National Apprenticeship Week

We’re passionate about supporting the construction industry to help address and resolve the skills gap it faces. Providing opportunities for the next generation, specifically in specialist trades such as plastering and drylining, is an essential part of our work in this area.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2021 David Hall, Training Partnerships Director for British Gypsum, explains why complementing traditional apprentice schemes with initiatives that help those already working in the sector is central to address the skills shortfall in the long term.

The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Build the Future’ and emphasises the crucial role apprentices play in driving our industry forward. Apprenticeship programmes give young people the chance to take those important first steps towards achieving their career goals. As an employer we are extremely proud to offer a diverse programme of apprenticeship opportunities for those looking for a career in the mining, manufacturing and construction sectors.

We’re also supporting the industry by creating opportunities for plasterers and drylining installers of the future thanks to our established collaboration with 57 Thistle Partnership Colleges across the UK. Since its launch in 2013, the Thistle Partnership Programme has supported 6,911 apprentices providing them with the specialist skills to enable them to thrive in a career in the industry. This year, despite there being many challenges in the physical delivery of courses, we’ve maintained a good level of attendance with 763 apprentices successfully completing foundation courses.

Investing in the people who already work for us is also a priority for British Gypsum. As well as providing opportunities for those starting out in the industry, we’re firmly committed to helping every single one of our employees to reach their potential. We ensure all of our employees, regardless of how long they’ve worked with us, has the opportunity to develop their skills, experiences and build up their confidence to help them to take the next step towards achieving their personal career goals. This is just one of the many reasons why British Gypsum is such a great place to work.

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2021 and beyond, here’s to all the apprentices and employers who are playing their part to build the future of the construction sector.

To find out more about British Gypsum’s work with its partner colleges and training providers, click here

To browse British Gypsum’s current job opportunities, click here