Proposals to support employers on developing new Apprenticeship Standards have been approved by the Department of Education (DfE).

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has drawn up the plans to replace existing frameworks and is it expected all construction Apprenticeship Standards will be in place by July 2017.

The organisation said it has already been approached by employers who want to get involved and develop the training content of the new Apprenticeship Standards. A review of existing frameworks has been undertaken and some have been identified as having little or no existing employer support.

-- Advertisement --

Steve Radley, Policy Director at CITB, said: "We now have a chance to get the industry's Apprenticeship Standards in place by next summer, so employers and providers will be able to access the higher funding rates offered by Government sooner than expected and Apprentices can begin on more robust training programmes delivered through Standards in 2017.

"While CITB will be coordinating the development of the industry's Apprenticeship Standards, it's crucial that employers of all sizes get involved to help shape the way the industry will train the future workforce."

Alison Lamplough, Laing O'Rourke's Head of Operational Training and Apprenticeships, added: "This is a really positive development for construction. Employers need to take ownership of the development of new Standards, but we need a more strategic approach in identifying the industry skills requirements and the approach to development. This is where CITB can offer significant support to employers and can ensure participation from companies of all sizes. It is really pleasing to see DfE support the sector development plan and its aim of delivering the Standards we need in 2017."

(LM/MH)