As CITB today announces a £150 million investment in apprenticeship grants until 2025, Nicola Hodkinson, Director at Seddon – one of the North West’s largest family-run construction firms – shares her thoughts on addressing the industry’s skills gap. The business, which has championed apprenticeships for decades, saw applications oversubscribed by 6000% this year for its apprenticeship programme.
Nicola Hodkinson, Owner and Director of Seddon comments: “The CITB’s announcement of a £150 million investment in apprenticeship grants until 2025 marks a promising step forward in closing the skills gap within the construction industry. According to the CITB, 31% of construction employers are considering hiring an apprentice. Another recent survey revealed that nearly half (48%) of employers say they “may” take on an apprentice. But this “may” needs to turn into a “must” if we are to sustain our sector and meet demand.
This shift comes on the heels of the Prime Minister’s announcement to launch Skills England back in July. But real change will only happen through true collaboration between government bodies, education providers, and businesses of all sizes. We know we need 251,000 additional skilled construction workers by 2028, and with 31% of employers struggling to find skilled staff, the challenge is clear.
If the 48% of employers still uncertain about bringing on apprentices committed to hiring just one apprentice, we could transform the industry’s skills shortage. The goal is within reach, but we need to do things differently – we need to incentivise apprenticeship employment.”
