More than 40 of Plymouth’s leading manufacturers and construction companies have combined to stage an immense apprenticeship fair – because they need workers to fill a skills gap afflicting those sectors.
The huge joint apprenticeship recruitment drive is being staged as part of National Apprenticeships Week 2020 and among companies taking part are AECOM, Babcock International, Barratt Homes, BD, Gilpin Demolition, Kawasaki Precision Machinery, Kier Construction, Midas Construction, Obedair, Plessey, Princess Yachts and YGS Landscapes.
Building Plymouth, the organisation set up to attract workers into construction, and the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG) have joined forces once again to organise the Apprenticeship Jobs Fair, this year talking placed on Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 10am 2pm in the Plymouth Guildhall.
READ MORE: {}
They are expecting more than 1,000 people to attend during the day, with both industries plagued by the same problem of having an aging workforce and needing an infusion of fresh blood.
Aimed at engaging young people, their parents and families, as well as adults who are considering a career change, the fair will promote that apprenticeships offer a chance to fire up a career and to showcase local employers blazing a trail in their business by offering a wide breadth of opportunities across these two high-growth sectors. Employers will be promoting careers and vacancies across trade, technical and professional pathways.
Firms and organisations attending the Plymouth apprenticeship fair 2020
Advanced Medical Solutions
AECOM
Alderman Tooling
Babcock
BAM Construction
The Barden Corporation
Barratt Homes
BD
Brunel
Centrax
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
Cities of Learning Digital Badges
City College Plymouth and Sherford Skills
Collins Aerospace
Construction Industry Training Board -
CITB
Cornwall College
CSW Group
Fiber Glass Systems
The Focus Training Group
Gilpin Demolition Ltd
Greenlight Safety Consultancy
Kawasaki Precision Machinery
Kier
Lorne Stewart Plc
MB Aerospace
Midas Construction (pictured)
Ministry of Defence
Motortronics
Oakmount Control Systems
Obedair
Olympus
Pepper Communications
Plessey
Princess Yachts
Schneider Electric
Shared Apprenticeships SW (SWAS)
Skills Group
South Devon College
T Clarke
University of Plymouth
UTC Plymouth
YGS Landscapes
Steve Gerry, secretary for PMG said: “Following on from the success of our annual events, the PMG are once again pleased to be jointly hosting this Apprenticeship Jobs Fair with Building Plymouth.
“Between us, we are home to two of Plymouth economy’s largest sectors: construction and manufacturing.
Most Read
How much does the construction industry pay?
Tradespeople can earn more than £50,000 a year, according to new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), released to mark National Apprenticeship Week.
The key statistics are:
Bricklayers, carpenters and plasters can command an average day rate of £175, equating to £53,200 a year;
Some tradespeople are paid up to £275 a day for their work;
54% of construction bosses are struggling to hire bricklayers;
53% are struggling to hire carpenters/joiners; and
35% are struggling to hire plasterers.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “There’s never been a better time to start an apprenticeship in construction. A trade apprenticeship not only offers the possibility of earning a good wage but provides an opportunity to set up your own business. The good news is that there plenty of vacancies in construction for young people with a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn.”
“This year’s event will host over 40 exhibitors and we very much look forward to opening the doors of Plymouth Guildhall to welcome everyone who is interested in making the first step of what could be the career of a lifetime.”
Emma Hewitt, Building Plymouth skills co-ordinator said: “Apprenticeships present a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn and to get recognised and relevant qualifications whilst firing up your career.
South West construction stories
How to contact William Telford and Business Live
Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region.
To contact William: Email: william.telford@reachplc.com - Phone: 01752 293116 - Mob: 07584 594052 - Twitter: - LinkedIn: - Facebook:
Stay in touch: BusinessLive newsletters have been re-designed to make them even better. We send morning bulletins straight to your inbox on the latest news, views and opinion in the South West. Get our breaking news alerts and weekly sector reviews too. Sign up now - it's free and it only takes a minute. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click .
And visit the Business Live South West LinkedIn page
“We know that of all sectors, construction requires the largest number of apprentices to help overcome the skills shortages and skills gaps.
“Our Fair will be the perfect place to look beyond the typical stereotypes of our sectors and to get really inspired, to find out more about becoming an apprentice and to vastly improve your chances of securing an apprenticeship.”
There will be a chance for visitors to try their hands at taster activities, demonstrations, competitions, attend talks about apprenticeships and also to meet current apprentices already working in the two dynamic and growing industries.
And on the same day, the annual Plymouth Construction and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Awards will be held in a private ceremony in the Lower Guildhall at 9am involving 19 invited apprentices.