The UK’s largest scaffolding trade association has spoken out about the government’s cash boost to create a new flexible approach to apprenticeships.
The government has recently announced a £7m funding pot to support flexible apprenticeship opportunities.
Sectors including the construction industry can now bid for a share of the fund to support the creation of new flexible apprenticeships, intended to unlock opportunities for people to develop the skills they need to get good jobs.
Current rules insist that apprenticeships must be at least 12 months long, so some sectors have found it challenging to benefit.
It is hoped the fund will help to establish a small number of agencies that will set up new flexi-job apprenticeships so an apprentice can work across a range of projects and with different employers to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to be occupationally competent.
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said “The construction industry suffers from significant skills shortages and desperately needs training solutions that work for each of the many diverse sectors that contribute to its overall success.
This cash boost from Government is welcome but the money must benefit the companies and individuals that need it the most and not line the pockets of training companies and agencies.”
