A new training programme led by Chartway Group, designed to help line managers support construction apprentices throughout their entire apprenticeship, has secured funding from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
The Build Great Apprentices initiative has been awarded support through CITB’s Industry Impact Fund, enabling the development of free, accessible training aimed at improving apprenticeship experiences, completion rates and long-term career outcomes across the construction sector.
Led by Chartway and supported by industry training specialists SDN Mesma Group, the programme responds to a clear and well-evidenced industry need: line managers play a crucial role in apprentice success, yet many receive little or no guidance on how to support apprentices effectively alongside the demands of live construction sites.
Construction apprentices typically spend 80% of their time learning in the workplace and 20% in formal off-the-job training. While colleges and training providers deliver the academic element, employers and line managers are responsible for supporting apprentices day-to-day – helping them develop skills, build confidence, gather evidence of competence and stay on track throughout their programme.
Without the right support in place, apprentices can struggle at various stages of their training, with pressure often intensifying towards the final End Point Assessment (EPA). This stage is widely recognised as a danger point for non-completion and contributes to low apprenticeship success rates across the sector.
Build Great Apprentices will address these challenges through a suite of bite-size, practical training videos designed specifically for line managers.
The programme will equip managers with the knowledge, confidence and tools to support apprentices at every stage of their apprenticeship – from early workplace integration and skills development, through to ongoing mentoring, performance conversations and preparation for successful completion.
The training will initially be delivered as a pilot programme, with participating employers helping to shape the content from the outset based on real-world experience.
Following the pilot, the training will be made freely available to the wider construction industry via CITB’s online platforms, ensuring long-term, sector-wide benefit.
Paula Hyde, skills, competence and training manager at Chartway Group, said: “Line managers are absolutely central to whether an apprentice succeeds or struggles, yet too often they’re expected to ‘learn on the job’ when it comes to supporting apprentice. From my experience, this is rarely about a lack of commitment – it’s about a lack of training and practical guidance for managers.
“Build Great Apprentices is designed to support managers throughout the entire apprenticeship journey, not just at the final hurdle. By giving managers the right tools, knowledge and confidence from day one, we can transform apprentice experiences, improve completion rates and help build a stronger, more sustainable future workforce for construction.
“We are incredibly proud that this idea has been recognised and supported by CITB, and we’re excited to begin developing a programme that has the potential to make a real difference across the industry.”
Construction employers are now invited to take part in the Build Great Apprentices pilot programme and help shape the training from the outset.
To find out more or to express an interest in joining the pilot, contact Paula Hyde at phyde@chartwaygroup.co.uk.
