FMB welcomes Level 2 General Builder apprenticeship standard for SME firms in England

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed the publication of a Level 2 General Builder apprenticeship standard, a multi-trade route for small and medium-sized building firms in England that it says could be offered by the first training providers from March 2027.

The trade body said the standard was developed by SMEs for SMEs, with its members leading the work through the Occupational Group, the body formerly known as a Trailblazer Group.

According to the FMB, the apprenticeship will give learners foundational experience across bricklaying, carpentry, plastering and painting. It said this reflects the mixed work that micro and SME builders carry out across housebuilding, repair, maintenance, improvement, refurbishment and retrofit.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "It will help create a broader, more flexible entry point into the industry, giving apprentices the confidence and competence to support a range of work before going on to specialise."

The standard

Berry said the FMB had been involved in developing the standard from the start and that its members had wanted it, adding that there had for too long been no recognition for new entrants doing multi-skilled jobs. He described the route as the kind of employer-led training the UK needs to build new homes, improve existing homes and deliver retrofit.

Annie Summun, Chair of the General Builder Occupational Group, led the development. She said: "It is the culmination of many hours of discussion to ensure that it would be fit for purpose, and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the process."

In a separate explainer for members, the FMB said Summun is from FMB member firm Kisiel Ltd and that the standard has now been officially published by Skills England. The explainer also says the standard is available for SME employers to train both young people and career changers.

What Skills England says

The Skills England register entry for the General builder apprenticeship, reference ST0984, says the apprenticeship is in development and subject to change.

Skills England says starts may commence on 11 March 2027, pending an assessment organisation being confirmed, with a funding band of £12,000. It adds that the assessment plan is approved under the 2025/2026 apprenticeship assessment reforms and is available for information only.

The register lists the employers and training organisations involved in creating the standard. Alongside the FMB and the Home Builders Federation, these include Beau Homes, Carl Construction Ltd, Earl & Calman Builders Ltd, Eco-Tiffin, Fairgrove Homes, Kisiel Group, Paul Morris General Building Ltd, Leeds College of Building and The Building Crafts College.

Background

The FMB, which describes itself as the largest trade association in the UK construction industry and was established in 1941, has campaigned for approved and funded General Builder apprenticeship standards as part of its skills and training campaign.

The trade body says 61% of builders report a lack of skilled workers, and that 51% say quality concerns are preventing them from taking on apprentices. It says small and medium-sized builders take on most construction apprentices, and argues that training must reflect real SME building work rather than fragmented or outdated trade roles.

What happens next

The FMB said the next step is for colleges and other training providers to offer the apprenticeship, and that employers can ask their local colleges and providers whether they plan to do so.

The first providers are expected to offer the apprenticeship from March 2027, according to the FMB, with a wider rollout planned for September 2027.