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FHM Answers Task Force Call to Support Apprentices

FHM is answering the call of a leading construction industry task force by demonstrating its ongoing commitment to trainees and apprenticeships.

The Cross-Industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force has urged more employers to take on apprentices as the new college term approaches and warns that firms of all sizes cannot afford to ignore the need to train people who are enthusiastic about a career in construction, despite the difficult economic situation.

New figures revealed by the Construction Industry Training Body-ConstructionSkills highlight the alarming reality facing the construction sector.

Results from the recent survey show the number of 16 to 19-year-olds in the industry has fallen by 52% since 2008 and only 12% of the sector's workforce is aged 24 and under. This is combined with a large increase in the percentage of older workers in the industry with nearly 20% only 10 years or less away from retirement.

Frank Haslam Milan is proud to have 36 apprentices currently with the company, who are studying for Level 2 and 3 NVQs in a range of traditional tradescrafts including joinery, plumbing, bricklaying and electrics. Of those apprentices, 13 are undergoing On Site Assessment and Training in safe driving and carrying goods.

The apprentices are studying at Stephenson College and New College, in Nottingham, Doncaster College, Barnsley College, the CDC Centre, in Sheffield, Sheffield College, West Nottinghamshire College and Hull College.

FHM kept it in the family with its first apprentice recruits, brothers Jonathan and Jordan Salmon.

Jonathan, aged, 20, was appointed as a trainee resident liaison officer, with FHM sponsoring further study at West Nottinghamshire College.

He said: I can't thank FHM enough for giving me this opportunity; it's such a brilliant job. I'm getting a really good introduction to the industry and picking up many news skills. I hope to have a long career in construction."

Younger brother Jordan, aged 18, was recruited as an apprentice joiner. He is using the trade skills taught at West Nottinghamshire College to install kitchens and bathrooms in tenants' homes.

"Getting the apprenticeship was a step into a real career for me. I'm thoroughly enjoying learning a traditional trade," said Jordan.

FHM is also set to recruit apprentices in the new academic year, with interviews set up at colleges in York, Matlock and Northampton.

Paul Senior, Contracts Directorat Frank Haslam Milan, said: "Apprenticeships are the life blood of the trades. At FHM we recognise that we have a responsibility to help train tomorrow's generations of operatives to preserve construction skills. We are proud to be answering the task force's call to continue to develop our workforce via the apprenticeship route.