Education: Promoting apprenticeships

Driven by the government’s net zero plans, there continues to be a significant skills gap in the heating and plumbing sector. With dwindling numbers of people entering the industry, it’s clear that more needs to be done to encourage younger people to consider heating and plumbing as a career.

According to government data, there were 24,530 new apprentices taken on in construction between 2022-23, down 1,530 on 2021-22, highlighting the industry’s continuing struggle to attract school leavers.

“While there is an acknowledgement that more needs to be done to raise awareness of a career in construction, there remain barriers that need to be overcome,” comments Craig Sanders, joint managing director at Protrade. “There is still a notable lack of sector-specific focus within settings like education. It’s crucial to enhance awareness of construction college opportunities and foster a more accessible approach.”

Net zero goals

Generating interest in careers in heating and plumbing is essential to increase the number of installers needed to meet government net zero targets. However, with many schools focusing on academic routes, such as university, careers in the trade are at risk of being overlooked.

“Many students don’t realise how many opportunities the industry offers,” says Steve Willis, managing director of Steve Willis Training, a CIPHE Approved Training Centre. “There’s also a common belief that careers in plumbing and heating aren’t as prestigious or well-paid as office jobs, which can put off both students and their parents. This misconception often leads them to dismiss these trades as viable career choices.

“Another challenge is the career guidance students receive. Many advisers don’t have a good understanding of the opportunities in trades like plumbing and heating, so students aren’t always given a full or encouraging picture of what’s possible.”

Gender stereotypes may also be preventing women from entering the trade, as it is often viewed as male-dominated, but there is absolutely no reason why they can’t thrive in the plumbing and heating sector.

Government support

Labour’s target to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years means it’s essential to break the stigma around vocational training, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

“As a profession, construction is more than people think,” says Jeremy Gray, head of policy at the FMB. “With a wide range of jobs, it can be quite a lucrative and rewarding career. If more young people joined the industry, it would address our skills shortage and provide succession planning with an ageing workforce. The industry also offers great local employment opportunities for school leavers.

“Recruitment can be challenging, which is why SMEs need support to onboard fresh staff. This is especially true when it comes to apprentices. Hopefully, the creation of Skills England signals the government’s intention to boost vocational career paths, but it will need to work alongside existing bodies, like the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), to help builders hire new starters.”

“First, schools should be raising awareness about trades like plumbing and heating to make them a visible and attractive option for students,” says Willis. “The government could support this by funding careers fairs, workshops and talks from industry professionals to help shift perceptions. With the right backing, plumbing and heating could be a key part of the push towards a greener future.”

Industry engagement

According to Schneider Electric, 247,000 jobs could be created in the UK by adopting clean energy technologies and it is essential that businesses consider the different ways to equip the next generation with the skills that are vital for the success of the rapidly growing green economy.

“Green apprenticeships offer young people a dynamic and fulfilling route to success, supporting the UK’s push to electrify our homes, vehicles, and businesses as we move away from fossil fuels,” says Kelly Becker, president of Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, Belgium and Netherlands. “As more young people seek organisations with strong ESG credentials, these programmes offer a vital platform to innovate and contribute to the future green economy.

“This year, we have increased the number of apprenticeships we offer across the UK and Ireland to approximately 60 placements, understanding the value apprenticeships bring to those looking for an alternative career route to university, and to the business itself. Students should be reassured that as important as results day is, the results themselves aren’t career defining. There are many options available to help them to thrive and forge their own route to success.”

“Hosting visits to training centres can give students a closer look at what an apprenticeship might offer them,” says Willis. “Working with teachers and career advisers is also key. Providing them with resources and information ensures they can offer better guidance to students. Additionally, mentorship programmes and creating educational materials, like videos or interactive lessons, can help spark interest and break down barriers.

“By making plumbing and heating careers more visible and accessible, the industry can inspire more young people to consider the trade.”

Diss High School explains its approach to apprenticeships

Students at Diss High School in Norfolk are introduced to possible career routes in Year 10, when representatives from ASK (Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge) attend the school, in collaboration with Norfolk County Council, to talk about the variety of roles that are available.

The day comprises a number of talks about different types of apprenticeships as well as practice interviews. This year, three apprenticeship providers attended the school’s careers day to meet students and give them a chance to find out more first hand.

“The biggest barrier for us at Diss High is transportation for apprenticeships, particularly for students living in rural outlying villages,” explains Rachel Adams, senior lead for personal development and vocational skills at the school. “At 16, the students are reliant on public transport, which isn’t always affordable and bus routes can be complicated.

“We very much focus on a learning path that suits individual students,” Adams adds. “We push A Level students to stay at school rather than college because we experience a lot of students returning due to the transport issues and the amount of time they need to spend travelling. It is easier for those that leave at 18 and go onto a higher level of apprenticeship.”

In total, just 3% of students went on to do apprenticeships in 2023, with a fairly even split between construction, mechanics and hairdressing.

“Students have access to Unifrog, which not only helps students with university applications, but also with how to write CVs and apply for apprenticeships,” explains James Hurley, head of sixth form. “Students undertake work experience in July and/or over the Year 12-13 summer break. We encourage students to complete open online courses (usually through FutureLearn.com) in areas they are considering as a career.

“We take our role in guiding students with their decisions post-18 seriously and evidently have a full, comprehensive programme which covers all their options,” adds Hurley.