A study, which surveyed employers working in various sectors across the construction industry, found a passion for the industry and an eagerness to learn were the top attributes employers look for in apprentices.

The ability to stay calm under pressure and work with tight deadlines was considered next in importance, followed by previous knowledge or experience of the industry and the ability to form relationships and communicate with co-workers and customers.


Conducted to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, taking place from March 9 to 13, www.constructaquote.com hope the findings will help school-leavers and young people considering a future career in the construction industry.




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In order to determine exactly what kinds of skills and attributes a young apprentice would need to forge a career within the construction industry, each employer polled worked in one of five specific industries within construction, mainly employing builders, electricians, bricklayers, carpenters and/or welders.


The length of a typical apprenticeship was cited as 21 months, and the approximate full-time starting salary for employees working within each sector post-apprenticeship were revealed as:


Builders - £18,000 per annum


Electricians - £21,500 per annum


Bricklayers - £16,900 per annum


Carpenters - £19,500 per annum


Welders - £17,700 per annum


The vast majority of respondents (87%) stated that they had mostly positive experiences with apprentices in the past and would definitely be hiring more in the future. Furthermore, over half of respondents predicted there will be a greater need for construction apprenticeships in the coming years, with 73% of participants currently employing at least one individual who started off their career as a trainee apprentice within their company.


“Construction is somewhat of an overlooked industry when it comes to the opportunities it can offer young school leavers in the form of rewarding and valuable apprenticeship schemes,” said Lyndon Wood, chief executive officer and creator of www.constructaquote.com. “While apprenticeships that offer the chance to work in such exciting fields as film and television may seem appealing at first, the benefits of an apprenticeship in building, carpentry or bricklaying are worth a second look.”


“Not only is there a chance, as highlighted in our research, to make a very good starting salary wage, the possibilities of where you can go and what you can do with your qualifications gained from an apprenticeship are endless. You could one day own your own business, employ hundreds of workers, or even help to construct a famous monument or landmark recognised across the world.”