May 6, 2003

CITB URGES EMPLOYERS NOT TO LOSE OUT
IN THE RACE FOR THE BEST APPRENTICES

CITB is urgingemployers to take on apprentices now, while interest among young people ishigh. Last year CITB placed over 9,000 apprentices in the construction industry,a 10% increase on the previous year, but is concerned that the industry isstill missing out on high quality recruits to other industries.

CITBs Business AreaManager Paul Sykes said: "Our experience shows that if apprentices are notsnapped up early, in May or June, they are likely to either stay in educationor go into another industry entirely, there are always more high qualitycandidates than there are interested employers to take them on. Indicationsfrom colleges this year are that interest in apprenticeships from young peopleis at all time high.

"Constructionfirms are not only in competition with each other for the best applicants, butalso with other industries. CITB can help find the right apprentice forbusinesses, as well as with the costs of training, but it pays to registerearly."

A chequebook styleleaflet offering 6,000 to construction firms that take on a young person totrain as an apprentice is being sent to employers this week (w/c May 6, 2003).A CD-Rom is also included, featuring vox-pops from young apprenticesdemonstrating the calibre and commitment of trainees and the benefits theybring to businesses.

Employers wishing totake on an apprentice through CITB should call 01485 577577 or visit www.citb.co.uk/news/campaigns

Notes toeditors:

For furtherinformation media should contact CITBs Press Officer Leander Perry at leander.perry@citb.co.uk or 020 73679803.

1. The industry needs to attract 380,000 recruits over the next four years in order to meet growth and replace those leaving construction.
2. The Modern Apprenticeship scheme trains a young person over a 3 year period (four year in Scotland) in the skills needed to earn a nationally recognised S/NVQ qualification.