As the academic year kicks off again, we’re taking a look at apprenticeships within the trade industry. Trade apprenticeships are a popular way to get into construction industries, covering a wide range of opportunities within multiple sectors. Trade typically covers physical and skilled jobs, such as plumbing, plastering, joinery and bricklaying. According to the Office of National Statistics, the popularity of apprenticeships is on the rise – with the number of applicants surpassing pre-Covid levels. It’s not just school leavers either. Under 19s only account for around a third of apprenticeship numbers, with over 25s and higher-level apprentices also seeing a rise in applicants. So what has caused this surge of UK learners choosing the apprenticeship route? We’ve highlighted the benefits of apprenticeships below.

Benefits to an employer/business

Hiring an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. According to apprenticeships.gov.uk, 78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity and 74% of employers said apprenticeships improved the quality of their product or service.

Benefits:

• Employers can adapt their training according to the needs of the business

• You can expand and upskill your workforce – it isn’t just about school leavers, current employees can enrol in order to learn new skills

• Apprentices are motivated to learn new skills

Benefits to an apprentice

For individuals, apprenticeships are a way to earn whilst learning. For many, receiving a wage whilst learning valuable skills is a great motivator. The construction industry is also very hands on. The practical nature of trade means being on site gives an apprentice the opportunity to put their learning into practice, whilst being able to ask industry experts for their knowledge, advice and opinions. In fact, 87% of construction apprentices said that they felt more satisfied in their role after starting their apprenticeship, according to government data.

Benefits:

• Good pay progression – recent research from the DoE found that 3 in 5 apprentices got a pay rise/ promotion after completion.

• Increased employability – according to gov.uk, 98% were in work post-apprenticeship

• Improved career prospects – It isn’t just industry skills learned, it’s everything from teamwork to maths, communication and soft skills.

• Less entry requirements – it gives those with no experience the opportunity to get their career started.