What is a Shared Apprenticeship Scheme?
Industries that are very project-based tend to employ a lot of freelancers or contractors, who move from job to job. While this business model is very flexible, it can often be at odds with the continuity of employment required to train apprentices. So how do you solve that? The construction industry has long managed Shared Apprenticeship Schemes to counter this and ensure that the flow of new skills continues to come into the industry. We look at one Shared Apprenticeship Scheme to see how they work.
The Calico Shared Apprenticeship Scheme ‘Constructing the Future’ operates in the North-West of England, covering the areas of Merseyside, Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Established in 2010, it is currently one of six shared apprenticeship schemes across England. Constructing the Future will typically employ up to 40 Apprentices each year, with plans for growth in 2022.
In partnership with CITB (the Construction Industry Training Board) and local employers, Constructing the Future will employ apprentices in a range of construction-related skills, including bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, painting & decorating, maintenance and more specialist trades like Roofing and Groundworks. The aim is to provide a service which supports young adults into long-term and sustainable employment in the industry. Individuals will have the opportunity to gain apprenticeships and achieve qualifications at level 2, 3 and even up to Higher apprenticeships at level 4/5. Around 90% of the apprentices who completed the training have secured full time employment in their chosen trade.
Those apprentices will probably have worked with several employers during their apprenticeship. Previously, working on regional or short term contracts would have meant those employers were not in a position to offer employment for the full apprenticeship duration. However, by taking part in the scheme, those employers can take on an apprentice for shorter periods of time if they need to.
Once the apprentice has finished working with an employer, they are found another placement and when they complete the apprenticeship, they are supported in finding a permanent job. The apprentice gets the benefit of a wider range of on-site training than they might otherwise have received, and the employer gets to support and train for as long as they can – and potentially the opportunity to try out their next member of staff!
Constructing the Future is one of ten CITB Shared Apprenticeship Schemes operating across Great Britain, helping to see an additional 500 apprentices enter the construction industry every year.
To find out more about them or find your nearest scheme, visit the CITB website: https://www.citb.co.uk/