Property Development Finance:- Rolling up your shirt sleeves and learning a practical trade has the edge over going to university, according to the Federation of Master Builders, FMB.
The Federation surveyed 2000 adults to find out their views on education to mark National Apprenticeship Week, March 4 to 8.
Property Development Finance
They found 25 per cent of respondents would rather their offspring signed up for an apprenticeship compared with 24 per cent in favour of studying for a degree. Half of all those questioned said they had no preference about which two options their children chose.
FMB chief executive, Brian Berry, said there was a shift in attitudes with more people understanding the benefits of a vocational education.
“For too long, apprenticeships were looked down on and seen as the alternative route if children weren’t bright enough to follow the more academic route. With university fees in England going through the roof, and with apprenticeships offering an ‘earn-while-you-learn’ route to a meaningful job, it’s no wonder that the penny has finally dropped.
“Apprenticeships are a brilliant career path and there are plenty of exciting opportunities in sectors like construction – we’re crying out for more young people to join our ranks.”
Customers favour builders who invest in training
Berry said the survey also showed that nearly two thirds of respondents would have a more positive reaction to firms which they knew offered apprenticeships. And 41 per cent said they would be more likely to hire a building firm that trains young people than those which don’t.
“The construction industry must step up and make more apprenticeship places available to young people. Not only will firms be helping train the next generation, apprenticeships are also good for the bottom line.
He added: “It therefore makes sense, on every level, for building companies to step up their apprenticeship training and not only that, make sure your clients know about it. Shout about it on your website and social media platforms or better still, introduce your apprentices to your clients. Because what’s clear is, apprenticeships are good for business,” said Berry.
The survey was carried out by OnePoll on behalf of the FMB. The findings follow building industry research highlighting a shortage of joiners, bricklayers, electricians and surveyors.
Builders seeking property development finance are in a much stronger position if their business plan can prove that they have the right team to deliver the job.
