New research has revealed nearly 60% of SME construction bosses began their career as an apprentice.

The data, from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), shows that half of owners were also running their own company within seven years of completing their training.

In addition, 98% of respondents said they valued an apprenticeship over a degree when hunting for new staff.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said the data demonstrates an apprenticeship is "the perfect springboard" for a construction career.

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"Of those who went on to start their own businesses, more than one in two reached that goal within a mere seven years of completing their apprenticeship training, showing that you can go from being a brickie to a business owner in no time at all," he said.

"Even if running your own firm isn't what you aspire to do, a construction apprenticeship can nevertheless provide the foundation for a highly rewarding career. Almost 80% of our SME construction bosses said that employment in the sector offers high levels of job satisfaction with tangible results and 87% believe an apprenticeship teaches useful and practical skills.

"What's more, by the age of 23, a bricklayer with five years' experience can earn up to £31,000 and rising in some cases to £52,000 in London. Given the high levels of university tuition fees, young people have every reason to properly consider a more vocational education and pursuing a career in construction looks an increasingly shrewd move."

(LM)