So what’s next? That will be the main question for thousands of students and parents across the country today after GCSE results are announced.
Most will have already chosen which college they are going to post GCSE and whether they will be going to university.
But for some, it may not be as clear and they will be looking for something to inspire them, an alternative to the school, higher education, employment route. A construction apprenticeship could well be the positive challenge they are looking for.
However, analysis by the Local Government Association has revealed a growing imbalance between the construction industry’s increasing demand for skills and a falling number of people joining the sector.
This increasingly acute skills shortage in the construction sector is a widely recognised problem. The Brick Development Association (BDA) recognises the need to attract school leavers into vocational training and is actively participating in the drive to recruit trainees and to encourage contractors to employ college leavers and apprentices.
Simon Hay, CEO of the Brick Development Association comments: “Housing starts are at their highest annual level since 2007 and upholding the source of skilled workers has been paramount in keeping the UK building the homes that are so greatly needed. If we are to continually see housing starts rise we seriously need to put an emphasis on the creation of more apprenticeships across the construction sector.
“Here at the BDA the main aim is to attract and guide more young people into the construction industry. Apprentices are the next generation and play an important role in the future of construction. It is crucial that we are not just creating jobs in the short term but equipping apprentices with the skills that will enable them to build enjoyable, lifelong, successful careers.
