Forty companies operating in the construction industry have signed up to provide their apprentices with university level work based training.
Just six months ago Leeds College of Building became one of the first in the UK to offer the innovative new Higher Level Apprenticeship in Construction and Built Environment (Sustainability) course which has been welcomed by the Government. Further partnerships have also been developed, with 17 colleges now offering the course and new partnerships built with sector skills councils, awarding bodies and professional institutions.
Sarah Carter, Project Manager for Higher Apprenticeships at Leeds College of Building says: “Construction firms, house builders, architects, NHS Trusts, local Councils and transport companies are just a few industries that have apprentices signed up to the course which is helping to shape the future of the construction industry.”
The course has been specifically designed for A level students with 80 or more UCAS points, Level 3 Advanced Apprentices, those with BTECs, a relevant HNC or people already working in the industry. The first students to enrol on the course started in September but places are available for September 2013 enrolment.
Lee Firth, Technical Programme Manager at NG Bailey, which enrolled several students on the first course says: “This course offers all the sustainability competencies that are key to the future of the industry whilst maintaining the core requirements that are essential in construction management which makes it a highly relevant framework. There’s no doubt it will encourage talented new people into the industry and help to produce quality employees that meet the standard academically and can deliver in the workplace.”
The students will study towards an NVQ Level 5 in Construction Management (Sustainability) and a Higher National Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment as well as selecting Construction Management, Civil Engineering or Building Services as a specialist subject. Successful participants will then be able to pursue a career in a wide range of disciplines including architecture, building services, civil engineering, construction management, maintenance, planning and surveying.
Sarah adds: “It’s extremely encouraging that the construction industry has embraced the Higher Apprenticeships which such enthusiasm. A lot of thought went into the development of this qualification which was developed with employers, colleges, universities and all the leading sector skills councils in order to add real value to the industry by creating a skilled workforce that is productive and can help businesses to grow. At a time when University fees have spiralled, the course provides an extremely dynamic alternative which demonstrates all the latest methods of design, construction and maintenance.”
Throughout the course apprentices have to apply critical reasoning and analysis techniques to solve built environment and engineering problems using industry standards, appropriate codes of practice and work based evidence. In addition they will have to consider the environmental impact of all their activities which could include evidencing the need to recycle, reclaiming or re-using material resources, waste management planning and reducing carbon emissions on projects.
