Beyond the Basics: Why Annual Asbestos Training Should Be Non-Negotiable for Apprentices

Apprenticeships are the backbone of the trades and construction industries, shaping the workforce of tomorrow. They provide hands-on experience, real-world exposure, and the technical skills needed to thrive in these sectors. But lurking on many worksites is an invisible threat—one that could cut short the careers and lives of these promising people before they even begin: asbestos.

Despite the UK banning asbestos over 25 years ago, it remains a very real danger in older buildings. For apprentices stepping onto their first job sites, often with limited safety training, the risk of exposure is alarmingly high. Legally, asbestos awareness training is required for anyone operating in these industries, this is non-negotiable, and the training should start from day one of an apprenticeship. Yet the sad truth is that many employers still treat this legal obligation as optional. Worse still, schools and colleges running apprenticeship programmes often overlook their moral duty to include asbestos awareness in their courses. It’s time for change.

The Hidden Threat of Asbestos

Asbestos, once hailed as a “miracle material” for its durability and heat resistance, was widely used in construction for decades. But the fibres that made it so versatile are also what make it deadly. When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic carcinogenic fibres into the air that can be inhaled. Over time, this exposure can lead to devastating diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, it still exists in countless buildings constructed before the ban. Renovation, demolition, or even simple maintenance work can disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), releasing these dangerous fibres into the air. For apprentices who are new to the industry, the risk is magnified—they may not recognise asbestos or understand the dangers, leaving them more vulnerable to exposure.

The Current Gaps in Education and Awareness

Many apprenticeship programmes do an excellent job of teaching technical skills, but when it comes to asbestos awareness, the training often falls short. This is alarming, given that asbestos awareness is not just best practice—it’s a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 for anyone working in trades or construction. Apprentices should be equipped with this knowledge before they even step foot on a worksite.

Unfortunately, most employers fail to fully appreciate the risks asbestos poses. Even after 25 years, many still treat the legal requirement for asbestos awareness training as optional, particularly in sectors working predominantly in domestic settings. This stems from a widespread misunderstanding of the regulations. Regulation 4, which focuses on the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises, is the most recognised part of the legislation. However, the need for asbestos awareness training applies to all tradespeople, including those working in homes, as exposure risks during refurbishment and demolition are just as high in the domestic sector.

Adding to this challenge is the role of educational institutions. While employers hold the legal duty to provide asbestos training, schools and colleges offering apprenticeship programmes have a moral obligation to protect the young lives they are shaping. Failure to prepare apprentices for the risks they face on-site is a failure to uphold their duty of care.

Why Apprentice Annual Training Should Be Non-Negotiable

• Protecting Health and Lives - The most compelling reason for annual asbestos training is simple: it saves lives. Proper education ensures apprentices understand the risks, know how to identify asbestos, and take the right precautions. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about giving young workers the tools they need to protect themselves and their colleagues.
• Embedding a Culture of Safety - Annual training does more than provide knowledge; it fosters a safety-first mindset. When apprentices are regularly reminded of the dangers and how to manage them, they develop habits that prioritise health and safety throughout their careers. This cultural shift benefits not just individuals but the entire industry.
• Preparing a Competent Workforce - 
Asbestos awareness isn’t just a regulatory box to tick—it’s a critical skill. Annual training ensures that the next generation of tradespeople enters the workforce not only skilled in their craft but also equipped to navigate the risks that come with the job. A workforce that’s educated and safety-conscious is a workforce that’s resilient and dependable.

Holding Employers and Educators Accountable

It’s not just education providers that need to step up—employers play a crucial role too. Companies hiring apprentices must demonstrate that they are fully compliant with asbestos regulations and committed to providing a safe working environment. This means regular asbestos awareness training for all employees, including apprentices, and rigorous site safety measures.

Further education centres, however, cannot wash their hands of responsibility. These institutions have a duty of care to ensure the apprentices they train are prepared for the realities of the workplace. They have a moral obligation to make asbestos awareness a standard part of their courses. By embedding this training into their curriculum, they can give apprentices the tools to stay safe while also holding employers accountable for providing safe environments.

Industry bodies and regulators must also step up, enforcing training standards and ensuring that companies failing to meet asbestos regulations face real consequences.

Practical Steps for Change

• Annual Training as Standard - Incorporating annual asbestos awareness training into apprenticeship programmes is a straightforward but impactful step. This could include a mix of online learning, hands-on workshops, and practical demonstrations to ensure apprentices not only understand the risks but know how to respond.
• Educating Educators - 
It’s not enough for apprentices to learn about asbestos—those delivering the training must be experts in the field. Further education centres should invest in upskilling their instructors, or better yet, bring in external experts to ensure they can provide high-quality, up-to-date training.
• Funding and Support - 
To make annual training feasible, the government and industry stakeholders should explore funding options. Grants, subsidies, or tax incentives for businesses that invest in asbestos training would encourage compliance and offset costs, making it more likely for smaller firms to participate.

A Call to Action

The trades and construction industries rely on apprentices to build our future, but it’s our responsibility to protect them as they do. By making annual asbestos awareness training a non-negotiable part of apprenticeship programmes and holding employers accountable for their safety practices, we can create a workforce that’s not only skilled but safe.

This is more than a regulatory issue—it’s a moral obligation. Apprentices deserve better than to unknowingly step into harm’s way, especially when it can be so easily avoided. Let’s work together to ensure they have the knowledge, training, and support to thrive in their careers without risking their health.