SME’s driving up quality of apprenticeships say FMB

The Government has approved new apprenticeship standards designed as part of an innovative collaboration led by SME’S across England.

The newly developed standards include a higher-quality plastering apprenticeship as part of the trailblazer initiative, with a new bricklaying standard to also be agreed in the near future.

The Government’s aim is to have created three million new apprenticeships by 2020. It is hoped that these new standards will pave the way for future generations of highly skilled plasterers and bricklayers.bricklaying

The standards ensure that apprentices will not only end up with excellent technical knowledge and craft skills, they will also help young people to hone careers that are packed full of potential.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “The new bricklaying and plastering apprenticeship standards have been driven by a dynamic group, consisting of training providers, awarding bodies and – crucially – employers who are determined to drive up the quality of training in the construction industry.”

The people who enrol in these apprenticeships will be in a very beneficial position to work for either a large contractor or a small micro-business. This flexibility is a vital component to the future growth of the construction industry.

Skills Minister Nick Boles MP said: “I congratulate all the employers involved in designing the new Plastering apprenticeship standard. By giving leading employers the power to design and deliver high quality apprenticeships we are giving people the vital skills our businesses need. We are committed to three million apprenticeships by 2020 because apprenticeships deliver benefits to employers, apprentices and the economy.”