Vocational industries in the UK are facing a severe skills shortage. According to a study from the Construction and Trade Business Institute (CTBI), the average age of a construction worker in the UK is 50, and there simply aren’t enough young people coming through to fill these gaps.
The number of new apprenticeship starters in the most recent academic year (August 2024 to April 2025) is up 2% year-on-year, while completed apprenticeships are up by 8%, indicating that the number of skilled young people is growing.
However, many small business owners, particularly sole traders, are hesitant to bring an apprentice onboard. Here, we take a look at five key reasons your business could benefit from bringing on an apprentice, with insight from Business Consultant Tracy Kerr, from South and City College Birmingham, and Lynne Flavell, Campaign Manager for UltraTile.
1. Flexibility
“Taking the leap, bringing on your first apprentice and setting up pay-as-you-earn can be daunting,” says Tracy. “However, businesses have a range of options to explore. Placement services provide the ability to essentially ‘try before you buy’, ensuring the perfect fit between you and your apprentice, before committing to a long-term plan.”
“You’ll also have full control over how and when your apprentice splits their time between working with you and attending college. Day release arrangements provide flexibility, while block arrangements are also available.
“This means that your apprentice can split their time in the way that best suits you, providing extra support during busy periods and ensuring they are available when you need them most.”
2. Employee loyalty and retention
“One of the big concerns amongst employers considering taking on an apprentice is the fear that time and effort will be spent training someone who will immediately leave for pastures new,” Tracy continues.
“However,” adds Lynne, “a study from the Association of Apprentices indicates that 69% of apprenticeship employers report improved staff retention, with 65% of employees staying with the company that trained them once they have completed their apprenticeship.
“Bringing an apprentice into your business also offers benefits from a workplace culture perspective, with 92% of companies reporting a more motivated and satisfied workforce.”
3. Succession planning and focusing on the future
“Bringing in an apprentice is also a great way to modernise your business,” Lynne continues, “particularly if you’re finding your team are stuck in their ways, or if you’re worried about the future of your business when you approach retirement.
“New apprentices sourced via reliable channels will be familiar with the latest technology, processes and legislation, which can be helpful for a number of reasons. While they are training with your business, you’ll have the chance to embed your company’s values in the apprentice, teaching them about how to carry themselves and to ultimately take more responsibility in the longer-term.”
4. Company perception and securing work
“Apprenticeships also bring an improvement to your company’s public perception,” explains Tracy, “something that’s often overlooked by smaller businesses. Bringing aboard apprentices will improve your reputation and indicate a vested interest in the local community – something that can help differentiate you from competitors.
“Further free training resources can also help expand your apprentice’s skillset, exploring new commercial areas and opening the door to a wider range of jobs available via tender.”
5. Financial incentives
“Bringing an apprentice into your business opens the doors to a wide range of financial benefits,” comments Tracy. “While bringing on an apprentice is a big commitment – and one that should only be considered if your business has a regular, reliable pipeline of work – funding and support from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) will help subsidise those costs.
“Increased funding is available for businesses that take on tiling apprentices, with up to £11,000 available per apprentice from the CITB and £1,000 available from the government for apprentices aged 16-21.
“Apprentices that need to travel and stay away from home can also access CITB funding for 80% of these costs – whether that requires hotel rooms or travel to and from training, it’s easier than ever for your business to utilise apprenticeships.”
Tracy comments: “Going forward, there’s still plenty of work required to help bridge the skills gap. But it remains our mission to make it easier for young people to access apprentices – and for businesses to bring apprentices into their business.
“We’ve set up a construction employer advisory group, which has been going on for the last 12-18 months. It’s been great to hear about industry pain points and learn how we can tailor our apprenticeship programmes to help combat those.”
For more information on apprenticeships and the financial support available, view the free webinar by UltraTile and South and City College Birmingham via the link below:
