Construction employers have cited an increase in skills and productivity as among the top benefits that apprentices have brought to their businesses. Three-quarters – 75% – of employers polled in a new survey said that apprenticeships helped to create the skilled workers needed to keep their business moving forward. According to the research of more than 1,000 employers, which was carried out by Power Tools World, 35% of respondents said apprentices had also provided a boost to output. A further 14% of participants went as far as to say that taking on an apprentice had impacted directly on their bottom line, helping to drive up their profits. Figures from CITB’s latest Construction Skills Network report show that a massive 232,000 jobs are to be created in the next five years alone, leading to an increase in construction apprenticeship opportunities. Despite this, the survey suggests that lack of understanding about apprenticeships may be stopping some employers from getting involved in the schemes. A third admitted they did not realise that grants were available to help employers fund apprenticeships. Chris Guy, managing director of Power Tool World, said: “You can see from the results of this survey how important apprenticeships are to the construction industry and that there is still work needed to raise awareness and educate the industry. “We’re taking any opportunity to do our bit to promote the scheme to young people and employers on the many benefits of apprenticeships.” For more information on apprenticeships and career opportunities in construction, please visit Go Construct  Source link

BAM Construct UK has filed its 2015 accounts showing an 80% rise in profits and turnover up marginally to nearly £900m. Above: Chief executive Graham Cash BAM Construct UK made a pre-tax profit of £13.0m in 2015 (2014: £7.2m) on a turnover of up 1.2% to £897.5m (2014: £887.1m). The company started 2016 with a forward order book of £1,723.5m and £95m of working capital. The profit margin was 1.4% compared to 0.8% in 2014, reflecting an improved market and more favourable economic conditions, said chief executive Graham Cash. Mr Cash said: “2015 was another steady year with profit increasing as BAM Construct UK emerged from the recession.” He said the company’s aim was to grow margin rather than turnover; the 2015 results bear this out. “We aim to improve profitability through greater efficiency, especially at pre-construction stage, through developing technology, and by maintaining and developing long term relationships with like-minded clients, particularly in the health, higher education, commercial and leisure sectors,” he said. Of the recent referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, he said: “So far, we are not experiencing any direct impacts from the decision to leave the European Union. I believe our core strategy will enable us to be resilient in the face of any uncertainties in the next few years arising from Brexit.” BAM Construct UK does not include BAM Nuttall, which reports its results separately.   This article was published on 23 Aug 2016 (last updated on 23 Aug 2016). Source link