Aggregate Industries pledge full support for apprenticeship levy
Company says levy will be crucial in attracting new talent into the construction sector
AGGREGATE Industries have pledged their full support for the imminent arrival of the Government’s apprenticeship levy – stating that it will be crucial in attracting new talent into the construction industry and helping to bridge the current skills gap.
Starting in April 2017, the apprenticeship levy means that employers with a wage bill of more than £3 million will have to pay a 0.5% levy to fund apprenticeships. The broad purpose is to raise £3 billion a year to meet a target of three million new ‘high-quality’ apprenticeships by 2020.
This latest move comes amid a crippling skills deficit within the construction industry, which, according to recent reports, currently employs 324,000 fewer workers than it did in 2008 and needs to fill 182,000 jobs by 2018.
Worse still, with a significant proportion of the UK’s construction workforce made up of EU workers, the consensus is that the nation’s skills gulf is likely to deepen further.
David Butterfield, head of learning and development at Aggregate Industries, commented: ‘While it is understandable that the apprenticeship levy may appear to be yet another tax burden for larger construction businesses to adhere to, the reality is that it has a vital role to play in helping to close the escalating skills deficit.
‘As an industry, we must work harder to attract and retain new talent, and actively promote our sector as an attractive employment option. Apprenticeships are key to this; yes, this may mean extra cost and resource in the short-term, but it will pay dividends in the long run, enabling businesses to develop specialist expertise and safeguard their ongoing development.’
As a business invested in the next generation, Aggregate Industries operate an extensive apprenticeship programme designed to give young people an opportunity to learn new skills and practice them in a live environment, as a solid basis for career development.
Each year the business takes on a substantial number of new apprentices who typically go on to enjoy fruitful careers in construction and engineering roles.
Mr Butterfield added: ‘Construction is a worldwide industry that is constantly evolving and offers such a wide variety of jobs. With the levy providing a much-needed stimulus, our hope is that businesses far and wide will take the opportunity to grow talent from the ground upwards, so we can ensure our sector continues to flourish and grow.’
To find out more about Aggregate Industries’ apprenticeship programme visit: www.aggregate.com
