AUDIO NEWS: Builders can't afford to apprentices warns HBF and NFRC lobbies for Small Business Strategy

HBF warns that small builders can't afford apprentices, NFRC throws support behind Small Business Strategy and young bricklayer plots return after US experience

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has warned that it is becoming unviable for small builders to hire apprentices due to the current financial climate.

A survey from the trade body found that just 16% of firms were hiring trainees, despite 95% of smaller firms claiming that apprentices were vital to tackling the skills crisis.

Nearly a fifth of smaller builders said the high cost of hiring an apprentice was a problem.

Subcontractors complained that supporting apprentices until they’re productive was an issue.

The HBF claimed that higher taxes, levies and additional policy costs were preventing small builders from investing in apprentices.

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The National Federation of Roofing Contractors has thrown its support behind the Business and Trade Committee’s Small Business Strategy.

The plan from the parliamentary committee recommends measures to improve late payments, develop skills and reduce the admin burden on small firms.

NFRC policy officer Gray Gibson said the government should translate the strongest recommendations into practical reforms.

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Harry Stevenson, the UK’s fastest young bricklayer believes he can go even faster.

The 19-year old from Sherburn-in-Elmet finished 10 bricks behind the eventual winner in the junior category at the Spec Mix 500 World Championship in Las Vegas.

Last year, Stevenson was crowned the UK’s junior champion at Super Trowel and plans to enter the pro series as soon as he is old enough.

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