Firm foundations

Mark Wakeford, joint MD of construction fi rm Stepnell, believes apprentices are key to the call to “Build, build, build”

The development and success of the UK’s construction sector has never been more important. With the burden of the current economic crisis resting fi rmly on its shoulders, it’s time for the construction industry to properly invest in apprentices and trainees to secure the future of the sector.

In recent years, a growing emphasis has been placed on the importance of upskilling the next generation. Covid-19 has brought this into stark relief with the threat of furlough and widespread redundancies that placed apprenticeship schemes at risk of dissolution.

Bringing the next generation into the industry is crucial given the Prime Minister’s announcement to reboot the British economy through infrastructure.

Train, train, train

I believe that construction companies should be open to exploring new areas and listen to the younger generation about what they want.

For example, one of Stepnell’s current apprentices found a passion for using the Viewpoint Field View app, which allows the capture of real-time fi eld data on-site. The apprentice then became a Field View champion, giving them a high level of responsibility to visit sites across the country to record data and teach senior members of staff how to use the application.

Stepnell’s Emerging Talent programme is central to maximising the company’s intake of trainees and off ers tailored support in their chosen area of expertise, encouraging development through formal mentorship programmes, six-month reviews and the opportunity to gain recognised qualifi cations.

Kieran Gubbins, graduate and Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Stepnell, said: “During my time as a Stepnell trainee, I have been able assist with multi-million-pound projects and run my own projects with the support of others. It’s great that I’ve been given that level of responsibility, which is oft en where trainees can get de-motivated if they are not actively involved or given that trust.

“I think it is important that young people are supported in the industry, particularly as a lot of knowledge can oft en lie with the older generation. It’s an ageing workforce and, therefore, essential that young people can drive the future of the sector, bringing new technologies and ways of learning with them.”

Luke Beardsmore, who has just completed 12 months’ work experience at Stepnell and will join the team as an Assistant Site Manager once he graduates, said: “Throughout lockdown, I had to step up into my site management role as I was given more responsibility due to other staff being furloughed, which has been

“There is oft en the assumption that trainees make the tea and do the admin jobs. But I have been given a huge amount of responsibility”

hugely benefi cial for my development and confi dence. There is oft en an assumption that trainees make the tea and do the admin jobs. But I have been given a huge amount of responsibility from working on-site and watching my managers solve problems and deal with challenges.”

With the construction industry facing its biggest skills shortage yet, it’s more important than ever that the industry looks for new talent.

Luke added: “There wasn’t a lot of information about the construction industry when I was choosing my career path at school. I think there needs to be more awareness about the diff erent aspects to encourage the younger generation to get involved. People need to listen to the younger workforce, we are hungry and passionate to succeed, and we want to learn as much as we can.”