Two new construction apprenticeships – in bricklaying and plastering – are set to launch this September after being signed off by the government.
They promise to offer apprentices a wide range of knowledge and hand-skills over a longer duration, with the aim of boosting quality of workmanship within the sector.
The apprenticeships, to be promoted through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), were developed by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and a range of employers, including members of the Home Builders Federation (HBF) who were heavily involved in finalising the training standards.
While housing supply has increased over the last four years to more than 220,000 homes a year, the government is targeting 300,000 homes annually and the new apprenticeships are designed to attract and train the skilled workers needed to build them.
Jenny Herdman, director of the Home Building Skills Partnership, said: “We welcome the introduction of these new apprenticeships in tackling the skills shortage our industry is currently facing.
“The Home Building Skills Partnership aims to attract and train new entrants to the home building sector as well as identify the future skills needed for both employees and employers to thrive. These new apprenticeships align closely to our work in providing the necessary skills and training the sector needs to build quality homes where and when we need them.”
