A partnership is aiming to drive up the number of apprentices working in the construction and civil engineering sector in the Midlands.
Ladder Foundation and Civil Engineering Contractors Midlands are teaming up in a bid to address concerns over a shortage of labour as well as tackling youth unemployment.
It comes as statistics show that 23% of employees in the sector are aged over 55 compared with just 10% in 1990.
Figures estimate that 10,000 new employees will be needed every year in in the region to help deliver projects earmarked up until 2027.
Lorraine Gregory, director of Civil Engineering Contractors Midlands, said: “Ladder Foundation has done a tremendous amount of important work in helping to encourage employers and schools with their approach to apprenticeships.
“This has led to thousands of jobs being created, with young people gaining employment and allowing construction companies to start solving the problem of ageing workforces.
“Ongoing training is important and that’s something CECA supports our members with, and that will only grow and develop further now we are linked up with Ladder Foundation too.”
Ladder Foundation was created more than a decade ago in London to drive up the number of apprenticeships being offered by employers.
It now works employers such as Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, Birmingham City Council, HS2, NHS, OpenReach and Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Kevin Davis, chair of the Ladder Foundation, said: “We recognise the need for apprentices to be given opportunities in the key sectors of transport, energy, water, waste, and communications.
“I’m so pleased our collaboration with Civil Engineering Contractors Midlands, the authoritative voice for the companies who build, maintain and upgrade the nation’s vital infrastructure, will further provide that ladder of opportunity for apprentices.“
