May 2024

Workforce and Skills
APPRENTICESHIPS CAN BE THE
LONG-TERM SOLUTION…
In this column for Total Contractor, Fraser Biles of BMI UK & Ireland explores the
importance of apprenticeships for employers, plus shares advice on maximising their
potential.
In the past year, apprenticeship starts
increased by 2.5% with the number of people
embarking on apprenticeships across all
industries surpassing 200,000. Last month, the
Prime Minister announced a new government
pledge to create an additional 20,000
apprenticeships with £60m of new government
funding for next year. They plan to implement a
series of reforms, which include funding the full
cost of apprenticeships for under-21s and making
it easier for small businesses to create
opportunities for apprentices.
Fraser Biles presenting
at BMI’s annual
Apprentice of the Year
competition.
Euan Forsyth, BMI’s Pitched
Roofing Apprentice of the
Year 2023.
For businesses across the roofing industry, this
presents an opportunity to grow their teams and
future proof their operations through the proven
approach of apprenticeship schemes. Through
our work with roofing contractors and their
apprentices – as well as our BMI Apprentice of
the Year competition and work with roofing
colleges and training groups – we’ve seen the
benefits of apprenticeships first-hand.
Behind every successful apprenticeship is a story
of growth – from individuals taking on new
challenges and learning new skills, through to
employers strengthening their businesses.
Championing apprenticeships
There are three pillars at the heart of a successful
roofing apprenticeship scheme – the apprentice,
the employer and the training provider. For
employers, this will mean making sure their
business is set up to accommodate an apprentice,
which includes having the flexibility to factor
college days and training into work schedules.
They also need to decide on a champion – or
mentor – within the business to work with the
“There are three pillars at the heart of a
successful roofing apprenticeship scheme – the
apprentice, the employer and the training
provider”
apprentice. We’ve seen through our annual
Apprentice of the Year competition that these
people have a far-reaching impact and can be the
difference between success and failure. Often, a
mentor will have been through an apprenticeship
themselves, so they’ll understand the process
from start to finish and can provide support and
guidance where needed.
According to the National Apprenticeship Service,
businesses that have taken on apprentices have
benefitted from more motivated and satisfied
teams, with 86% saying apprenticeships have
helped them to develop skills relevant to their
business, and 80% seeing increases in employee
retention. In short, committing to apprenticeship
schemes can help firms in many areas of their
business that will sustain them far into the future.
Making the most of apprenticeships
Built on traditional skills – the sort that are
passed down from one generation to another –
alongside modern techniques and technologies,
the roofing industry is a clear beneficiary of
apprenticeships, with successful schemes
helping to unlock the potential of the next
generation of roofers.
Alongside the commitment of businesses and
training providers, support is also available from
manufacturers. Through the BMI Academy,
roofing firms can access industry-leading
training, expertise and resources.
Contact BMI UK & Ireland
www.bmigroup.com/uk/aoty
BMI UK & Ireland
18 TC MAY 2024