A task force has been established to minimise the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on construction Modern Apprentices (MA) in Scotland.
CITB Scotland, along with sector stakeholders and employers, revealed that it recognised an ‘immediate need’ to understand the challenges facing the industry. A Scottish Construction Modern Apprenticeship Task Force has now been set up to understand what support employers need to prioritise the retention of apprentices, and secure the future of the MA programme in Scotland.
The group wants employers to tell them what the current challenges are, and about their plans to take on apprentices, to directly inform any support needed. Employers are being asked to make their voice heard and take part in short survey.
Ian Rogers, chair of the Scottish Construction Modern Apprenticeship Task Force said, “I welcome the establishment of this group by CITB. It is needed and is already doing good work. It is so important that it is utilised to ensure the future success of construction apprenticeships in Scotland. We welcome feedback from employers and want them to get in touch if they are experiencing any problems regarding supporting existing apprentices, or if they have any concerns with hiring new apprentices in the year ahead.”
Ian Hughes, partnerships director at CITB Scotland commented, “This group has been very proactive in tackling any potential problems the construction Modern Apprenticeship programme in Scotland might face in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. A truly collaborative, cross-industry approach has enabled any potential hurdles to be navigated.
“This survey will enable employers to tell us first-hand what difficulties they may be experiencing, and what help is needed to ensure the MA programme in Scotland continues to deliver the talent of the future.”
Emma Dickson, chair of Construction Scotland skills group added, “I encourage employers to let us know what challenges they are experiencing as a result of coronavirus disruption. This survey will help to inform what interventions are potentially needed for the Modern Apprenticeships Construction Skills Frameworks, and will provide the support and advice employers need to continue to train with confidence.”
