“We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us.” – Winston Churchill.

⭐National Apprenticeship Week 2024: Building Futures🏗️

Introduction:

This National Apprenticeship Week, we shine a spotlight on the invaluable role of apprenticeships in shaping the future of not only the construction industry but also in paving the way for dynamic careers in other industries too. At Legacy Strategies, we're proud to support a diverse array of apprenticeship programs that offer hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and the foundation for successful careers.

1. Earn While You Learn: Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to earn a salary while receiving the training and education needed for your chosen career path. This unique aspect helps reduce the need for student loans and debt.

2. Gain Hands-On Experience: Unlike traditional education paths, apprenticeships offer practical, hands-on experience in a real-world setting. This experience is invaluable, providing apprentices with a deeper understanding of their trade or profession.

3. Achieve Recognised Qualifications: Apprentices work towards nationally recognised qualifications, certificates, or degrees, depending on the level of the apprenticeship. These qualifications are a testament to their skills and knowledge, opening doors to future career opportunities.

4. Develop Professional Skills: Beyond the specific skills of the trade or profession, apprentices also develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management, which are highly valued by employers.

5. Personalised Mentorship and Support: Apprentices receive dedicated support and mentorship from experienced professionals in their field. This personalised guidance helps them learn the nuances of their profession and grow more confident in their abilities.

6. Smooth Transition into the Workforce: The blend of training and work experience provided by apprenticeships ensures a smoother transition into the workforce. Apprentices are already familiar with the work environment, culture, and expectations by the time they complete their program.

7. Career Progression Opportunities: Completing an apprenticeship often leads to further career development opportunities. Many employers prefer to hire and promote from within, offering apprentices the chance to advance to higher positions.

8. Networking Opportunities: Apprentices have the chance to build a professional network from the start of their career. Connections made during an apprenticeship can provide valuable support, advice, and opportunities in the future.

9. Flexible Learning Pathways: Apprenticeships offer flexible learning options that cater to different learning styles and schedules. This flexibility allows apprentices to balance work, study, and personal commitments more effectively.

10. Positive Impact on Mental Health and Well-being: Engaging in meaningful work and learning can have a positive impact on an apprentice's mental health and overall well-being. The sense of achievement, purpose, and belonging can significantly contribute to personal happiness and satisfaction.

Apprenticeships offer a dynamic and rewarding path to career success, combining practical training, academic learning, and professional growth opportunities. They represent a powerful investment in one's future, providing the tools and experiences necessary to build a successful and fulfilling career.

The Cornerstone of Construction

The Foundation of Skilled Labour: Apprenticeships serve as the cornerstone of the construction industry by providing a structured framework that blends on-the-job training with academic learning. This dual approach ensures apprentices receive a comprehensive education that covers both the theoretical aspects and practical application of their trade. By working closely with experienced professionals, apprentices gain a deep understanding of their craft, learning the nuances of construction work that can only be acquired through hands-on experience.

A Spectrum of Opportunities: The construction sector offers apprenticeships in a diverse array of specialties, catering to a wide range of interests and talents. For instance, a carpentry apprentice learns the art of building structures from wood, gaining skills in everything from framing to finish work. Plumbing apprentices, on the other hand, master the installation and repair of pipes, learning how to ensure that water and gas flow safely and efficiently in buildings.

Civil engineering and project management apprenticeships expose participants to the broader aspects of construction projects, including planning, design, and oversight. These roles require a solid understanding of both the technical and administrative sides of construction, preparing apprentices to lead projects from conception to completion.

Beyond Technical Skills: While technical proficiency is a key outcome of construction apprenticeships, the development of soft skills is equally important. Teamwork is essential on any construction site, as projects are the result of collaboration among diverse professionals. Apprentices learn to communicate effectively, ensuring that projects proceed smoothly and efficiently.

Problem-solving skills are honed through real-world challenges, from unexpected construction issues to budget constraints. Apprentices learn to think critically and adapt, finding creative solutions that ensure project success.

Leadership Development: By investing in apprenticeships, the construction industry is not only addressing its immediate need for skilled labour but also nurturing its next generation of leaders. Through their training, apprentices develop a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the construction process. They emerge from their apprenticeships not just as skilled workers, but as well-rounded professionals capable of leading teams, managing projects, and driving innovation in the industry.

Beyond the Build: Office-Based Apprenticeships: While construction is at the heart of a construction-based business, the success of projects also relies on the strength of office-based teams. Apprenticeships in roles such as recruitment, finance and business administration play a crucial role in the seamless operation of Construction and Civil Engineering projects from behind the scenes.

Office-based apprenticeships offer a unique blend of professional development and industry insight, enabling apprentices to understand the broader context of their work. These programs provide a structured learning environment where apprentices can develop critical business skills while contributing to the success of real-world projects.

Conclusion: Apprenticeships in construction are much more than training programs; they are a vital component of the industry's ecosystem, ensuring the continuous development of a skilled, adaptable, and proficient workforce. By embracing apprenticeships, the construction industry is laying the foundation for its future, building not just structures, but also the careers of dedicated individuals who will lead the industry forward. Through this commitment to apprenticeship programs, the construction sector is not only addressing the skills gap but is also enhancing its resilience, innovation, and competitiveness in the global market.

Meet Our Apprentice: Eden-Rose Whellams - Recruitment

This National Apprenticeship Week, we're excited to introduce Eden, a shining example of how apprenticeships can build diverse and rewarding career paths. Eden is currently thriving in her Level 3 Recruitment Consultant Apprenticeship with us, playing a pivotal role in connecting talent with opportunity within the construction industry.

Eden's journey is a testament to the power of apprenticeships to provide not just a job, but a career path full of growth and learning opportunities. Her dedication and enthusiasm for her role have made her an indispensable member of our team, showcasing the significant impact that apprentices can make in both construction and office-based roles.

"I started working at Legacy Strategies back in July 2023 and my apprenticeship officially started in the following September. I left school with 8 GCSEs back in 2020 and didn't choose to stay on to do A Levels. I decided after a couple years of leaving school and working full-time that I wanted to go back into education to further my knowledge and become more qualified. The thing that was holding me back was that I didn't want to come away from the working world to re-enter full-time education. This is when I decided an apprenticeship would be the best route for me to take.

Apprenticeships are an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to start working but still gain a qualification in the process! Apprenticeships can also be great for those who find learning in a full-time school/college environment challenging.

A common mistake about apprenticeships is that you have to be a school leaver to do one, this is not true! I started my apprenticeship a few months before I turned 20. You can complete an apprenticeship at any age, this can be a great way to change career if you don't have the required qualification/s to get into something immediately.
I've thoroughly enjoyed doing an apprenticeship and would recommend it as a great route to take into your chosen industry."

Check out this YouTube video, showcasing the different types of apprenticeships that are available to do in Construction!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured program that combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. Apprentices work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills while earning a wage and potentially working towards a certification or degree.

Q2: Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, not in full-time education. Requirements vary depending on the program, but motivation and interest in the field are key.

Q3: How long does an apprenticeship last?
Apprenticeships can last between one and six years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship, the industry, and the qualification being obtained.

Q4: Are apprentices paid?
Yes, apprentices earn a wage while they learn. The pay rate varies depending on the sector, region, and apprenticeship level. Employers must pay at least the minimum apprentice wage, but many pay more.

Q5: What types of apprenticeships are available in construction?
There are a wide range of construction apprenticeships available, including roles in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, civil engineering, project management, and more.

Q6: Can I do an apprenticeship in an office-based role?
Absolutely. Office-based apprenticeships are available in various fields such as recruitment, human resources, finance, project management, and business administration.

Q7: What qualifications do I need to start an apprenticeship?
Requirements vary by program. Most require GCSEs in English and Maths, while others may not have specific entry requirements. Most important is a willingness to learn and a commitment to the apprenticeship.

Q8: How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
You can apply for apprenticeships by visiting job boards, checking the National Apprenticeship Service website in the UK, or directly through employer websites. Tailoring your CV and cover letter to each application is crucial.

Q9: What benefits do apprenticeships offer?
Apprenticeships offer the chance to earn a salary while learning, gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, and achieve nationally recognised qualifications. They also provide a pathway to career advancement and permanent employment.

Q10: Can I progress to higher education after completing an apprenticeship?
Yes, completing an apprenticeship can lead to further education, higher apprenticeships, or university degrees, depending on the level achieved and the specific field of study.

Want to learn more about Apprenticeships or Hiring an Apprentice? Contact Us!

📞 01702 540145

📧 [email protected]

Useful sources and information

• What is an Apprenticeship?: What's An Apprenticeship? | How Long Does It Last? | The Mix

• Find an Apprenticeship: Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Hire an Apprentice: Hire an apprentice (apprenticeships.gov.uk)

• Benefits of Apprenticeships: Benefits Of Apprenticeships For Employers | Construction Industry (mttraining.co.uk)

• Search Types of Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship search / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

• CITB: A flexible approach to construction apprenticeships - CITB

• Importance of Apprenticeships: Why are construction apprenticeships so important? - Construction Management