Its ‘Trailblazer’ programme is designed to put employers at the heart of developing apprenticeship programmes after the Richard Review dismissed the present system.

Construction, railway civil engineering and property services are among several industries tasked with reforming training.

Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Kier and Laing O’Rourke are the big names chosen to bring apprenticeship training into the 21st century.

Alongside these big league hitters, regional players like Seddon and Lovell Partnerships are also on board as well as local Scunthorpe firm H&H Joiners & Builders and London interior specialist K & M McLoughlin Decorating, which will also have a say in reshaping apprenticeship training.

Under the fast-track timetable the firms will need to complete and submit their draft apprenticeship standards for assessment by June this year.

The Government will then start rolling out the new apprenticeships at the end of the year.

The new employer-designed standards will be short and easy to understand. They will describe the skills and knowledge that an individual needs to be fully competent in an occupation.

The result of consultations on a post-Richard Review new funding mechanism for apprentice training, which would see employers have direct control over government funds but also contribute some of their own funds for the first time, are also due out soon.

Ray Wilson, Director and General Manager Carillion Training Services said: “As the largest  provider of apprenticeships in the construction industry we are delighted to be taking a leading role in this important task.

“Working with other employers and professional bodies we are committed to being at the forefront of construction learning excellence and creating a standard which will deliver the next generation of skilled craftspeople.”