CIAT responds to UK Government's plans to expand apprenticeships provision

CIAT has responded to the Department for Education's plans to expand apprenticeship provision in the UK.

Eddie Weir PCIAT, CIAT President, said:

The UK's built environment sector is facing major skills shortages across all professions, and demand is only growing as we look to modernise existing buildings and deliver 1.5 million new homes. Expanding apprenticeship provision is a great way to enable more people to learn the practical skills they need for a rewarding career while helping close these fundamental skills gaps.

It remains vitally important that each apprentice is given the opportunity to develop core skills in maths and English, which are essential both to future career success, and to participating in society. However, this new, more flexible approach will allow employers and apprentices to work together to ensure that appropriate skills are developed in a way that best meets the needs of all involved and in turn, breaking down some of the barriers that have hindered the involvement of talented people within our sector.

We also look forward to seeing the new, accelerated apprenticeship model in action, as a stepping stone to building the workforce of the future.