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The Federation of Master Builders Calls For Action On Construction Apprenticeships

27 Jun 2020

The Federation of Master Builders Calls For Action On Construction Apprenticeships

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is leading a call to action on construction apprenticeships in order to ‘turbocharge’ the UK economy now that the number of Coronavirus cases is starting to drop.

The FMB has produced a report, titled Trading Up, which features recommendations on how to rebuild the UK economy in the wake of the pandemic and help get the UK’s young people back into work.

The report has suggestions and advice for the construction industry, the UK government, the Department for Education, the Institute of Apprenticeships & Technical Education and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The FMB says that if all parties involved can work together then it will be of huge benefit to young people doing apprenticeships, the industry as a whole, and a much-needed shot in the arm for the UK economy.

Some of the findings in the report show that, of the almost 7 in 10 master builders who are either currently training up an apprentice or have done so previously, 85 per cent train and recruit 16 to 18 year olds; a demographic which is one of the biggest losers in the jobs market due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Launching the initiative, the Federation of Master Builders’ national president, Arthur McArdle, who started out his career as a 15 year old with an apprenticeship in carpentry, said: “Master builders are passionate about creating high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation. For the most part this is because builders start out as apprentices themselves. I am calling on my fellow members of the FMB to commit to training where they can.”

The Federation’s chief executive, Brian Berry, also commented, saying: “We need an army of builders to help deliver the new homes that this country desperately needs. They will also upgrade our existing homes to make them more energy efficient and fit for purpose in the years ahead.”

“Putting local builders at the heart of apprenticeship development and training will unlock additional high-quality opportunities for young people and help Britain get back on its feet,” added Mr Berry.

If you are interested in reading the full report and its recommendations, you can find the full 36-page ‘Trading Up’ document on the FMB website here.

And, if you are a young person considering entering the building trade then you can read our complete guide to UK Construction Apprenticeships now.

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