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