CITY Access Scaffolding’s Kirsty Allan is spearheading a campaign with leading student discount provider, TOTUM, to ensure apprentices have direct access to the same discounts that students do, as she warns the construction sector’s skill shortage risks intensifying unless apprenticeships are better incentivised to young people.
The move comes after Kirsty, who has previously spoken to Project Scotland about her work with youngsters in the industry as performance director at the Bonnyrigg-based company, had a series of supportive discussions with apprentices at the firm who expressed they were struggling to afford the basics and pay for gym memberships to better their lifestyle and improve mental health.
“We bring everybody in on the apprenticeship wage initially to ensure they are committed and want the opportunity,” Kirsty explained. “We want to provide employment that offers more than just a wage. We’re trying to educate young people on the career path at the end of the apprenticeship and that it can be amazing opportunity to work both locally and internationally if they wish.”
Aware of the Scottish construction sector’s support for its young people, Kirsty took to LinkedIn to unveil plans for the creation of a student discount card with TOTUM for apprentices in the sector. The post quickly gained traction – leading to thousands of interactions, including senior professionals in the industry sharing how their student discount helped them through financially difficult times during their university days.
Those in higher education are currently eligible for up to 50% off at leading food chains, 20% off high-street coffee brands, as well as 10-20% discounts from a range of online and high-street retailers. They are also entitled to discounts from certain supermarkets and various transport providers.
Apprentices are eligible for the same discounts but may find it more difficult proving their eligibility when registering. If an apprentice or training provider isn’t registered, apprentices may have more difficulty proving their eligibility – making it less easy to access all the benefits available to them.
“The cost-of-living crisis is limiting opportunities to do things like mini-golf or go for a meal at the weekend – but I see it as potentially being bigger than just getting 10% off at Nando’s,” Kirsty added. “If you think of an apprentice going out for lunch with their friends and pulling out the discount card, I just think that would give them a sense of belonging and a sense that they are valued in the construction sector.”
Key to this will be offering discounts specific to the various construction trades, with discussions underway to bring leading builders’ merchants and tool providers on board – enabling youngsters to invest in their career and obtain the required tools and equipment for their trade at a more affordable rate.
“We know that it isn’t going to solve all of the problems that lie within construction, but it can help attract a young person who’s on the fence thinking, ‘actually, I don’t know if I can afford to live off this’.”
TOTUM currently works with over 500 brands across the UK, including the likes of ASOS, Apple, Jet2, M&S, Iceland, and Pizza Hut. Revealing that discussions are underway to add leading tool and equipment providers to that list, TOTUM told how it shares Kirsty’s desire to support youngsters in obtaining a career in construction.
“It’s a no-brainer in our eyes that we invest more in the apprentice sector, and it was Kirsty initially reaching out that provided us with this opportunity,” Rebecca Butler, head of strategic partners at TOTUM, told Project Scotland. “We’re already an established member benefits and discounts provider but we haven’t got all the connections and knowledge Kirsty does in the construction world and sector, so Kirsty has been able to open up the conversations and doors with other organisations to move us forward.”
The duo are in discussions with CITB about the initiative, with hopes of a nationwide marketing campaign to ensure apprentices are aware of the offering. Meanwhile, national and local companies have publicly expressed their support for the initiative.
“It’s really exciting to see such a desire and passion from other organisations to make this more readily available for apprentices in the construction sector,” Rebecca added. “This is the most noise we’ve seen from all of the sectors.”
Work is now underway to get construction-related brands on board with TOTUM’s offering ahead of the official launch of the discount, as well as marketing plans.
• Both Kirsty and Rebecca are eager to hear from anyone in the industry who wishes to support the initiative. They can be contacted at Kirsty@cityaccessscaffolding.co.uk and rebecca.butler@totum.com
