Apprenticeships Bridging the Skills Gap in Construction

Author - Callum George

Date published:

Awarded 4th best UK SME Apprenticeship Employer in 2022, it’s safe to say Applebridge is a strong believer in the benefits of apprenticeships.

Like all in the construction industry, civil engineering has been affected by skills shortages over the last decade. Applebridge was no exception, and in 2020 certainly felt the impact of low staffing levels. To combat this, Applebridge looked to counteract the issue, exploring apprenticeships as a way to bridge the gap, and has never looked back since.

“Through apprenticeships, we have been able to bring fresh talent into the industry, from what was previously an aging workforce, it has allowed us to mould their skills to the needs of the company. Not only that, but it has also allowed us to upskill our existing staff to meet the growing digital demands of the industry” – Applebridge Group Operations Director Andy Ray

The success of the apprenticeship route has resulted in Applebridge almost doubling its workforce in the last three years, and apprenticeships have become an integral part of the business. Testament to the success of the apprenticeship route, in 2021, Applebridge invested £120,000 into its own Academy and training park to provide a dedicated training facility for its apprentices.

“I can’t recommend strongly enough how much of a positive impact having Apprentices in your workforce is to a business. If you take the time to nurture talent, you will reap the rewards.” Applebridge Group Managing Director Chris Brown

And the proof is in the pudding – for the last two years, Applebridge has gone from strength to strength, with uptakes in tender rates, new frameworks (most recently Virgin O2 contract) and one of the highest staff retention rates to date. The investment in the Academy was rewarded with double success at the 2022 CECA North East Awards, where Applebridge was recognised as the Training Company of the Year, while apprentice Bailey Middlemas scooped the Trainee Civil Engineer of the Year award.

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