St Helens-based M&Y says the the new intake will mean 6.5% of its entire workforce will be ‘home-grown’ as part of its commitment to help tackle the ongoing skills shortage in the construction sector

Merseyside maintenance and construction firm M&Y is taking on 12 new apprentices, taking its total number of trainees up to 16.

St Helens-based M&Y says the the new intake will mean 6.5% of its entire workforce will be ‘home-grown’ as part of its commitment to help tackle the ongoing skills shortage in the construction sector.

Fewer young people are considering careers in the sector and the current workforce is continuing to age. Currently, 22% of the sector’s workforce are over 50, while a further 15% are in their 60s.

M&Y Maintenance and Construction has funded the new roles using its apprenticeship levy fund. The fund was introduced by the Government in 2017 to increase employer investment in its workforce.

The new apprenticeship roles cover a range of careers within the construction industry including electricians, gas engineers, plumbers, bricklayers, health and safety, and office administration.

Gill Kelly, managing director of M&Y, said: “The construction industry offers a variety of hugely rewarding careers, but unfortunately outdated stereotypes are hampering the number of young people joining the sector.

“At M&Y, we operate a different culture to perceived tradition construction firm. We value qualities such as openness and honesty and encourage our staff to be ambitious. We are never afraid to fail and if we do, we learn from it and move on together.”

The new apprentices will start college in September and will initially undertake a three-year course before moving onto an improver course, where they are paid an enhanced rate. M&Y operates across the North West and the apprenticeship roles will be based at its sites in St Helens, Blackpool, Preston and Oldham.