Greene King has over 200 apprenticeship opportunities – here’s how to get involved

THE Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is the largest provider of construction apprenticeships in Britain.

In 2016 they supported around 8,400 employers to train more than 24,600 apprentices.

There are more than two million people in various construction jobs, meaning it’s one of the biggest and most diverse sectors in the country.

Recent research is forecasting over 158,000  construction jobs will be created in the next five years across the UK.

There has never been a better time to join the sector, and an apprenticeship is a great route into the industry.

Theo Brogan a Stonemason Apprentice from Leicestershire, who won the title of CITB Apprentice of the year 2017, said: "I’ve learned so much in my apprenticeship and I'd encourage anyone thinking about starting an apprenticeship to give it a go."

Top tips for apprentices from CITB

1. Do your research - Take time to decide what trade, company or college is right for you.

2 .Communicate -  Speak to your employer, college, or apprenticeship Officer to resolve any problems quickly and ask for help if you need it.

3. Stay organised - Track your own progress in college and for your NVQ.

4. Work hard-  The more you put in to your apprenticeship the more you will ultimately get out.

5.  Enjoy learning and take pride in what you do - Step back at the end of every day and review what you have accomplished.

To find out more about a career in construction and to hear from people who are currently working in the industry visit 

BAE Systems is one of the largest employers of apprenticeships in the UK, with 2000 apprentices training in engineering, manufacturing, aircraft maintenance and support, project management, business and finance, IT and cyber security.

Richard Hamer, director of education and skills, said: "Our apprentices work across the UK on projects that help safeguard our nation, in our Air, Maritime and Land sectors and in business management functions.

"We offer qualifications at every level, including degree and post graduate masters-level apprenticeships and 95 per cent go onto jobs within the company.

"Our apprentices are a key part of our workforce, providing us with talent to help us meet the future skills we need to compete; in fact, many of our current directors originally joined us as apprentices.

"The best apprentices multi-task, show enterprise, offer a fresh outlook and commitment to learning.

"Those who are most successful seize every opportunity offered to them to stretch and show what they could achieve.

"We’re justifiably proud of our apprentices and the contribution they make to our business."

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THERE have been some changes to the apprenticeship system and if you recruit, then you’ll need to know about them. 

Here, Jill Whittaker, managing director at HIT Training – the largest apprenticeship provider in the hospitality industry reveals what companies need to know.

"Apprenticeships have undergone a huge shake-up over the past 12 months.

"The Apprenticeship Levy has been introduced which has changed the way apprenticeships are funded.

"The standards are part of the Government-led overhaul to apprenticeships and aim to raise the bar and guarantee training is rigorous and even more in line with the demands of the different industries across the UK.

"They have been designed by experienced employers from each sector – known as ‘Trailblazers" – to ensure businesses can offer their apprentices more innovative and relevant training than ever before.

"Each standard outlines the skills, knowledge and behaviours an apprentice will have to obtain by the end of their apprenticeship.

"Ultimately helping apprentices to gain the experience and expertise required to carve out a successful and long-term career, future-proofing the workforce for employers."