Almost 40 companies operating in the construction industry have signed up to provide their apprentices with university level work based training.
Six months ago Leeds College of Building became one of the first in the UK to offer the innovative new Higher Level Apprenticeship in Construction and Built Environment (Sustainability) course which has been welcomed by the Government. Further partnerships have also been developed, with 17 colleges now offering the course and new partnerships built with sector skills councils, awarding bodies and professional institutions.

Project manager for higher apprenticeships at Leeds College of Building, Sarah Carter, said: 'Construction firms, house builders, architects, NHS Trusts, local councils and transport companies are just a few industries that have apprentices signed up to the course which is helping to shape the future of the construction industry.'

The course has been specifically designed for A-level students with 80 or more UCAS points, Level 3 Advanced Apprentices, those with BTECs, a relevant HNC or people already working in the industry. The first students to enrol on the course started in September but there are still places available for September 2013 enrolment.

NG Bailey has enrolled several students on the first course. Lee Firth, technical programme manager said: 'This course offers all the sustainability competencies that are key to the future of the industry whilst maintaining the core requirements that are essential in construction management, which makes it a highly relevant framework. There's no doubt it will encourage talented new people into the industry and help to produce quality employees that meet the standard academically and can deliver in the workplace.'

The students will study towards an NVQ Level 5 in Construction Management (Sustainability) and a Higher National Diploma in Construction & the Built Environment as well as selecting Construction Management, Civil Engineering or Building Services as a specialist subject. Successful participants will then be able to pursue a career in a wide range of disciplines including architecture, building services, civil engineering, construction management, maintenance, planning and surveying.

Sarah adds: 'It's extremely encouraging that the construction industry has embraced the Higher Apprenticeships which such enthusiasm. A lot of thought went into the development of this qualification which was developed with employers, colleges, universities and all the leading sector skills councils in order to add real value to the industry by creating a skilled workforce that is productive and can help businesses to grow.'

The 17 partners offering The Higher Level Apprenticeship in Construction and the Built Environment (Sustainability) are: Leeds College of Building, Bradford College, Highbury College Portsmouth, New College Nottingham, Moulton College Northamptonshire, Oldham College, Leicester College, The Grimsby Institute, Cambridge Regional College, Hartlepool College, Stephenson College Coalville, South and City College Birmingham, City of Southampton College, Barnsley College, City of Bristol College, College of North West London and Chichester College.

For further information on The Higher Level Apprenticeship in Sustainable Built Environment course at Leeds College of Building visit www.hasbe.co.uk or www.lcb.ac.uk