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APPRENTICE CHARTER LAUNCH
Unite launched its new Apprentice Charter in February, writes Hajera Blagg. The charter aims to lobby employers to sign up to minimum standards for apprentices in a bid to drive up their pay, terms and conditions.
The charter covers seven areas, including fair treatment, pay and employment rights, training, safety, progression and opportunities, and representation and apprentice responsibilities.
Unite’s Apprentice Charter calls for apprentices to be treated with the dignity and respect afforded to workers. Instead of being paid the apprenticeship minimum wage, Unite is campaigning for apprentices to be paid at least the Real Living Wage.
The charter also calls on employers to grant apprentices the same basic employment rights as other employees, including entitlement to pay, bonuses, holiday pay, rest breaks, sick pay, and pension contributions.
Unite is emphatic that apprentices should be offered real training, not just be a source of cheap labour as is often the case. Apprenticeships should also lead to permanent jobs.
By signing the charter, employers agree to allow apprentices to join and be represented by Unite and to be consulted on any changes that affect their work.
The charter moreover includes responsibilities for apprentices, such as committing to fully engaging with their training, education, and work duties; respecting colleagues and contributing positively to the workplace.
Commenting on the launch, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Apprenticeships should be a career pathway to skilled and secure work.
6 unite buildingWORKER Spring 2026
“While many employers offer this, the government needs to do more to stop bad bosses using apprenticeships as a source of cheap labour with training and contracts that go nowhere.”
The launch of Unite’s Apprentice Charter comes as a new analysis found that electricians and welders were the best trades to enter through apprenticeships.
The analysis, by welding specialist Tadweld, looked at earnings data plus demand trends to determine the best trades to enter through apprenticeships. After electricians and welders, HVAC specialists, lift technicians and renewable energy installers rounded out the top five.
Because people can enter these trades without the debt associated with higher education, Tadweld noted, “This positions apprenticeships as one of the most financially viable entry routes for young people and career changers in 2026, particularly in sectors critical to infrastructure, manufacturing, defence and clean energy.”
Commenting on the analysis, Unite acting national officer Joe Clarke said, “The construction sector offers a raft of highly skilled jobs with decent pay, terms and conditions in a wide range of roles.
“Unite in construction will always be at the table, pushing the end agenda of jobs, pay and conditions for workers and apprentices alike. Unite’s Apprentice Charter is part and parcel of this agenda and will serve to drive up standards for all apprenticeships.”
FIND OUT MORE
Do you have Unite’s Apprentice Charter in your workplace? Speak to your rep.
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