticeships.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship in the Concrete Structures industry, you need to:
- enjoy practical outdoor tasks
- be self-motivated
- be able to work independently as well as in a team
- be willing to work and train away from home
Concrete Structures Apprenticeship Standards
These are the approved standards (in England) that are available and relevant to our sector:
by clicking on the Apprenticeship Standards above, you can see the skills and knowledge that will be learnt, the funding available for the standard, and which providers offer it.
Funding is available to employers for apprenticeships both from government and CITB
Employers and those wishing to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities or a career in the construction industry should visit the GoConstruct website.
The Institute For Apprenticeships has now been formed and is responsible for overseeing the development and quality of all apprenticeship Standards going forward. Please visit their website to read more on their roles and for details on current available Apprenticeship Standards and those in development. Please note that some Apprenticeships will still be available in the Framework version whilst Apprenticeship Standards are in development.