Skills, Training & Recruitment
However, attracting mature apprentices requires more than simply advertising an attractive vacancy. Employers must recognise the barriers adults can face when considering a career change.
Returning to education can be daunting, particularly for someone who did not enjoy school or has spent decades believing academic qualifications are beyond their reach.
Apprentice salaries may also be difficult for people with significant and already established financial commitments.
It is also important to recognise the level of commitment an apprenticeship requires. Apprenticeships are full-time roles, with adult apprentices typically working around 30 hours a week, including time spent completing their training. Many will also need to study for assessments outside those hours. Depending on the role and qualification, an apprenticeship can take between one and four years to complete. They are not an easy alternative to traditional employment or education; they demand hard work, discipline and a sustained commitment to learning.
Businesses like United Infrastructure are therefore providing clear progression routes, supportive managers and an environment in which people feel comfortable asking questions, learning from mistakes and building their confidence.
For Craig, that support helped him overcome challenges both inside and outside the classroom. During his first three months with United Infrastructure, he climbed to the top of scaffolding and walked across the roof of a 21-storey block of flats in central Wolverhampton. Before beginning his apprenticeship, his fear of heights meant he would not climb beyond the third step of a stepladder.
Craig has since completed his Level 4 qualification, begun studying for a Bachelor of Science with Honours, in Construction Management and been promoted to Assistant Site Manager within the Heath Town Estate redevelopment in Wolverhampton.
The change has given him far more than a new job. He now has a clear career path, greater responsibility and opportunities to continue developing, while also having more time for one more bedtime story with his children.
“ I’ m much happier now, and that’ s something my wife and family have noticed,” Craig said.“ I’ m able to spend more time with them and make the most of family life. I’ m proud of how far I’ ve come and excited about the opportunities still ahead.”
As the UK works to address skills shortages across construction and infrastructure, businesses cannot afford to focus on only one age group or one traditional route into employment.
They must consider people at every stage of life. Entry requirements should recognise transferable experience as well as academic achievement. Most importantly, employers must make it clear that apprenticeships are open to those who may believe they have already missed their chance.
Craig’ s journey is a reminder that it is never too late to take a different path. An apprenticeship can open the door to a career that once felt out of reach— and give you the confidence to discover just how high you can climb.
www. unitedinfrastructure. com
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