Three new degree apprenticeship launched to build up construction industry

29th July 2020

Sheffield Hallam has launched three new degree apprenticeship programmes to boost growth in the construction industry.

The three apprenticeships, in architectural technology and design management, construction quantity surveyor and construction site management, will be starting in September.

The new programmes are suitable for people with relevant qualifications who are new to the construction industry, or existing employees who want to learn new skills and get advanced qualifications.

Each programme will prepare apprentices for professional careers in construction by providing the technical knowledge, initiative and interpersonal skills the industry demands.

The launch follows the announcement by the government of some of the most radical reforms to the UK planning system since the Second World War, in a move to kick start the construction industry and speed up rebuilding.

With construction job openings predicted to reach more than 42,000 in Yorkshire and the Humber by 2022 and new job opportunities increasing across the industry, from 500,000 to 700,000 by 2024, there is an increasingly urgent need to address the current gap in skilled industry professionals needed by the industry.

Sarah May, chartered architectural technologist and business development lead for the Department of Natural and Built Environment said:

“With the construction industry expected to see substantial growth in the next few years, we are launching these programmes to develop work-ready, graduate-calibre employees who will be able to enter the workplace bringing fresh ideas and perspectives with them.”

Degree apprenticeships take a work-based blended learning approach with modules delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face lectures, class-based and online seminars, practical work and site visits.

Social distancing measures will be in place throughout any face-to-face teaching to ensure a safe learning environment.

Apprenticeships are an innovative combination of 80% work and 20% training – so all apprentices need a relevant job first.

Once they begin the programme, apprentices learn as they earn with salary and training costs covered by their employer of the company, as well as receiving a university education funded by the employer and the government as part of the Apprenticeship Levy.