High wages and pitiful funding are cited as main reasons for not hiring an apprentice, threat of tool theft causing stress, and student debt push adults to recommend construction careers
High wages and ‘pitiful’ employer funding are the main reasons electricians are not hiring apprentices — that’s according to a survey from Select.
In the poll of its membership, a fifth said they were not planning to hire an apprentice in the next three years.
And 53% claimed only an increase in funding support would encourage them to recruit again.
The research revealed strong support for some form of shared funding model, with almost two-thirds of respondents saying they would back a training levy.
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A quarter of tradespeople have blamed the constant threat of tool theft as one of the biggest causes of stress and anxiety.
The report from NFU Mutual also found that two fifths of tradies feared becoming a repeat victim of the crime.
And 26% admitted mounting concerns over organised criminals targeting building sites and vehicles.
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Mounting student debts are changing views of the construction industry.
With average student debt sitting at nearly £48,000, 31% of adults would now encourage youngsters into the industry, claims research from the FMB.
However, the trade body warned further support for small builders is necessary to ease the financial and administrative burden of taking on an apprentice.
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