Calling all employers in the Construction sector

Did you start your career in the construction industry as an apprentice? Could you give someone the same chance you had? Then we need your help!

With other sectors of the economy struggling, people need support to train in areas that are still growing, like construction. The brand new Construction Skills Centre in Bicester is looking for employers in the construction industry able to employ apprentices or offer extended work experience for students on pre-apprenticeship programmes.

Apprentices can be any age, so you could offer a chance to a recent school or college leaver, or to an adult looking to re-train.

Mark French, Head of the Construction Skills Centre said:

“The brand new training centre in Bicester is opening just at the right time to support people who want to work in the sector, but we need the help of employers to really make a difference. As well as working with you to train your apprentice we can also help you to recruit your apprentice, and apply for government grants that are available at the moment to help with the costs of employing apprentices.”

The Construction Skills Centre in Bicester offers apprenticeship places in Plumbing, Gas Engineering, Carpentry and Property Maintenance, and has courses starting just after Christmas. The experienced team in the Bicester centre can help you to recruit your apprentice and even has a waiting list of people who want to start work. Apprenticeships delivered by Abingdon and Witney College have been graded “Outstanding” by Ofsted, so you know that you will be in safe and experienced hands with us.

If you’d like to help, but can’t commit to employing an apprentice, we’re also looking for employers to offer work experience to students on pre-apprenticeship training programmes.

If you are able to help, please call 01235 216216, email apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk to find out more, or sign up here to attend the Preview event we’re holding in January at our new Bicester centre.