The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by recognising the vital role apprentices play in building and maintaining a high‑quality construction workforce. With small, local builders training most apprentices, the FMB is urging the Government to deliver a skills and training system that genuinely works for SME employers and supports a competent, modern workforce equipped for core construction, green skills, and retrofit.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, commented: “National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate the apprentices beginning rewarding careers in construction, and the small builders who invest time and money to train them. But while our members remain committed to developing talent, the wider skills system continues to fall short. Small builders need a long‑term plan they can trust, not a patchwork of short‑term schemes that change year after year.”
Berry continued: “The UK is currently experiencing a skills crisis, and we need to do more to get young people into the building industry. But this is not just about filling vacancies. It’s about quality, safety, and supporting good local jobs right across the UK. If we want a skilled and competent workforce capable of delivering safe, high‑quality homes now and in the future, we must fix the construction skills system. That means clear competence standards for modern and green construction, properly funded apprenticeships that reflect real SME work, and targeted support for the small firms who take on apprentices.”
About the Federation of Master Builders
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level. The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and members have to pass a professional vetting and independent inspection process. The FMB also offers a free service to consumers called ‘Find a Builder’. Please visit www.fmb.org.uk.
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The FMB constantly lobbies Government at all levels to boost output and raise standards of safety and professionalism in construction. To keep abreast of our campaigns and news, and to join the debate, follow us at @fmbuilder, find us on LinkedIn or like us at www.facebook.com/FederationofMasterBuilders.