The 19th annual celebration of trainees, skills and their positive impact on individuals and businesses takes place in the form of National Apprenticeship Week.
The week-long government initiative, beginning February 9th, includes a range of digital toolkits, each one bespoke to raise awareness on the benefits of apprenticeships among employees, stakeholders, schools, students and parents.
Leading UK roofing and waterproofing contractor, BriggsAmasco is a long-term advocate of traineeships. The company currently employs 18 apprentices. It also provides ongoing training support for all staff up to NVQ Level 7.
Tony Lawther, BriggsAmasco Managing Director, began his career as a Briggs’ apprentice in 1984. He said the programme was important for personal development, as well as gaining a qualification and a career.
He said: “Apprenticeships help people grow by allowing them to learn on the job while earning money. Apprentices pick up real skills, confidence, and good work habits from experienced roofers, not just from a classroom. They improve over time, take on more responsibility, and often move straight into full-time work. The connections they make can also lead to long-term jobs.”
Paid apprenticeships are crucial in ensuring a new generation of construction workers has the skills to meet the UK’s future building needs.
A 2025 CITB report estimates that an additional 47,860 workers will be required per year until 2029 to keep pace with projected project demand.
Explaining BriggsAmasco’s trainee recruitment process, Tony Lawther said that trainees were seconded through two main channels: managers identifying a specific operational need that required an apprentice, or recognising an exceptional candidate whose talent warranted creating a new position within the company.
“We’re building skills today by training people on the job, giving them real experience, and supporting them as they grow,” he said. “Through apprenticeships, mentoring, and hands-on learning, we’re helping our teams develop confidence, strong work habits, and up-to-date skills that will shape the future workforce at BriggsAmasco. It’s an invaluable experience that could stand them in good stead for life.”
For more information on National Apprenticeship Week and the live online events, click here.
