27/05/2025
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An exciting new initiative which enables apprentices to complete a full apprenticeship programme by working with a number of different employers was launched yesterday by CITB-ConstructionSkills.
The Shared Apprenticeship Scheme is a new skills intervention which has been set up to address some of the difficulties faced by employers when working on short term regional contracts that stipulate apprenticeship recruitment as part of the procurement process.
Often, large employers and their supply chain are encouraged to take on a number of apprentices, through contracts but due to some trades not being on site long enough apprentices are unable to complete their training.
By pooling all regional procurement the Shared Apprenticeship Scheme provides access to work opportunities with a number of employers working on different contracts in a region allowing the apprentice to complete their qualification.
Delivered in conjunction with a series of strategic regional partners, such as housing associations and local authorities, the Shared Apprenticeship Schemes deliver the apprenticeships by working with national or local contractors in the area to match the apprentices with suitable opportunities.
CITB-ConstructionSkills is rolling out the programme following successful pilot schemes which tested the new approach in Lancashire, Merseyside and Wales. Ten new schemes will be developed over the coming year. It is anticipated that the schemes will support the recruitment of up to 500 additional apprentices each year.
Steve Hearty, Head of Employer Services, CITB-ConstructionSkills said: “The Shared Apprenticeship Scheme is a fantastic programme which will help to tackle head on some of the major challenges that the industry faces in ensuring we develop the right skills, in the right places, at the right time.
“All apprentices on the scheme will be offered the opportunity to achieve a level 3 qualification in the apprenticeship they undertake. For both employers and apprentices it provides a simple and effective solution that does not substitute traditional recruitment but instead drives additional skills development to meet the needs of employers and industry.
“More widely however, shared apprenticeships will put industry in a far better position to develop and grow the skills base that’s needed at a local level and in line with our forecast projections for future demand. This will strengthen the industry’s ability to meet future demand and take advantage of opportunities when the upturn comes.”
Dave Campbell, BWF Training Manager said, "This scheme certainly provides an alternative to the standard apprenticeship model. While times are tough, committing to taking a new apprentice on can be hard, but by pooling work with other firms in your area, the apprentice can get the training they need and it takes the financial risk out for your company. For the apprentice, it also helps provide a more varied working environment, perhaps picking up experience and skills he or she may not have gained by being in just one company".
The scheme has six major delivery partners to date and hopes to attract wider interest as the programme develops.
To find out more about the Shared Apprenticeship Scheme in your area contact:
Lancashire and Cumbria: Nici Milner 07711 204400 nicola.milner@cskills.org
Merseyside and Cheshire: Francis Hughes 07770 838192 francis.hughes@cskills.org
East of England: Marti Scott 07881 501302 marti.scott@cskills.org
