New research has revealed 50 per cent of householders are more likely to hire builders who have apprentices on their books
Apprentices are vital to the construction industry and now it appears they are also seen as important to consumers.
Research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) revealed today that 50 per cent of householders are more likely to hire builders who employ apprentices.
The news comes on the first day of National Apprenticeship Week, which is set to run until 10 March.
The study found almost two thirds of homeowners view building firms who train apprentices more favourably. Furthermore, having apprentices on the books made more consumers likely to recommend the firm to a friend (more than two in five).
Consumers have a positive view of firms that train apprentices
The findings were based on the responses of 2,000 homeowners across the UK and presented a largely positive view of firms that train apprentices. In fact, the survey revealed almost two thirds of homeowners think building firms should highlight they are training apprentices in their marketing material.
FMB’s chief executive Brian Berry said: “This new research confirms what many of us already knew – apprentices are good for your business.
“The building industry is extremely competitive and these results suggest that training an apprentice will help a firm stand out from the crowd.
“Home owners aren’t just concerned about the craftsmanship of their builder, they want to know they are hiring a firm with strong values. It therefore makes sense that a business that invests in young people is seen in a better light.
“If the burgeoning skills crisis in the construction industry wasn’t enough to motivate those firms not already training to start doing so, hopefully this evidence will do the trick.
“It’s helpful to know that apprenticeship training can not only provide rewarding career opportunities for young people, but it can also help a firm’s bottom line.”
Apprenticeship Levy
Berry said the introduction of the government’s new Apprenticeship Levy could have a significant impact on who is directly involved in training.
“In construction, two-thirds of all apprentices are trained by SMEs and it is our hope that the new Levy will encourage the larger firms to also engage more readily in training the future workforce.
“What’s great about this research is that it demonstrates the positive image that a real focus on quality training can bring to a company from a commercial perspective – no doubt this applies across the business community and not just in the construction sector.”
