Apprenticeships & Scottish Building Federation
As Scotland’s largest industry, construction requires a highly skilled and qualified workforce. Within the construction industry there are a number of different qualifications and routes for developing new talent, which in turn will benefit your business over the longer term, due to the competency skills the individuals will develop.
You need to look forward to keep your business ahead of the competition - and that is where apprenticeships can help. If your business requires specialised skills, the best way to achieve them is to train people on the job and taking on an apprentice may be the answer.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Scottish Apprenticeships
Employer's View
Employer Benefits of Employing an Apprentice
Employee/Apprentice's View
What is an Apprenticeship?
Traditional construction apprenticeships are practical work-based training programmes developed by the construction industry and are designed to create a fully qualified workforce, leading to respected qualifications. They aim to give young people the right skills and training they need to do a particular job well and allow them to learn on the job, build up knowledge and skills, gain qualifications and earn money all at the same time.
Scottish Apprenticeships
The Scottish Building Federation Apprenticeship & Training Council (SBATC) Scheme provides young people with a commitment to employment and training over a four year period. There are two levels of apprenticeship depending on trade. An Apprenticeship leads to a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 2 and Modern Apprenticeship leads to SVQ Level 3.
The SBATC is a successful blend of employers and unions working together to maintain and enhance the excellent modern apprenticeship training culture in the construction industry in Scotland. As the joint awarding body with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) for construction crafts in Scotland, the SBATC monitors closely the standards being applied at all levels of training.
In addition to administering the apprentice scheme the SBATC provides impartial advice about all aspects of the scheme. In Scotland, the SBATC regulates the conditions, wages, recruitment and training of apprenticeships in the building industry in Scotland. Apprenticeship registration with the SBATC provides both the employer and the individual with a formal contract, using a Deed of Apprenticeship. This covers things such as employment, structured training in the chosen discipline and a specified period of apprenticeship.
The SBATC is administered from the HQ of Scottish Building Federation. For further information on SBATC visit www.sbatc.co.uk or telephone Cindy Coates on 0131 556 8866.
Employer’s View
If you are an employer, training and developing the skills of your workforce is vital if you are to succeed in business and by taking on an apprentice, you will be nurturing new talent for the continual future success of your business.
Through the Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) run by the ConstructionSkills, you will be aided to find the most appropriate individual to formulate an apprenticeship agreement with.
For information on the process to recruit an apprentice visit www.bconstructive.co.uk or contact your local ConstructionSkills Office:
Inchinnan 0344 994 8800
Inverness 01463 230 868
Employer Benefits of Employing an Apprentice
- A well-trained apprentice will contribute positively to your business and will be better motivated and work harder.
- As an apprentice works while they are learning, your business is gaining an “extra pair of hands” from the outset.
- An apprenticeship will equip young people with the skills and knowledge to do the job better.
- Apprenticeships require commitment from a young person, so in general, apprentices are more disciplined and keen to learn.
- By offering apprenticeships you will find it easier to recruit and retain young people into your business.
- Your recruitment costs are often reduced because apprentices are loyal and less likely to switch to another employer.
- With better trained, better motivated and more disciplined staff staying with you for longer, you will be able to develop future managers from within your organisation. The opportunity of future promotion will in turn motivate a young person even further.
- Apprenticeships allow you to invest in your business’ future.
- By taking on an apprentice you can acquire specialist skills for your business that allow you to keep abreast of new technology.
- The training that is associated with an apprenticeship is always relevant to your business needs.
Apprenticeships are well structured, but do require commitment from you as an employer as well as from the employee. Most of the training for an apprenticeship takes place on-the-job, which you will be expected to facilitate. You will also be expected to ensure that your apprentice receives the help and support they need throughout the duration of their training. As with any other employee, an apprentice will be your responsibility and you will have to pay them a salary which reflects their skills, knowledge, ability and the going rate for the job they are doing.
Employee / Apprentices View
If you are a youngster wanting to start a career immediately or an older person who wants to change or restart a career, an apprenticeship is a good route for you. Through a display of commitment, you will learn, work, earn and gain qualifications at the same time. The skills you develop, as well as the experience and knowledge you gain, will be beneficial and recognised through SVQs. The other great thing is that you will begin to earn as you learn straight away!!
Surf or click here to access full details of the apprenticeship scheme at www.bconstructive.co.uk.