Apprenticeships are the backbone of construction’s future workforce

The recent government changes to the apprenticeship levy have reignited conversations about the value of apprenticeships across the construction sector.

For us at Bagnalls, a business that has employed apprentices since 1877, the answer is clear: apprenticeships are not only vital for the sustainability of our industry, but are an investment that pays dividends for employers, employees and customers alike.

Bagnalls would not be the company it is today without apprenticeships.

Like many areas of construction, painting and decorating faces a significant skills gap.

An ageing workforce means that without fresh talent coming through, businesses will struggle to meet future demand.

Apprenticeships give employers the chance to train new entrants in the practical and professional skills the sector needs, while giving young people a structured pathway into rewarding careers.

This has long been central to our philosophy at Bagnalls. Over a third of our current workforce are former apprentices, many of whom have stayed with the company for their entire careers.

Several of our directors and branch managers began as apprentices, proving that the route is not just about filling entry level jobs – it creates future leaders.

The strength of apprenticeships lies in the blend of classroom learning and on-the-job experience.

But businesses that take training seriously know that a college certificate is just the starting point.

At our in-house training academy in Doncaster, apprentices go beyond the syllabus.

They learn specialist skills such as paperhanging and spraying and are encouraged to test themselves in national competitions such as SkillBuild and the Painting and Decorating Association Apprentice of the Year.

These opportunities instil pride and professionalism in their craft, while raising standards across the industry.

This comprehensive approach ensures that customers benefit too. Apprentices who train with us develop a deeper understanding of quality and attention to detail, which translates into better outcomes on projects large and small.

The levy reforms also highlight that apprenticeships are not limited to trade roles.

We now offer apprenticeship routes in HR, accountancy and IT, ensuring all parts of the business benefit from new skills.

Since 2022, we’ve also integrated apprenticeships into our internal Management Trainee scheme, providing an alternative career path for non-graduates who want to develop into leadership positions.

Apprenticeships are not just a solution to trade shortages, but a means of building a resilient workforce across every function.

There is no doubt apprenticeships, and other training schemes, require investment – in time, money and mentoring – but the return is clear. Apprentices bring energy, loyalty and long-term commitment.

Many of our employees who started as apprentices now have more than 30 years’ service, demonstrating the power of growing your own talent.

For construction, apprenticeships remain one of the most effective ways to secure the future of our industry, equip people with lifelong skills, and deliver the quality and service our customers expect.

For any employer considering this for the first time, my advice is to visit Skills for Life.

The campaign is led by the Department for Education and seeks to help SMEs understand the full range of training and employment schemes available to them.

Whether you’re exploring T Levels, curious about HTQs, or want to learn more about apprenticeships, the Skills for Life website has all the information you need in one place.

Ellie Jobes is HR director at Bagnalls.