The first trainees undertaking a new apprenticeship in a specialist area of construction are set for a bright future after successfully completing the trade body run programme
Eight apprentices have received their NVQ Level 2 diplomas in Insulation and Building Treatments (Wood Preserving and Damp Proofing) from national trade body the Property Care Association, with support and funding from CITB.
The first group of trainees were inducted in December 2015 and given two years to complete their apprenticeship, with a programme including 21 days of offsite training held at the PCA’s dedicated educational facility in Huntingdon.
Since then, the PCA Specialist Apprenticeship Programme has gone from strength-to-strength, with two further groups on track to achieve their diplomas next year and an industry-high retention rate of 91%.
The apprenticeship draws in trainees from companies based across the UK, in both PCA member and non-member companies.
It has been created to develop a new generation of professionals with the important skills necessary to preserve and protect properties across the UK.
Those completing the programme have undertaken a comprehensive programme which will give them an insight into subjects including wet and dry rot, wood boring insects, rising damp and timber treatments.
Lisa Holdich, PCA Apprenticeship Scheme Manager, said: “We are extremely proud of the achievements of our trainees and delighted to see them awarded their first NVQ’s through the programme.
“We have worked closely with CITB to give those taking part a foothold into a property care sector that can offer a lifetime of learning and a varied, interesting and rewarding career.
“The programme addresses a skills gap within the property care sector and since December 2015 we have inducted 33 apprentices to date across five cohorts, so the wheels are in motion in terms of tackling that trend.
“Ultimately it is our hope that, as well as addressing the immediate need for a new generation of professionals in the preservation industry, the apprenticeship will raise awareness of a rewarding, skilled career in the construction-related sector which is not always on the radar like other trades.”
The PCA is now taking bookings for its next intake in October 2018. Grant funding of £5,230 is available from CITB, subject to eligibility.
