The Skills Shortage – How We Make A Change

A guest blog by Kent Constructing Excellence

At our first meeting of the year, we were joined by Dr Scott Wildman from University of Kent.

Many of our members were surprised to hear how the University had recently received funding to develop new degree level apprenticeships, specific to the construction sector for students starting in September 2018.

With the government actively promoting higher and degree apprenticeships (HDAs) as an alternative to traditional university study, more than 100 new apprenticeships are being developed by a consortia of employers, for employers. More than 20 of these in development are apprenticeships in construction based roles.

We also learnt how the University can help employers to create an occupationally unique apprenticeship standard, underpinned by a degree programme, specific to their business sector/needs.

To support the project, the University have created a survey, to better understand what you as employers in the construction industry are looking for in terms of apprenticeships and course content. The survey will take around 5 minutes of your time to complete and offers you the chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Click here to take the survey. You can view Dr Wildman’s presentation on our website here