Pro Installer September 2015 - Issue 30 | Page 61

61 PRO INSTALLER SEPTEMBER 2015 PRO RECRUITMENT @proinstaller1 A-level students urged to consider apprenticeships A-level students have been reminded of the value of apprenticeships, after picking up their exam results last month. Although many of those who received their grades will look to make the transition from school to university, construction is among the growing sectors where apprenticeship opportunities are also available. The overall A-level pass rate, which covers grades A* to E, has risen to 98.1% this year, according to the Joint Council for Qualifications ( JCQ). Despite the lure of a university career, employers have reminded school leavers of the other options which are now open to them. For instance, Tracey Locke, group director of HR at the Mace Group, has encouraged young people to explore the opportunities which the construction industry can provide. Speaking to Sky News, she said: “There are lots of opportunities for people in the construction industry if you want a challenging and varied career. We take people from both academic and vocational backgrounds.” Ms Locke also encouraged people to get an early taste of the building sector