Trailblazer BIM apprenticeship launched by BIS

The government is backing a new “Digital Engineer” apprenticeship, which would become a passport to a career in BIM, skills minister Nick Boles announced yesterday.

The future qualification joins new training options in piling and plant equipment hire as the construction industry representatives in Phase 3 of the of BIS apprenticeship trailblazer programme.

The trailblazers are employer-led and government-backed initiatives to design new, simpler apprenticeship standards that meet the aspirations of the Richard Review.

It’s hoped that all 140 apprenticeship frameworks currently in construction will be shifted on to the simpler, more accessible system by the start of the 2017 academic year.

But the other major shift under the new system will see government training funding paid directly to employers, who will be able to purchase training directly or via local FE colleges. 

A group of 18 industry employers and institutions are already backing the three construction apprenticeship trailblazers launched under Round Two. These are in wood occupations, construction assembly technicians, and a higher apprenticeship in construction management, which is backed by the CIOB. 

Meanwhile, a total of 700 employers across all economic sectors are supporting the first two waves of trailblazers, which approved and published 51 new apprenticeship standards in March and August 2014.

These cover a broad range of roles such as senior culinary chef, solicitor, journalist and dental practice manager.

In construction, contractors Laing O’Rourke, H&H Joiners and Builders, Seddon Group, Carillion, Balfour Beatty, Kier and Lovell, as well as the Ministry of Defence, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the RICS and the UK Contractors Group are all supporting the project. The CITB is also providing advice and governance.

The aim of the scheme is to respond to the needs of industry, meaning apprentices has the skills required by the sector now and in the future.

Alison Lamplough, head of operational training at Laing O’Rourke and chair of the Construction Trailblazer group, said: “There is still much to do to ensure we have the skills base we need for the future of our industry.

“Employers leading the development of new apprenticeships will demand that the apprenticeships deliver the quality that’s required for the future and create new routes for young people into construction. That is why we are delighted to have secured this Phase 3 Apprenticeship Trailblazer.”