Budget measures must go ‘beyond’ apprenticeship recruitment, director warns

The government must “look beyond” apprenticeship recruitment figures and place emphasis on retention, an industry director has warned.

Rebecca Turner, people’s director at construction workforce management specialist MSite, has warned that funding apprenticeships alone would not address the construction industry’s skills shortage following the Autumn Budget, unveiled on Wednesday.

She urged that more support was needed for employers, particularly smaller firms, to train and recruit apprentices. 

Adding: “Businesses need access to suitable training providers, straightforward funding processes and support for the investment required to train, supervise and mentor new entrants. A financial incentive here would be welcomed, but it must be backed by practical support that enables employers to develop and retain the people they take on”, 

This week’s Budget introduced a series of measures to support apprentices, including commitments through the Data Centre Covenant to create jobs and invest in paid apprenticeships and training, alongside a £100 million pledge over two years to expand local apprenticeship services.

It also outlined plans to introduce a mandatory three per cent apprenticeship target on large government construction and infrastructure projects, pledging to put jobs and skills at the “at the heart” of its procurement model.

“New apprenticeships, employment placements and hiring incentives are one thing, but ensuring those opportunities lead to lasting careers is another. The government must look beyond recruitment figures and place greater emphasis on retention, completed qualifications and career progression”, said Turner.

Group chief executive at Currie & Brown, Alan Manuel added: ”Support for apprenticeships is encouraging, but bringing young people into construction takes time, supervision and investment. Employers need practical help to make that commitment.”

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