Fall in Construction Apprenticeships New Data Shows

IN NEW DATA published today the number of construction, planning and the built Environment apprenticeships has fallen.

In the last three years the number has decreased from 4,100 in the academic year 2018/19 to 2,800 this year.

The new figures published by the Department of Education are for apprenticeships and traineeships for the first two quarters of the 2020/21 academic year (August 2020 to January 2021) and show a reduction of over a third (31%).

Overall, apprenticeship starts were down by 18.5% to 161,900 this year, compared to 198,600 in the same period in 2019/20.

Reverse Apprenticeship Fall

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Government must reverse the sharp fall in construction apprenticeships by giving builders a greater voice in local skills plans and by supporting builders and colleges to work better together.

“That 3,000 fewer apprentices started in the first half of the 2020/21 academic year than did so the year before makes for difficult reading. This will exacerbate the skills shortage, and hamper construction’s ability to do its bit to build back better.”

“As we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic and implement the UK’s new points-based immigration system, skills and training in key sectors, such as construction, should be at the forefront of the Government’s mind. As local builders train 71% of apprentices in the industry, they must be at the heart of plans to bring in the next generation of tradespeople.”