‘Sheepdog’ Training – A Mindset for Young Apprentices

Background

Alliance Groundworks & Civils recognised that young, inexperienced apprentices entering the construction industry often face unique challenges related to health & safety awareness, understanding of legal responsibilities, and practical site skills.

To address these challenges and ensure the wellbeing and development of its apprentice workforce, the company implemented the Mindset for Young Apprentices Course as a core component of its apprenticeship programme.

Challenges

Limited Experience: Apprentices typically have little to no prior experience in construction, making them vulnerable to hazards and potentially unaware of safe working practices.

Lack of Confidence: A lack of experience can also lead to a lack of confidence, making apprentices hesitant to ask questions or raise concerns about issues.

Understanding Responsibilities: Young workers may not fully grasp their individual and employer responsibilities regarding health and safety on-site.

Adapting to Site Culture: Integrating into the existing site culture can be difficult, especially if that culture does not prioritise safety and open communication.

Managing Money: Apprentices may not have a good understanding of how to manage their finances, particularly if they are self-employed.

Solution

The Mindset for Young Apprentices Course was specifically tailored with a focus on:

Instilling a Positive Mindset: Emphasising the importance of a proactive and responsible attitudes towards safety, encouraging apprentices to become 'sheepdogs' who look out for themselves and others.

Providing Foundational Knowledge: Delivering a comprehensive overview of legal responsibilities, risk assessments, method statements, and permit-to-work systems, presented in an accessible and engaging manner.

Developing Practical Skills: Offering hands-on training in site setup, traffic management, working around plant and moving vehicles, and other essential site activities.

Promoting Health and Wellbeing: Addressing common occupational health issues, manual handling techniques, emergency procedures, and environmental considerations, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

Financial Literacy: Providing guidance on managing money as a self-employed builder, including understanding the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), claiming expenses, and budgeting for taxes and wear and tear.

Implementation:

The course incorporated various strategies to support apprentice learning and development:

Mentorship: Pairing apprentices with experienced workers who could provide guidance, support, and on-the-job training.

Interactive Learning: Utilising group exercises, real-world scenarios, and practical demonstrations to engage apprentices and reinforce learning.

Open Communication: Creating a safe and supportive environment where apprentices felt comfortable asking questions, raising concerns, and sharing their experiences.

Conclusions

The Mindset for Young Apprentices Course has proven to be a valuable investment in the development of young apprentices at Alliance Groundworks & Civils. By providing a solid foundation in safety, legal responsibilities, practical skills, and personal wellbeing, the course helps apprentices to succeed in their careers and contribute to a safer and more productive work environment.