The construction industry is facing a major skills shortage, with recent figures revealing that since 1990 there has been a 40% drop in the number of under 24s joining the industry. With an ageing workforce, 17% of whom are due to retire within the next 10 years*, there are currently too few young people joining the industry to fill the gap. National Apprenticeship Week taking place from 6th to 10th February 2012, aims to raise the profile of the value of apprentices to employers.

Local housebuilder Crest Nicholson is committed to encouraging young people to consider entering the construction sector and provides apprenticeships that offer recruits the chance to learn practical on the job skills and equip themselves for a future career in the construction industry.

Robert Hindes has been employed as an apprentice carpenter at Crest Nicholson Midland‘s Lightmoor Green development in Telford.

Robert comments: “I’d originally applied to college but, because I wanted to do carpentry, I decided an apprenticeship was the best way to learn. I was really pleased to get an apprenticeship with Crest Nicholson and love being able to get hands on and learn on the job. Working for such a big company means I get lots of opportunities to learn new skills that I wouldn’t get to experience at college. It also gives you a good perspective of what your future career might be like. Ultimately I’d like start my own business and I think my apprenticeship with Crest Nicholson is giving me a great foundation to build this on. I’d definitely recommend doing an apprenticeship to others; it’s a great way to learn a trade.”

Stephen Stone, Chief Executive of Crest Nicholson, comments: “It is essential for the future growth of the construction sector and to address the potential skills shortage we are facing in coming years that we attract more young people to work in the industry. At Crest Nicholson we have a robust Apprenticeships training programme in place in order to equip young people with the skills they need to forge a successful, lifelong career in the building and construction industry. As Robert testifies, an apprenticeship is an invaluable means to getting on the job practical training that equips young people with the skills they need to set themselves up for the future and ensures that specialist skills continue to be passed on.”