Government Approves First Trailblazer Apprenticeship

Business Secretary, Vince Cable, has given the green light for a new Assembly Technician Apprenticeship.

The decision, welcomed by Laing O’Rourke and CITB, paves the way for the introduction of the first ‘Trailblazer’ apprenticeship, designed by a partnership of construction industry employers and professional bodies.

Steve Radley, Director of Policy & Strategic Planning at CITB, said: “The Government’s Trailblazer apprenticeships have given the construction industry the opportunity to develop apprenticeship standards that meet the needs of employers and improve the assessment and grading system.”

“This announcement shows the Government is listening to the needs of the construction industry, which is a good first step towards creating better apprenticeships and a better-skilled workforce.

“We are working closely with Government to find ways to continue to implement the new Trailblazer approach and are keen to find ways forward to enable more Construction Trailblazer apprenticeships to be approved.”

Alison Lamplough, head of operational training at Laing O'Rourke and Chair of the Construction Trailblazer group, said: “I am pleased the Government has approved one of our Trailblazer apprenticeships and I am confident that such apprenticeships will help raise standards within the construction industry.”

The role of a construction assembly technician is pivotal to Laing O’Rourke’s delivery approach – and new apprentices will acquire a range of competencies required to install Design for Manufacture and Assembly components to the correct specifications. On completion, participants will achieve an internationally recognised qualification – along with Level 1 (or equivalent) English and Maths.