• Home
  • News
  • Features
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Archive
    • Advertise
      • About Us
      • 2022 Media Pack
      • Features
  • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us

PSBNews

Banner
  • Home
  • News
  • Features
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Archive
    • Advertise
      • About Us
      • 2022 Media Pack
      • Features
  • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us

Are apprenticeships the future of the construction industry?

by Francesca February 19, 2021February 19, 2021
written by Francesca February 19, 2021February 19, 2021
Are apprenticeships the future of the construction industry?

WITH the ever-rising costs of university, apprenticeships were already on the rise as students looked for alternative ways to shape a career. However, with the normal university experience being changed by the current climate of online working and socially distancing from your friends and course mates, even more people are considering an apprenticeship.

At the beginning of last year, some 73.9% of UK graduates were employed in a professional role, with this number expected to drop even further as a result of the challenging job market graduates are currently faced with.

The opportunity to earn while you learn is appealing to trainees and being able to engage and employ a younger generation as well as bridge the skills gap is a benefit to employers – especially within the construction industry.

Raj Somal, director at Dice – a civil and structural engineering design consultancy – said: “When we established the company in 2018, we always knew we wanted to produce top engineers. The best way to do this is through internal development, so encouraging more young people – particularly women – into the industry is key. 

“Therefore, the first member of staff we took on was an apprentice with Nottingham Trent University (NTU). With the business going from strength to strength, we took on a second apprentice the following year and both members of the team have surpassed all of our expectations.

“Given how dedicated we have always been to development and to employing apprentices, we were over the moon to learn we were shortlisted for the NTU Apprentice Employer of the Year award last week (12 Feb). It’s a testament to our commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers and a wonderful recognition of what we have done so far.”

One of the apprentices at Dice, Husna Gul, initially applied to university after completing her A-levels in maths, physics, and chemistry, but withdrew after discovering the benefits of the apprenticeship route.

She said: “Being the eldest child in the family, my parents were worried when I told them I didn’t want to take the ‘traditional’ university route. However, after they looked into degree apprenticeships, they soon realised this was the right path for me and have been incredibly supportive of my decision.

“I’ve picked up a huge amount of knowledge in such a short space of time. When I first started, I could never have imagined I’d be able to do the kind of jobs I’m doing now, and that’s a testament to both Dice and NTU for creating this new pathway into the industry.”  

Laura, whose interest in engineering began at an early age due to an emphasis on Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at school, said: “I’ve had lots of support and have been provided with plenty of opportunities to stand out. This apprenticeship has given me a better understanding than learning in a classroom environment alone.”  

According to Women’s Engineering Society (WES) only 12% of all engineers are women. This is another way in which Dice is challenging the status quo.

Raj added: “In past roles, we’ve experienced non-diverse teams and it doesn’t necessarily provide the best working environment, so we aim to buck the trend. 50% of our workforce are women and 50% are from an ethnic minority. The most important thing for us when starting the business was to create a positive place to work that is inclusive for everyone.

“We have therefore developed a bespoke development programme for each apprentice to ensure they are reaching their KPIs, the key targets from their course and ensuring it aligns with their ICE professional development requirements. We also have a number of experienced female engineers within the team that our apprentices can turn to and learn from.

“I think that apprenticeships really are the future for many young people considering their options.”

To find out more about Dice, please visit diceconsult.co.uk

0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
Francesca

previous post
Virtual tours to be held at independent living scheme in Ashby-De-La-Zouch
next post
Darwin Group completes final phase of Welsh COVID-19 ward

Related Articles

Covid-19 – What is happening on university sites...

April 1, 2020

Work completed on new Woolwich school for specialist...

February 4, 2020

Design Engine’s scheme for new Stowe School Design...

February 20, 2020

Future Generation wins Approval for £25M Cambridge student...

October 3, 2019

Allegion’s top tips for making university’s students feel...

October 25, 2018

Pre-school benefits from new all-weather canopy after housebuilder’s...

July 14, 2022

Sustainable £7M stem facility completes in Bristol

April 27, 2021

Plans submitted for pioneering T level Centre

June 23, 2021

Frameworks and direct award key to supporting underfunded...

July 22, 2022

Henry Brothers appointed to build Derbyshire school extension

February 23, 2021

Latest Issue

Search our website

Twitter Feed

Tweets by @PSBN_Social


 

Popular Posts

  • 1

    500 Cornish-type housing association homes get high-performance insulation in Herefordshire

    February 5, 2019
  • 2

    Braeburn Estates hands over innovative social housing scheme to Homes for Lambeth – with “game changing” new development model

    January 21, 2019
  • 3

    The 2019 Surface Design Show focus: Workplace and Public Realm

    December 2, 2018
  • 4

    Skanska completes Royal Papworth Hospital construction

    April 30, 2019
  • 5

    Understanding the current state of the student accommodation market

    April 15, 2019

Categories

  • Case Studies
  • Education
  • Features
  • Hospitals + Healthcare
  • Housing
  • Infrastructure
  • Latest News
  • News
  • Products
  • Project News
  • Uncategorized
  • Videos

Recent Posts

  • Uncertainty hampering growth, says construction industry

    August 4, 2022
  • Willmott Dixon to deliver latest GT3- designed passivhaus leisure project for Spelthorne Borough Council

    August 4, 2022
  • New proposals submitted for Leeds’ Yorkshire post site

    August 4, 2022
  • Kier launches a construction first to help tackle social deprivation

    July 22, 2022
  • K Systems wins prestigious tall buildings award

    July 22, 2022

About Public Sector Building News

 

Public Sector Building News is a monthly leading trade publication that is valued within the industry.

The magazine works as an effective marketing tool for our clients, being seen by key decision makers leads to valued work within the lucrative public sector building industry.

Every issue of Public Sector Building News provides an update of news, current and upcoming projects, industry comment, interviews, articles, features and product information – covering all areas of importance to our readers.

Other Publications

Architect Projects
Construction UK Magazine
Luxury Hospitality Magazine
Luxury Interiors Magazine
Refurb Renovation News
Restaurant Industry Magazine

Editor’s Picks

  • Uncertainty hampering growth, says construction industry

    August 4, 2022
  • Willmott Dixon to deliver latest GT3- designed passivhaus leisure project for Spelthorne Borough Council

    August 4, 2022
  • New proposals submitted for Leeds’ Yorkshire post site

    August 4, 2022

Published by Lapthorn Media LTD

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.