Homeowners are more favourable towards building firms who train apprentices, new research has revealed.
The study from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) found that two thirds of households have a more positive image of companies with apprenticeship schemes in place.
Other results included:
- Half of homeowners would be more likely to actually hire a building firm knowing they train apprenticeships (all else being equal)
- More than two in five would be more likely to recommend a building firm to a friend or family member based on the fact they train apprenticeships
- Almost two thirds of homeowners think building firms should highlight the fact they are training the next generation of tradespeople in promotional material
These results prove that apprentices are good for business, according to Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB.
He said: “The building industry is extremely competitive and these results suggest that training an apprentice will help a firm stand out from the crowd. Homeowners aren’t just concerned about the craftsmanship of their builder, they want to know they are hiring a firm with strong values. It therefore makes sense that a business that invests in young people is seen in a better light.
“If the burgeoning skills crisis in the construction industry wasn’t enough to motivate those firms not already training to start doing so, hopefully this evidence will do the trick. It’s helpful to know that apprenticeship training can not only provide rewarding career opportunities for young people, but it can also help a firm’s bottom line.”
