Building The Future: The Importance of Apprenticeships in Construction

Episode Overview: Join us for a discussion on the critical role of apprenticeships in the construction industry with Annie Summun, Director at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Chair of the FMB Training Group. Explore how apprenticeships are shaping the future of construction and addressing industry challenges.

Host: Anna Scothern

Guest: Annie Summun, Director at the Federation of Master Builders

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Annie's Journey and Role at FMB: Discover Annie's unique path from retail management to leading roles in the construction industry and her passion for training and apprenticeships.
2. Importance of Apprenticeships: Learn why apprenticeships are crucial for the sustainability and growth of the construction industry, especially for SMEs.
3. FMB Initiatives: Insight into the FMB's efforts, including the development of new apprenticeship standards and advocacy for flexible use of the Apprenticeship Levy.
4. Success Stories: Hear real-life examples of how FMB members have benefited from engaging apprentices, showcasing the positive impact on their businesses.
5. Challenges and Solutions: Discussion on the common challenges SMEs face in apprenticeship training and the FMB’s strategies to address these issues.
6. The Future of Apprenticeships: Thoughts on the evolving landscape of apprenticeships in construction and how they are essential for meeting future industry demands.

Closing Thoughts: Apprenticeships not only foster skill development but are also vital for the professionalization and growth of the construction industry. They play a crucial role in building a competent, confident workforce ready to tackle the challenges of a fast-evolving sector.

Resources Mentioned:

FMB Website: https://www.fmb.org.uk/

CITB Industry Report: https://www.citb.co.uk/

Master Builder Awards: https://www.fmb.org.uk/2025-master-builder-awards.html

Find out more about National Apprenticeship Week: https://nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk/

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