Higher Apprenticeships launched in Wales to meet construction growth

University of Wales Trinity Saint David has announced two new Higher Apprenticeship programmes in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.

With Wales set to lead UK construction growth, with over 12,000 new construction roles forecast to be created in the nation over next five years, two new Higher Apprenticeships have been developed to meet this demand. The University is working directly with industry partners and in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to deliver these programmes at the Faculty of Architecture, Computing and Engineering from next month.

The construction industry has been fundamental in the creation of the new Higher Apprenticeships.

Gerald Naylor, Director of CWIC said: “The development of the two Higher Apprenticeships is a complete collaboration between industry and education partners. An industry task-group was established with representatives from construction firms across Wales. Their input was instrumental in the delivery of the new courses, resulting in training that is designed for industry by industry. CWIC was delighted to help co-ordinate this work and we will continue to develop projects that benefit the construction sector in Wales.”

The Welsh Government has been keen to see the continued and increased involvement of professional bodies in the promotion of Higher Apprenticeships.

UWTSD’s Lindsay Richards, Head of School of Architecture, Built and Natural Environments said: “This is such an exciting time for the School of Architecture, Built and Natural Environments. All our courses have been designed to respond to industry requirements. As a university and a provider of construction education we are in a unique position, in that our partnership with CWIC allows us the opportunity to discuss with both employers and professional institutions the requirements and current shortages within industry ‘first hand’.

We aim to be the number one provider of construction courses in Wales. Together with our collaboration with the CIOB, we believe that our courses provide students with the necessary skills required in a rapidly changing industry and sets them firmly on the path to professional accreditation.”

Mark Bodger, Partnership Director CITB Cymru Wales, said: “The construction sector in Wales has very much championed the creation of these new Higher Apprenticeships. Industry’s continued involvement has provided the momentum to see the concept developed to an approved course in a little over 12 months. A wide collaboration working together with CWIC and CITB have produced a Higher Apprenticeship that will appeal to small and large contractors. It is another demonstration of the variety of routes into construction as a career and has the potential to be a life changing opportunity for many young people who will hopefully go on to become the future leaders of this industry.”

Gareth John, Chair of CIOB in Wales Cardiff Hub said: “We believe that the skills shortages we face as an industry can best be addressed through collaborative working by the key construction industry stakeholders here in Wales. Through a collaborative approach with UWTSD, CITB, CWIC and employers, we have been able to identify both the current skills needed, and also the future skills needed for this fast moving and ever-changing industry.”

The development of these two new Higher Apprenticeships will provide much needed and appropriate good quality training and development opportunities that meet the requirements set by industry employers for their present and future employees. The CIOB are the world’s largest professional body with a very diverse membership and are committed to both supporting its current members within the industry, attracting new people into the industry and are committed to play a big part in the training and development of our existing and future construction professionals.”

Additional information about the partners:

CITB is the Industrial Training Board (ITB) for the construction industry in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). CITB ensures employers can access the high quality training their workforce needs and supports industry to attract new recruits into successful careers in construction.

Using its evidence base on skills requirements, CITB works with employers to develop standards and qualifications for the skills industry needs now, and in the future. CITB is improving its employer funding to invest in the most needed skills and by making it easier for companies of all sizes to claim grants and support.

CITB can offer assistance to prospective apprentices seeking relevant employment and to employers interested in developing a Higher Apprentice in their business. The training is supported by the Welsh Government and is free to the apprentices and employers - the latter may be eligible for CITB grants.

If you have completed ‘A’ Levels or an appropriate Level 3 BTEC or similar, then these Higher Apprenticeships will provide the opportunity to learn while you earn.

You will attend the University one day per week for three years studying for a Higher National Diploma and will need to be employed in an appropriate construction-related role to complete the work-based qualification. The two programmes offer student membership of the CIOB and are designed for seamless progression to related Honours Degrees at the University.

Construction Wales Innovation Centre (CWIC) is a unique CITB-funded all-Wales training centre which is currently building its new ‘Hub ‘in the SA1 Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter.  It has formed a partnership with its ‘Spokes’ (Coleg Cymoedd, Coleg Cambria, Coleg Ceredigion, Coleg Sir Gar and the Building Research Establishment) to deliver bespoke/specialist training including scaffolding across all sectors and levels of construction including the supply chain.  The training is free to eligible individuals and companies and is industry demand-led.

University of Wales Trinity Saint David Group (UWTSD) is a collegiate university operating on three main campuses in South West Wales (Carmarthen, Lampeter, and Swansea) as well as a fourth campus in London. In addition, the UWTSD Group comprises Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion incorporating both further and higher education.