ADCAS members urged to register interest in Trailblazer apprenticeship scheme

As part of a sustained effort to tackle the growing skills gap, ADCAS is calling on its members to back the new Trailblazer apprenticeship and help breathe new life into the ductwork industry.  The ductwork sector hasn’t always benefitted from the same take-up as the pipework and electrical sectors. This may be because ductwork is not fully understood by potential candidates or because employers haven’t always had sufficient motivation.  Whatever the reasons, work is now well under way to improve the situation and ADCAS, together with BESA, is fully engaged with the government’s Trailblazer apprenticeship scheme.

Following strict guidelines, ADCAS has produced two Trailblazer apprenticeship portfolios - one for the installer and one for craftsman - which will be fully recognised within the construction industry as gold standard qualifications.  The Trailblazer schemes are designed to work for all ductwork companies and labour providers, regardless of size, but in order to succeed it is vital that the industry comes together to show its support for this important endeavour.  It is hoped that training centres will be set up in London, the Midlands and the North, requiring an average intake of 45 apprentices annually. However, without sufficient interest from those involved in the industry there is a chance that the programme could fail.

Malcolm Moss, President of ADCAS, commented: “Unless we recognise the importance of recruiting young people, the industry risks being left behind. Both the pipework and electrical sectors are pushing ahead with their own Trailblazer initiatives and are already engaging with candidates for this year’s intake.

“The future of the industry relies upon the recruitment of young people – sitting back and leaving it to others is not really an option. The ductwork industry may be classed as something of a specialist sector but the Trailblazer apprenticeships will provide all of the necessary skills to succeed.”

ADCAS is urging its members to make a real difference by registering their interest with Teresa Osborne at FETA – [email protected], 0118 940 3416.

17-03-2017