Balfour Beatty has announced it will increase its ongoing commitment to its apprentice, graduate and trainee recruitment programmes
As a member of The 5% Club, Balfour Beatty already exceeds its charter promise to dedicate 5% of its employee numbers to earn and learn positions.
In 2019 it totalled 5.4% of its workforce in these roles, with an intake of 86 graduates, 119 apprentices and 26 trainees.
The increased commitment sees these figures rise to 108 graduate placements, 160 apprenticeships and 29 trainee positions, bringing the total percentage of the company’s workforce in ‘earn & learn’ positions to 5.7%.
Investing in young people’s future
Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty chief executive and founder of The 5% Club. said: “The economic fallout from Covid-19 will cast a long and damaging shadow over today’s young if we do not act.
“Swathes of young people face an uncertain future as businesses define their future.
“For the construction and infrastructure industry, we must make sure we continue to bring in and develop new talent to secure the skills and capability essential to the successful delivery of Government’s ambitious plans for infrastructure investment.”
Gillian Keegan, apprenticeships and skills minister, commented: “There has never been a more critical time to invest in new talent and help create more job opportunities.
“Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to get ahead in a wide range of exciting industries and will also play a vital role in delivering the skills our economy needs to grow after coronavirus. I very much welcome this fantastic pledge from Balfour Beatty.
“I really hope it encourages more businesses to consider offering more young people the opportunity to gain the skills, experience and confidence they need to get on the path to a great career.
“To support this, we are offering all employers £2,000 for each new apprentice they hire aged under 25 and £1,500 for new apprentices aged 25 and over.”
