Costain welcomes UK Government’s apprenticeship reforms

With an 183% uplift in Costain apprentices aged 25 and over and latest Department for Education data showing 34% of all apprentice starts over the last reported six months also in this age bracket, the smart infrastructure solutions company provides its thoughts on the National Retraining Scheme that will launch this summer.

Costain, the smart infrastructure solutions company, has welcomed the Government’s strengthened commitment to apprentices of all ages, which paves the way for people to re-train or learn new skills and will be an important element of ensuring the right talent is available for an increasingly technology focused future.

Sally Austin, Group HR Director at Costain, commented: “It’s critically important that the Government maintain its progress on the National Retraining Scheme and therefore it was positive to see Philip Hammond use the recent Spring Statement as a platform to reiterate their commitment to apprenticeships. Everyone, no matter what their age, should have the opportunity to retrain or upskill in a new industry and have the support from both businesses and Government to do so.

“The UK is rich in talent across multiple sectors and we see the benefits in attracting a diverse range of ‘new blood’, who will have completely different but valuable skill sets to help the industry deliver highly complex technology-based innovative solutions. As the technology revolution gathers momentum we need to ensure we have a strong supply of people with the requisite skills to deliver on our 21st-century requirements and apprenticeships will play an essential role in developing skills for tomorrow. We look forward to hearing more from Government on what the National Retraining Scheme will look like in practice.”

Over the past three years Costain has significantly increased the number of older apprentices it recruits, highlighting a shift in the stereotypical perception that the scheme is just for school leavers or recent graduates. The company has welcomed nearly 100 apprentices aged between 25 and 55 years old, a 183% increase on the three years previous figures.

Currently, the range of ages of those involved in its apprenticeship scheme is from 18 to 55 years old. In 2017, 51% of apprenticeships within the company were occupied by those aged over 25 whilst a quarter of apprentices in 2018 were aged over 30. The company’s latest intake of apprentices also saw a 50:50 split in male and female recruits, with 67% of female apprentices in non-traditional roles such as planning and quantity surveying.

Austin added: “The vast array of apprentices joining teams across our business highlights that entering a new sector and developing new expertise isn’t restricted to those leaving school or university. You can become an apprentice at any age and it is vital that any stigma around over 25 year olds entering a new profession at foundation level is eradicated.

“We welcome people from all backgrounds and ages onto our apprenticeship programmes and is it pleasing to see this current shift in the perception of such schemes. It is always rewarding to watch apprentices on their journey as they develop and hone their expertise in their practise areas and go on to become highly skilled, full-time employees on our projects and we look forward to welcoming many more in the future.”

Robyn Asquith, SHE Administrator/Office Manager at Costain spoke about how her apprenticeship formed part of her career development: “Some may say that people in their 50s could be too old to be an apprentice. At 54, and having just completed a Level 4 in Business Administration qualification, I would say that you are never too old to learn something new and also skills that will benefit you in the future.

“I began the course in 2017 with the hope that it would provide me with future opportunities. A decision that has paid dividends as I now have a role I love and can utilise the skills acquired throughout my apprenticeship.”

Costain’s current apprenticeship programme supports 150 apprentices in both traditional and upskill roles across the business. Each scheme runs for a maximum of three years, and in most cases leads to a full-time role – with Costain reporting an 81% retention rate of apprentices after they complete their study. The apprenticeship roles range from section engineers to cyber security operatives and technology and communications leads as Costain hones its focus on developing smart infrastructure solutions.

The Costain Apprenticeship Programme offers Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree apprenticeships across various business functions and sectors in the UK. The programme provides on-going support from experienced professionals within the business, training in line with apprentices’ qualifications to further personal development, and the option to progress onto further apprenticeship programmes upon completion of the first enrolment.

The schemes Costain apprentices can enrol onto include, but are not restricted to, ‘digital and technology’, ‘design engineering’, ‘project management’ and ‘business administration’.

Schemes worked on by Costain apprentices include the recently completed upgrade of London Bridge Station and the Thames Tideway Project, a joint venture between Costain, Bachy Soletanche and Vinci (CVB).

To find out more about Costain’s Apprenticeship Programme, visit www.costain.com/careers/routes-into-costain/apprenticeships/