The article ‘Crisis? What crisis?’ (CM, January 2008) incorrectly stated that ConstructionSkills placed 7,000 apprentices last year when the figure was actually closer to 8,500.

It was also misleading in that it sought to compare the number of applicants with the number of apprenticeship placements available, therefore inviting the unfavourable conclusion that tens of thousands of candidates were unable to find an apprenticeship placement.

It is true that the number of young people seeking an apprenticeship is far greater than placements available and that in 2007 over 45,000 young people applied to ConstructionSkills for apprenticeships, with 8,500 placements resulting. However, less than half of those who applied went

on to take the ConstructionSkills selection test, the next stage in the process, and of those that did, not all went on to enrol as an apprentice.

ConstructionSkills is committed to developing solutions to support employers to train their workforce. For example, Programme-Led Apprenticeships, by changing the structure of the employer training commitment, offer a flexible alternative route to traditional apprenticeships. Also, ConstructionSkills Apprenticeships has a team which works closely with employers and apprentices to provide support and advice throughout the training period.

Now we’re calling on employers to provide the essential on-site practice required to get new entrants qualified and into the industry.

Max Hamps, ConstructionSkills apprenticeship director

Source

Construction Manager