Fareham College and industry partners launch new Civil Engineering & Groundworks Apprenticeship
In partnership with The Solent Civil Engineering Employers’ Group and Fareham College, a new Civil Engineering and Groundworks Apprenticeship, ‘CEGA’, designed to prepare young people and adults for a career in civil engineering occupations, was launched today at an event held at CEMAST.
The programme has been developed in conjunction with major construction companies in response to regional challenges they had identified in the industry, including a significant skills shortage and a perception that a career in construction is unappealing. These issues, the industry says, are significantly stifling future growth and expansion.
The Civil Engineering and Groundworks Apprenticeship will enable participants to develop the skills needed to work on a variety of construction sites, and get paid a very competitive wage while gaining a recognised qualification. As well as providing on-the-job training for students with no prior experience or knowledge of the sector, the Apprenticeship is also suitable for construction staff already working on-site who want to upskill to enable future progression.
As part of the Apprenticeship, students will undertake an intensive initial training programme at the new Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC), which is due to open on the Daedalus site in Lee-on-the-Solent in September. This 20-week basic training will ensure students are fully-prepped and ready to work on-site as part of a team, and have obtained the key certifications and licences essential for employment in the industry.
Nigel Duncan, Principal of Fareham College, says: “With over £15b worth of construction-based development in Hampshire over the next five years, this is an exciting opportunity to develop a bespoke civil engineering apprenticeship programme that meets the needs of the industry, and addresses the current skills shortage that has been identified. The curriculum that will be delivered provides a basic training period to ensure apprentices are equipped with the relevant skills, certifications and licences to hit the ground running when they enter into full time employment. We are delighted to be working with the Solent Civil Engineering Employers’ Group to deliver this exciting apprenticeship programme and to support the industry in finding a local solution for a critical skills shortage.”
