Government approves two new apprenticeships in bricklaying and plastering

Apprenticeship standards in construction are set to increase following the Government’s approval for two new apprenticeships in bricklaying and plastering, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Chief executive of the FMB Brian Berry, said: “We feared that the Government’s ambition to deliver three million apprenticeships by 2020 would lead to an emphasis on quantity over quality. The Government has demonstrated that it really is committed to working with the industry to increase the quality of apprenticeship training by approving these new standards.

“The Government’s Trailblazer process is all about putting control back into the hands of the employer to ensure that apprenticeship training actually reflects what’s required in the workplace. It is the employers – large and small – who have given up their time to shape these two new high quality apprenticeship standards and they should be commended.”

David Kehoe, technical support and training representative at British Gypsum, said: “This is the best thing to happen to the plastering industry for a number of years. British Gypsum is pleased to welcome this new plastering apprenticeship, which will raise the standards and quality of tradespeople within our industry. The FMB is to be congratulated for bringing together employers to develop the new standards and this will improve the quality of training delivery for apprentices coming into our industry.”

Sarah Beale, CEO at CITB, says: “Approval of the bricklaying and plastering Trailblazer apprenticeship standards is fantastic news for learners and industry alike. They will help young people get the skills they need for successful, rewarding construction careers while ensuring the country has the bricklayers and plasterers it needs to build the many projects in the pipeline.”