Drop in completion of construction apprenticeships

The number of trainees completing construction apprenticeships dipped last year despite continuing skills shortages in the industry.

ConstructionSkills revealed this week that 5,319 people completed their apprenticeships in 2007 - a fall on the previous year's figure of 5,454.

The statistics were released to coincide with the first National Apprenticeship Week designed to draft new-trainees into all industries.

ConstructionSkills is urging more contractors to take on apprentices and offers grants of up to £11,750 over the course of a three-year apprenticeship.

Union leaders are also backing the call for more apprenticeship places. Bob Blackman, national secretary for construction Unite, said: "The future of the construction industry is largely dependent on investing in our workforce and that must start with apprenticeship placements. I am committed to helping to double the number of construction apprentices within the next four years. We cannot afford to fail."

Cheshire-based Seddon Group has been training apprentices for 60 years and more than 3,000 youngsters have been through the company's programme.

Director Jonathan Seddon said: "As we are a family-run business, loyalty is one of our greatest priorities."

More than 90% of all Seddon's apprentices obtain their NVQ Level 3 and remain with the company or work as subcontractors when their training is complete.

Seddon said: "David Patrick began his apprenticeship with us as a joiner when he was 15.

"He is currently the co-owner of Patrick's Joinery and he works as a subcontractor for us."