Data analysis by Protrade ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2024 has revealed that there has been a 5% decrease in the uptake of construction apprenticeships across the UK in the last 12 months
A review of the latest Government data shows there were approximately 24,530 new apprentices taken on in construction between 2022-23, down from the 26,060 recorded the previous year (2021-22).
Despite an uptake in apprenticeships after Covid-19, the construction sector continues to trail below the level required to meet the demand borne by the growing skills gap crisis.
Another report in 2023 suggested there were as many as 140,000 construction and trades vacancies in the UK.
Furthermore, a survey by recruitment specialist Search Consultancy found that 83% of businesses within the construction industry are currently feeling the strain from a lack of skilled workers.
The latest decline highlights the sector’s ongoing struggle to entice people into the industry
More encouraging news from the data revealed that female and ethnic minorities starting apprenticeships in the sector have hit their highest levels.
Nearly 10% of the total number was made up of women, while 8% was made up of ethnic minorities.
The UK Government set a target of 3 million apprenticeship starts in England between 2015 and 2020
Given the skills shortage, the Construction Industry Training Body (CITB) suggests that approximately 45,000 people would need to join the sector every year for the next five years to meet the growing demand.
Forecasts indicate that the UK have the fastest-growing construction market of the major Western European economies over the next 15 years. The sector was estimated to have hit £381bn in revenue in 2023 alone.
There is still a lack of awareness surrounding construction apprenticeships
Craig Sanders, joint managing director at Protrade, said: “While there is an acknowledgement that more needs to be done to raise awareness of a career in construction, there remain barriers that need overcoming. There is still a notable lack of sector-specific focus within settings like education. It’s crucial to enhance awareness of construction college opportunities and foster a more accessible approach.”
