Safety starts on day one

Construction remains one of the UK’s highest-risk industries. While huge progress has been made over the years, accidents, near misses, and long-term health risks continue to affect thousands of workers.

Young and inexperienced workers can be particularly vulnerable. New environments, unfamiliar equipment, and a lack of confidence to challenge unsafe practices can all increase risk. That is why it is so important that safety is not treated as an afterthought or a box-ticking exercise, but as a fundamental part of an apprentice’s education.

Apprentices who are introduced to robust safety processes from day one are more likely to:

• Understand risk and how to manage it.
• Follow correct procedures instinctively.
• Speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
• Look out for the wellbeing of colleagues.
• Carry safe behaviours forward throughout their careers.

In short, they help raise standards for everyone.

At CHAS, we see time and again that companies which prioritise structured training, clear induction processes, and consistent safety messaging are better placed to protect not only their apprentices, but their entire workforce.

The role of employers: shaping careers and culture

Employers play a defining role in an apprentice’s journey. Beyond providing technical training, they are responsible for setting expectations, about behaviour, professionalism, and safety.

A well-supported apprenticeship programme sends a powerful message: that young people are valued, that their wellbeing matters, and that safety is integral to success. This doesn’t just benefit the apprentice. Businesses that invest in quality training and strong safety culture often see improvements in morale, retention, productivity, and reputation.

Embedding safety into apprenticeships also helps to address one of the industry’s long-term challenges: cultural consistency. When apprentices are taught from the outset that safe working is simply “how things are done,” they help reinforce those standards as they progress, lead teams, and eventually train others.

In this way, every apprentice taken on today has the potential to influence construction safety for decades to come.

What the autumn budget means for construction SME’s

The Autumn Budget 2025 introduced a key change with major implications for construction: apprenticeship training for under-25s in SMEs is now fully government funded.

For many small and medium-sized construction firms, the cost of training has historically been a significant barrier. Even when there was a desire to take on apprentices, budgets, margins, and uncertainty could make it difficult.

Removing training costs helps to shift that landscape. It means more construction SMEs can:

• Take on apprentices who might otherwise miss out.
• Invest in structured, high-quality training programmes.
• Focus resources on supervision, mentoring, and safety.
• Grow their workforce in a sustainable way.

Crucially, it also creates an opportunity to embed good safety practice at scale. As more apprentices enter the industry, the way they are trained will have a direct impact on future safety performance across construction.

Quality over quantity: why standards matter

While increasing apprenticeship numbers is positive, numbers alone are not enough. The quality of training, supervision, and support is what determines whether apprenticeships deliver long-term benefits.

Apprentices need:

• Clear site inductions and ongoing training.
• Proper supervision and mentoring.
• Access to the right equipment and information.
• An environment where questions are encouraged.
• A culture where safety is consistently reinforced.

This is where CHAS plays a vital role. Through our accreditation, guidance, and support, we help businesses put the right systems and standards in place, so that apprentices are not only learning a trade, but learning it safely.

High standards protect apprentices in the short term, and in the long term they raise the bar for the entire sector.

CHAS: supporting safer starts and stronger futures

At CHAS, we work with thousands of construction businesses to support health, safety, and risk management across the supply chain. Apprenticeships are a natural extension of this mission.

By helping organisations strengthen their safety processes, training frameworks, and site management, we support employers in creating environments where apprentices can thrive. From onboarding and inductions to ongoing competence management, CHAS guidance helps ensure that young workers are protected, supported, and set up for success.

National Apprenticeships Week is a reminder that behind every apprentice is a network of employers, training providers, and industry bodies working together. When safety sits at the heart of that network, everyone benefits.

Looking ahead: building a safer industry, together

As we celebrate National Apprenticeships Week, it’s worth reflecting on what apprentices truly represent. They are not only the future workforce, they are future supervisors, managers, business owners, and industry leaders.

The standards we set for them today will shape construction tomorrow.

With the right investment, the right training, and the right support, apprenticeships can be a powerful force for positive change. They can help address skills shortages, strengthen businesses, and embed a culture where safety is second nature rather than an afterthought.

At CHAS, we are proud to support organisations that are committed to developing apprentices safely and responsibly. By working together, we can ensure that the next generation of construction professionals builds not just structures, but a stronger, safer industry for all.