Pro Installer November 2015 - Issue 32 | Page 53

53 PRO INSTALLER NOVEMBER 2015 PRO RECRUITMENT @proinstaller1 Apprentices ‘can earn more’ than graduates Taking a higher apprenticeship offers people the chance to earn more money than going to many universities, a survey has found. According to a study published by the Sutton Trust, youngsters who start their working lives with a Level 5 higher apprenticeship will bank £1.44 million over the course of their careers. That is around £50,000 more than someone who graduates from a non-Russell Group university, who earns £1.39 million, the survey from the think-tank suggests. The research also took the cost of going to university into account, as well as the high levels of debt many students end up with and the fact that apprentices have the opportunity to earn while they learn. Calls are now being made to change the public perception of on-the-job training schemes so that they have the same status as degrees. In a poll published as part of the study, 80% of young people thought that going to university was the best route to a lucrative career. But Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust, said that taking an apprenticeship can also lead to success. Writing in the foreword to the report, Mr Lampl said: “If undergraduate degrees are seen as a gold standard, these vocational qualifications are too often seen as ‘second best’, or a ‘fall back option’. “But some of the UK’s most famous and successful entrepre- neurs were formerly apprentices. “Success can come through apprenticeships, but work is needed to boost their quantity and quality and change their public perception.” Around 10,000 people sign up to higher apprenticeships every year, giving trainees the chance to take home a wage while building up practical experience in all kinds of industries, including construction. The Government is committed to delivering three million extra apprenticeships by 2020, as well as increasing the number of higher apprenticeships on offer. Steve Radley, Director of Policy and Strategic Planning at CITB said: “With over 220,000 new construction jobs being created in the UK over the next five years, there are a huge range of opportunities for young people in construction. “A construction apprenticeship, whether at an intermediate, advanced or higher level, offers the opportunity to earn a wage while you learn, by combining study with practical work experience. It offers the next generation a foot in the door and a rung up the ladder in construction.” Source: www.citb.co.uk CET strengthens sales team CET, one of the UK’s leading glass processing companies, is pleased to announce that it has strengthened its sales team with the addition of Steve Webb as Area Sales Manager, East. Steve is another important acquisition for CET in its ambitious plans to drive the business forward, continuing to invest for the future, and complements the company’s major investments in state of the art equipment during 2015. Steve brings with him a wealth of industry experience that customers will be able to benefit from, with 25 years spent as director for a glazing contractor and 10 years at Pilkington Glass, where he specialised in the conservatory roof sector, and has also run his own business. In joining CET, Steve will be teaming up again with Dave Storer, National Sales Manager, having worked together for several years at Pilkington Glass. With excellent technical skills and substantial knowledge of the glazing sector, Steve is well respected in the industry and is looking forward to his new challenge with CET. As Steve says, “With my solid experience within the industry and having run my own business, I fully understand the needs of fabricators and installers and the importance of having a quality sealed unit supplier to meet the ever increasing demands of our industry. I’m really excited about joining CET where we are investing heavily in plant and people that will enable us to meet those challenges head on.” Pick up the PRO Installer, FREE, from one of over 600 trade counters.