THURROCK MP, Jackie Doyle-Price MP joined forces with employers and apprentices in Parliament to back construction apprenticeships, essential to meeting the required 220,000 new workers it is estimated the industry needs in the next five years.
Ms Doyle-Price attended the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) I’m Backing Apprenticeships campaign launch on 16th September to hear from apprentices, employers and the Skills Minister on what can be done to increase the number of businesses and people starting apprenticeships. Speakers at the event included Skills Minister Nick Boles and CITB Chairman James Wates.
A ComRes survey revealed that 80% of MPs agree that ‘full employment’ cannot be achieved without apprenticeships, while a report by Demos showed that most of the general public (72%) would prefer their children to go to university instead.
Jackie Doyle-Price MP commented: “I was very happy to welcome employers and apprentices to Parliament in order to hear more about CITB’s campaign, as well as to find out how apprenticeships have benefited them personally.
“I understand the need for change, for careers advice to better support vocational routes such as apprenticeships and I will be lobbying local schools and colleges to do so. Increasing the number of people entering construction in Thurrock is vitally important, and I plan to do all I can to ensure my constituents are fully aware of the fantastic opportunities an apprenticeship can offer.
“Here in Thurrock there are huge opportunities in construction, indeed I am advised that wages are rising due to the volume of new building here. An apprenticeship in construction offers great earning potential in the future."
CITB is working to improve and increase the number of construction apprenticeships through not only this campaign, but a range of industry-focused initiatives. This includes building a comprehensive picture of supply and demand for skills in construction; making CITB funding easier and faster for employers to access; a new careers web portal for those interested in joining construction; and by supporting and maintaining qualifications and standards to meet industry needs.
