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Press Release

Published: August 16, 2021

Government has announced £7m funding to support flexible apprenticeship opportunities.

Sectors including construction industries can now bid for a share of the fund to support the creation of new flexible apprenticeships, intended to unlock opportunities for people to develop the skills they need to get good jobs.

Current rules insist that apprenticeships must be at least 12 months long, so some sectors have found it challenging to benefit. 

It is hoped the fund will help to establish a small number of agencies that will set up new flexi-job apprenticeships so an apprentice can work across a range of projects and with different employers to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to be occupationally competent.

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association said “The construction industry suffers from significant skills shortages and desperately needs training solutions that work for each of the many diverse sectors that contribute to its overall success.

This cash boost from Government is welcome but the money must benefit the companies and individuals that need it the most and not line the pockets of training companies and agencies”

Notes for editors

The Scaffolding Association is the UK’s largest dedicated trade association representing the Scaffolding and Access industry.

The construction sector employs 2.7millon people, contributes over £100bn to the UK economy which is 7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Press Contact: Chris Seaton – [email protected] or 07979 531464