Are apprentices the answer?

Making the jump into the smart homes and building automation market is a daunting prospect. Yes, the training can be expensive but, for most businesses, it is this downtime that is the deal breaker. Learning how to effectively install a KNX system, for example, will usually require your attendance at a course for at least a couple of days. What about all the paid work you would have to pass up?

Finding the time to train is a challenge, however, if you are serious about accessing this market you are going to need the expertise in your team. If you can’t stretch your resources to train your existing staff then how about this suggestion: get an apprentice to do it.

A job for an apprentice

The looming skills gap in the construction industry is a concern but it is also an opportunity.

It is clear that the brightest young minds just aren’t currently being drawn towards on-the-job training. We have to fight the misconceptions of vocational training and its validity as a career choice when compared to going to university. 

After all, training to be an electrician requires a commitment to obtaining levels of knowledge and skill on par with the most challenging undergraduate university degrees. However, if current attitudes to vocational apprenticeships persist then it paints a bleak picture.

The systems being installed within both residential and commercial environments will become exponentially more complex. If we are to grow a workforce that can meet these challenges, apprenticeships must be flexible, adaptable and appealing to. Not only equip young people for work, but also to assure that they are embarking on a career where the skills they develop will give them a valued role in a rapidly changing industry.

Apprentice or Smart Home Champion?

Apprenticeships are in the spotlight and we need to show that there are successful careers to be made in this industry for those are prepared to work for it.  Young and bright people want to be challenged and want to feel like they are progressing and developing in their careers. With smart technology becoming more and more prevalent, this is a great opportunity to bring tech-savvy, fresh blood into your business and tailoring their training with the express purpose of providing access to these revenue streams.

By no means should we dilute electrical apprenticeships. First and foremost, the standards of the industry must be maintained. However, different work requires different skills and, if we are to truly benefit from an increasingly diverse and technology driven industry, then a change of approach may be in order. What kind of asset do you want your apprentice to be? Do you need another pair of hands to help with your current workflow? Or are they an opportunity to bring new skills and expertise to access new revenue streams in the future?

This article originally appeared on our UK site.