Apprenticeships are a key source of skills for the housebuilding sector, whilst the on-the-job training they offer can provide valuable experience and a strong career start for young people looking to enter the industry. Your Move shines the spotlight on the opportunities being provided by Merseyside’s housebuilding sector, and in turn, the importance of attracting new talent.

The construction industry, particularly housebuilding, is flourishing at the moment.

As reported earlier this year, Liverpool has been part of a 25% rise in housebuilding across the country, which contributes 7,482 jobs in Merseyside alone.

Behind the scenes though, a report by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) says the current skills shortage in the industry means an extra 36,000 new workers a year are needed to cover the demand for additional housing.

Housebuilders are looking for ways to target this shortage, and one solution is to encourage young talent into the industry through apprenticeship opportunities.

“An apprenticeship in the construction sector can provide the perfect springboard for a highly rewarding and successful career,” says James Glendenning, chief executive of Greater Merseyside Learning Providers’ Federation (GMLPF) and newly appointed judge of the Property Apprentice award at this year’s NWPAs.

“Highly skilled, ambitious workers are in constant demand, especially in such a practical trade like housebuilding.

“Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to learn your craft, be taught by experts with years of experience and progress through a company.”

GMLPF is a non-profit organisation which champions and supports apprenticeship providers to raise standards and promote training, skills and apprenticeship opportunities.

“The Liverpool City Region is undergoing tremendous change and development of late, with new housing projects and schemes continuing to take shape across the region,” adds James. “Therefore it is an ideal time for housebuilders to recognise the impact a young person can have on their business and see the value in apprenticeships.”

All over Merseyside, developers have pledged commitment to training and employing young people in this way.

Housebuilder Countryside recently announced it is creating 30 new positions in Knowsley through its Employment and Skills Plan.

The initiative is a partnership between Knowsley Council and Countryside to build 583 new homes in the area over the next 10 years and apprentices on the scheme will be able to start their construction careers, learning skills in joinery, plumbing, bricklaying and decorating.

“We’d like to encourage more young people to consider the options available to them within the construction sector,” says Philip Whitehead, regional regeneration director for Countryside.

“Through this initiative, apprentices will get the opportunity to gain industry experience, whilst developing the skills needed to flourish in their future careers.”

In addition, developer Redrow is having an impact on the training of young people through its established apprenticeship scheme.

The firm recently launched a drive to recruit a record 100 apprentices throughout England and Wales this year, including 19 new positions across Lancashire, the rest of the North West and North Wales.

“It is an ideal time for housebuilders to recognise the impact a young person can have on their business and see value in apprenticeships.”

“Apprentices are absolutely vital for our business to ensure we have a skilled workforce for the future,” says Clare Horton, trainee programmes manager for Redrow.

“Not only that, they also bring energy, enthusiasm and fresh thinking to any company. They really are the lifeblood of the industry.”

Trainees make up around 15% of Redrow’s direct employees, both on site and in the office through its apprenticeship programme for business administration, design and technical, and commercial roles at its divisional headquarters.

The trade apprenticeships in bricklaying, groundworks, plumbing and electrics are key for Redrow, allowing the company to discover exciting young talent, and ensure they are ready for the challenges of the future.

Apprentices are mentored on-site by experienced professionals, earning whilst they work and attend college once a week to gain an NVQ qualification at the same time.

“Trade apprenticeships provide skills that last a lifetime and are in high demand within the housebuilding industry,” says Clare.

Liam Sargeant is one such student who has benefitted from Redrow’s apprenticeship programme. He began his apprenticeship after being encouraged to apply for a position at the company by the head of the Brickwork NVQ course at Warrington Collegiate.

After starting work for Redrow in 2012, he has excelled, winning various awards including Apprentice of the Year at the Your Move Property Awards – now NWPAs – in 2014, and Apprentice of the Year for Redrow in the same year.

“I’ve always found pleasure in constructing things from a young age,” says Liam.

“When I was at school I was offered a chance to go to college and do courses in different trades. When I started, I enjoyed bricklaying the most.”

Liam worked on different building sites during his apprenticeship including the Calderstones Grange development, which saw Redrow build 38 family homes in Allerton.

Now he has graduated from college he’s been employed full time for the company on its trainee site assistant programme, demonstrating the great career progression that can come as a result of an apprenticeship.

“I wouldn’t have got this trainee site assistant position without the apprenticeship, it’s been a massive help,” says Liam.

“It’s kind of like doing another apprenticeship, just this time in site management. I’d like to progress as far as I can and I see it as a ladder I can keep climbing, up to site manager and further.

“I’m so grateful for the experience it has given me, and the support Redrow has provided has been brilliant. I’d like to hope I’ll stay working for Redrow for the rest of my career.”

Cases such as Liam’s show that housebuilding apprenticeships could prove to be a positive and sustainable future for young people; and if the apprenticeship system continues to produce high-class recruits such as Liam, then the future looks bright for Redrow, Countryside and the housebuilding industry too.