Local construction firms looking for apprentices

The national news has been reporting that the construction industry is struggling to attract skilled workers to meet the demand caused by a boom in house building. According to a recent report, thousands of new jobs will be created in Greater London, including almost 8000 new bricklaying positions.*

Compounding this is the lack of new blood into the trades over the past couple of decades; this has led to employers not being able to fill their job vacancies with suitably trained staff. So, some local firms are turning to apprentices to help fill that gap.

Working in partnership with the College of North West London, these firms are encouraging young people, and those looking for a change of career, to enter the construction industry.

One such company who has benefited from a successful partnership with the College is local employer Flahive Brickworks Ltd. Dot Snowdon said “We have a long association with the College and we recruit new apprentices from them every year; new apprentices can earn from £40 per day for the 1st year, rising to an average day rate for qualified bricklayers of £150 per day but this can increase significantly for more experienced workers.”

Pat Leavey, Director of Curriculum at the College of North West London said “This is an excellent time for young people to enter the industry either training as apprentices or attending courses leading to well-paid and sustainable employment. At the college we offer a broad spectrum of education and training in the construction sector and we can also help students find gainful employment with our long established relationships in the industry.”

An apprentice at the College, Tom Garcia, 19 from Kilburn, who is completing his apprenticeship in July, initially joined the College attending their Multi-trades construction course where he found his passion for bricklaying. While on the course, Tom was recommended for an apprenticeship at Flahive Brickworks Ltd where he is now working and said “I am really enjoying the whole experience of being an apprentice in the construction industry and I hope to be a foreman one day in the future.”

Steve Turner, Director of Communications at the Home Builders Federation, said:
“Recruiting more skilled workers is key as the industry shapes up to build the homes the country needs. The recent steep increase in house building activity has seen builders across the country recruiting heavily. As the industry increases build rates further thousands of workers will be needed, from apprentices to skilled professionals. The industry needs skilled and ambitious people in a range of areas including bricklayers, site managers, engineers and finance professionals and offers an exciting and rewarding career for all."