My Basket 
Lots of young people and their families will be looking forward to these summer months. After a difficult year of GCSE or A-Level exams, everyone deserves a break. However, for many students, the summer marks the start of a difficult decision – should they go to college or university, or start an apprenticeship?
In this past week the Conservative party announced plans to ‘scrap rip off university courses’ in England to fund ‘100,000 new apprenticeships per year’. In this uncertain political climate, it is more important than ever for young people to consider their future careers when choosing their pathway for further education.
A recent survey conducted by the Careers & Enterprise Company revealed that construction is one of the top career paths for students. Let’s look at why an apprenticeship in construction can be a lucrative and fulfilling career for young people today.
Why the construction sector?
The Careers & Enterprise Company surveyed 100,000 young people in schools. This survey revealed that by the time students reach their GCSE year (15 or 16 years old) construction is one of their top career choices. This is consistent with a growing trend of young people electing to participate in an apprenticeship rather than go to university. The Guardian reports that since 2018 the number of students studying construction has risen by 23%.
There has also been a boost in women finding work in the construction sector. Recent reports show that young women are interested in joining the sector as you can acquire skills that allow you to have a long-term career. Construction also offers a unique opportunity for people who would like to establish their own business.
The potential for a long-term career is an important factor for young people joining the construction sector. As the UK is currently in a housing crisis, and many properties will require retrofitting to comply with net-zero regulations, there are a variety of work options available.
Apprenticeship or University?
Since New Labour’s commitment to have at least 50% of people under 30 in university education, the divide between students in higher education and apprenticeships has grown. There is a perception that university education is more prestigious than an apprenticeship, and for many years parents have preferred for their children to achieve a Bachelor’s degree rather than complete vocational studies. A recent report of 1,000 young adults revealed that for 60% of them university was highly encouraged by their schools, and 48% felt that there is a social stigma attached to not attending university.
However, this perception is shifting. As university fees remain high – on average costing £27,750 for a three-year course – and accommodation fees are increasing with each financial crisis, university is an expensive route for lots of families. Moreover, although a Bachelor’s degree is a recognized mark of academic success, with an oversaturated graduate market, a degree no longer guarantees employment.
Apprenticeships, on the other hand, give young people the opportunity to earn money while they study. By getting hands on experience at a building site or workshop, they are learning valuable skills from qualified and experienced individuals. Many apprentices are also offered the chance to stay on at their workplace once they have graduated from their course, guaranteeing them work security for the foreseeable future.
Encouraging our customers to invest in apprenticeships.
Although here at Edge we are suppliers of building materials, not fitters, we can see the benefits our customers enjoy by engaging with apprenticeships in the construction sector.
- Skill Preservation – We know that our customers have a broad range of valuable trade skills. By training young apprentices, construction companies can maintain high standards of craftsmanship and innovation for years to come.
- Workforce Development – Apprenticeships create a pool of skilled young workers who are familiar with your company’s processes and values. Apprentices also appreciate the time taken to train them and often stay on for many years after their course has completed. This kind of company loyalty is invaluable in today’s market.
- Economic Benefits – Apprenticeships can be a cost-effective way of developing a skilled workforce. Many programs are supported by government funding, and you will save money on traditional recruitment.
- Local Reputation – By encouraging local young people to consider an apprenticeship in the construction sector, your company will become a household name as families discuss the benefits of an apprenticeship over a degree program. Collaborating with local schools also gives you the opportunity to speak to potential apprentices through school career fairs or by giving talks to students.
97% of construction companies have reported that working with schools and colleges encouraged students to consider a job in construction. Not only is this a great opportunity to network with other local businesses, but it also gives your company the chance to demonstrate to students how invaluable work in the construction industry is. As schools continue to prioritise enrollment in university courses, careers fairs and educational talks are a way to boost young people’s confidence as they consider taking on an apprenticeship course.
Insight from Edge
“Having worked in the construction industry since leaving school, I have always felt it an excellent industry to work in and particularly suited to apprenticeships. Apprenticeship schemes deliver genuine on-the-job work experience that can prove much more valuable than time spent in the classroom. It also offers the candidate the chance to earn while they learn and avoid a huge accumulation of student debt. With the industry currently facing a skills shortage I fully support any effort to increase our industry’s profile amongst those about to embark on their career.”
Kieran Napthine, Managing Director at Edge Building Products.
Sources: