The benefits of apprenticeships for employers: building a skilled workforce

July 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, apprenticeships are a vital way for employers to cultivate talent, build loyalty, drive innovation and secure long-term growth. Offering a practical and cost-effective way to build and develop a skilled team, apprenticeships ensure your workforce is ready to meet industry demands. 

Our apprenticeship programmes are developed in partnership with the house-building industry to ensure the courses we offer are tailored to the specific needs of home building. We are committed to delivering high-quality training that meets the latest industry regulations and NHBC Standards, helping businesses build a competent and skilled workforce ready to tackle future challenges. 

The advantages of apprenticeships for employers 

Investing in skilled talent for long-term growth 

Apprenticeships enable businesses to develop talent to their specific skill needs, ensuring apprentices are well-prepared to contribute effectively from day one. Investing in your employees' development creates loyalty and commitment, reducing staff turnover and building a more dedicated team. Apprentices who receive on-the-job training are more likely to stay with the company long-term, appreciating the investment in their development. 

Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 and over from any background. From school leavers to career changers and new parents to those new to construction, apprenticeships are also a way to increase diversity and bring a wealth of experience, skills and fresh perspectives to your workforce.  

Developing a diverse and skilled workforce 

The construction industry faces a significant skills shortage, the Construction Skills Network Industry Outlook highlights the need for an additional 251,500 construction workers in the UK by 2028. 

Promoting diversity through apprenticeship opportunities is crucial for bridging the skills gap and meeting market demands. Apprenticeships enable companies to attract and train diverse talent, ensuring the workforce is equipped to handle the demands of a rapidly evolving market. 

Increased productivity and efficiency 

Apprenticeships are a cost-effective option for increasing your workforce and boosting productivity whilst receiving financial support. There are several government incentives and CITB grants to support employers.

NHBC’s accelerated apprenticeship programme ensures that apprentices are trained quicker than traditional routes, allowing them to return to the site sooner and apply their newly acquired skills effectively. 

Real-life example: GSQ Brickwork 

Through NHBC’s apprenticeship programme, GSQ Brickwork has developed a cost-effective recruitment pipeline, training new talent to meet industry standards and boosting operational efficiency. 

NHBC and GSQ Brickwork partnership

We are tackling the skills shortage with GSQ Brickwork through our apprenticeship programme. Learn about our successful partnership and its impact on training new talent to create a cost-effective recruitment pipeline.

Read more

Access to financial support and grants

Employing apprentices in the UK comes with significant financial benefits. Understanding these can ease the financial burden of training apprentices: 

Employers can benefit from significant financial support when hiring apprentices, including ESFA funding and CITB Grants. 

  • ESFA Funding; Employers can receive £1,000 per apprentice aged 16-19 or 19-24 (with additional needs or care background) and additional £500 payments at 6 and 12 months.

  • CITB Grants: Eligible companies can claim £2,500 annually during training and a £3,500 completion grant. Additional support is available for travel and accommodation costs exceeding £30 per week. 

    For more detailed information, please visit the NHBC Incentives and Grants page

Important things employers need to know 

Understanding the eligibility criteria and requirements for offering apprenticeships is essential. Employers must comply with apprenticeship regulations and standards to ensure a smooth training and development process. 

Choosing the right training provider is crucial. A provider like NHBC ensures compliance with standards and offers structured support throughout the apprenticeship journey. 

Supporting apprentices throughout their training journey is vital for their success. Effective management includes regular feedback, mentoring and a conducive learning environment. 

How can NHBC help your business? 

We have a pool of candidates looking for employers, helping you recruit the right talent efficiently. Our apprenticeships are developed in partnership with the house-building industry, so our programmes meet specific sector needs and are taught practically by experienced professionals. Apprentices trained through our programmes are well-versed in the latest NHBC Standards, ensuring quality and compliance on site. 

Our accelerated courses mean your apprentices are trained effectively, allowing for immediate integration into your workforce and with multiple intake dates, you can stagger your apprentices to align with your business needs, ensuring a continuous flow of skilled workers to support your company's growth. 

Get in contact with us

Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Reach out to us to learn more about how you can benefit from our apprenticeship programmes and how to get started.

Email us on qualifications@nhbc.co.uk

Call us on

0344 633 1000

Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm