A £300 million contract has been awarded to Bouygues UK to build Oriel, a new eye care, research and education centre in Camden. Oriel is a joint initiative between Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity that will see services move to
The £9.1 million redevelopment of Parsons Vehicle Workshop and Depot in Parsons Road, Washington, a project which began in the summer of 2021 for Sunderland City Council (SCC), is now occupied. Over the coming years, SCC aspires to move towards electric vehicles in lieu of petrol or diesel, therefore electric
Exclusive new homes data released yesterday by the National House Building Council (NHBC) reveals 2022 saw the highest number of new home registrations since 2007 (191,801 in 2022 vs. 198,467 in 2007). Within that, the final quarter of the year saw a 21% drop in new home registrations compared to the
Lincoln-based Stirlin Construction, part of Stirlin Group, has reached 15 years of trading, with completed projects totalling over £70m and plans to deliver £10m worth of schemes in 2023. The milestone comes just months after Stirlin Group expanded its senior contracting team with the hire of Howard Griffith as head
Leading fire engineering consultancy, OFR Consultants has seen further expansion this year already with the appointment of two new colleagues in the capital. Joining the 115-strong London-based team, is fire engineer Milad Mansouri and graduate, Lizzie Pickup. Milad, a Fire CFD Engineer and Lizzie, whose university thesis focussed on fire safety in informal settlements and
Following the government’s announcement to make sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mandatory across England, ACO Water Management is supporting urban planners, architects and civil engineers to embed sustainable drainage into their designs. SuDS will become a legal requirement in 2024 after a recent government review. Making SuDS a necessary obligation aims
The University of Reading, Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and AMA Research (part of Barbour ABI) have today launched a new report Procurement in the Finishes, Fit-Out and Interiors Sector, aiming to better understand how procurement practices are affecting the £10 billion fit-out industry and most importantly, how they can
The campaign, which will run from 9th – 13th October 2023, will provide a much-needed platform on which to showcase the diverse range of career options available within the scaffolding and access industry. With the recent lack of uptake in roles within construction being well publicised, NSW aims to inspire
Cladding and façade contractors can now get aluminium window pods with super-fast delivery from Corrivo. After supplying some bespoke window pods for a number of high-profile projects, the Midlands based fabricator, has now expanded their product offering to meet the needs of architects, specifiers and façade contractors. Surrounding the window
Yorkshire-headquartered Smith Brothers has opened applications for its popular apprenticeship programme, which seeks to find the next generation of talent to join the electrical engineering industry, and keep Britain connected. With applications open for budding substation fitters, the apprenticeship is the perfect springboard to a career in the utilities industry,
A £300 million contract has been awarded to Bouygues UK to build Oriel, a new eye care, research and education centre in Camden. Oriel is a joint initiative between Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Charity that will see services move to a brand-new integrated centre on part of the St Pancras Hospital site. The two-acre site earmarked for Oriel was owned by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (C&I). Moorfields acquired the site on 1 February 2023 through an NHS-to-NHS transaction approved by the Secretary of State for Health. These significant milestones follow final NHS and government approval for the centre in November 2022 and Camden Council granting full planning permission in August 2022. Demolition of six buildings currently on the Oriel site will now begin at the end of February and construction of the 10-storey, 47,000 sq. m, centre will start later in 2023. Preparation work started on the site in autumn last year under an early works agreement with Bouygues UK and they have now developed a full construction programme with the building due to open in 2027. The new centre – part of the New Hospital Programme, the biggest hospital building programme in a generation – will harness the expertise of the partners under one roof and will enable closer collaborative working between clinicians and researchers to speed up the delivery of the highest quality treatments and therapies for patients. Martin Kuper, Moorfields chief executive, said: “These latest developments move us firmly into the construction stage of the project. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to get us to this stage. We are excited to be working with Bouygues UK to build our state-of-the-art centre which will support our reputation for excellence and our ability to deliver outstanding care for our patients.” Professor Alan Thompson, Dean of the UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences, said: “Meeting these milestones is a major achievement and I am incredibly excited about demolition beginning later this month and construction starting this year. Oriel will allow us to drive forward real innovation to support our work in the long-term and strengthen our partnership with Moorfields in delivering real benefits for patients.” Robert Dufton, Moorfields Eye Charity chief executive, said: “This is another major step forward for Oriel and we are very much looking forward to construction starting this year. We’ve been working in partnership with our generous donors because philanthropy is a key part of the Oriel funding mix and has a vital role in securing the future of eye health on a global scale. We believe the new centre will provide patients, who are at the heart of everything we do, with the best treatments, faster.” Fabienne Viala, chair of Bouygues Construction in the United Kingdom, said: “To be partnering on this world-leading centre in eye care, research and education is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Bouygues UK. We are so proud to be the leading contractor for this innovative building which will be an exemplar for accessibility, tailored to the needs of its patients, and designed flexibly to meet their future needs. As with all our projects, social value will be key for us and we are looking forward to working with the Oriel partners, Camden Council and the Knowledge Quarter to unlock training and employment opportunities for local people to create a lasting legacy in the community.” The new centre will be located in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, an internationally renowned hub for science and innovation. It is close to the UCL Bloomsbury campus and several of our NHS, commercial and charity partners. Oriel will be built on two acres of the five-acre St Pancras Hospital site. The rest of the site is being developed by Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust and King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership. The proposed development will provide modern, accessible and sustainable mental health facilities fit for the 21st century, as well as new offices, homes, retail, leisure and public spaces in a place which is accessible and welcoming to all. For more information about Oriel, the construction programme and upcoming milestones please visit www.oriel-london.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The £9.1 million redevelopment of Parsons Vehicle Workshop and Depot in Parsons Road, Washington, a project which began in the summer of 2021 for Sunderland City Council (SCC), is now occupied. Over the coming years, SCC aspires to move towards electric vehicles in lieu of petrol or diesel, therefore electric vehicle charging was a significant element of the project. The building will act as an electrical vehicle charging hub for the council’s fleet of vehicles, utilising a large array of roof mounted solar PVs and battery storage units to obtain maximum efficiency out of the system. To make way for the brand-new, two-storey mixed use vehicle depot building, the existing workshop was demolished to be replaced by one which houses workshop spaces and office accommodation as well as a fuel station, electric charging hub, and a security gatehouse to service the entrance, which leads to parking facilities for fleet, visitors and staff. After a competitive tender Esh Construction (Esh) was appointed as contractor in the summer of 2020. In keeping with its social value strategy to work with local firms whenever possible, Esh appointed Durham-based Howarth Litchfield as architect with shared responsibility for submitting the planning application, which was given the green light in early 2021. Howarth Litchfield Director, Keith Handy, added: “We’re delighted to have been involved with the redevelopment of Parsons Depot which builds on our experience in this vital sector. In this case, the project sets the benchmark on sustainability within the context of local authority fleet vehicle management, providing a new strategic asset for Sunderland City Council, housing frontline services for fleet management, highways operations, refuse collection, horticultural services, and so on. “Specifically, it not only supports the current outgoing fossil fuel vehicles but is also heavily designed around the incoming electrical vehicle fleet both in terms of the vehicles’ everyday maintenance as well as providing a centralised electrical charging hub.” Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Clean Green City, Councillor Claire Rowntree is the council’s Climate Champion. She said: “We are moving towards our aims of being a carbon neutral city and the Parsons Depot is part of this big picture. The hi-tech updates for energy consumption, carbon emissions and its environmentally friendlier facilities allow us to expand our capacity for specialist electric and other low carbon EVs. Parsons helps towards meeting our moves of making the council carbon neutral by 2030 and having a carbon neutral city by 2040.” The co-location of services on this 6.37 acre (2.58 Ha) site has led to greater efficiency and provides flexibility for future reorganisation or expansion if required. The project is very much a first in the North East within local authorities as they look at how they will facilitate and maintain a new fleet of electrical vehicles by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Exclusive new homes data released yesterday by the National House Building Council (NHBC) reveals 2022 saw the highest number of new home registrations since 2007 (191,801 in 2022 vs. 198,467 in 2007). Within that, the final quarter of the year saw a 21% drop in new home registrations compared to the previous quarter (35,041 in Q4 vs. 44,542 in Q3) as the impact of September’s mini budget and wider economic challenges took hold. In Q4, 10 out of 12 UK regions experienced a decline in new home registrations with volumes down significantly compared to the previous quarter. London was worst affected with a 63% decline, followed by the North East at -47% and Wales, the North West and Merseyside joint third at -33%. Steve Wood, CEO at NHBC, said the data reflects the fluctuating economic climate. “Whilst the final quarter of 2022 was undoubtedly a challenging one, it was off the back of strong market performance in the first half of the year. “Rising interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis have had a marked impact on many areas of the UK economy. House building has not been immune from these factors but the demand for high quality new homes, whether in the private or rental sector, is still holding up. It is too early to judge how long any slowdown is likely to last, house building continues to show resilience. The sector has shown time and time again that it can weather market fluctuations and respond to rising demand.” He added, “we are seeing some early indications that enquiries for new build homes are easing up, which is perhaps a sign that people need to get on with their lives.” The data released by the UK’s leading independent provider of warranty and insurance for new homes is widely recognised as a lead indicator of house building activity. In Q4, private sector registrations were most affected with a decline of 28% (23,203 homes in Q4 2022 vs 32,293 in Q3 2022). New home registrations in the rental sector were less affected, down by only 3% (11,838 homes registered in Q4 2022 vs 12,249 in Q3 2022), as Housing Associations report increased demand for affordable homes amidst the cost-of-living crisis and the Build to Rent sector is still seeing significant levels of investment. David Campbell, Commercial Director at NHBC, commented that the rental sector had been holding up well. “House building in the rental sector has remained steady in the last two quarters, with investors and developers pivoting towards the increasing demand for high-quality rental homes. The diversity of the house-building market and greater focus on Build to Rent is proving to be an important factor in housing supply,” he said. Mr Campbell reflected that while the first quarter of 2023 is likely to be a challenging time for the house-building market, there is some cause for cautious optimism. “Builders and developers have historically held up well in tough economic circumstances, in part bolstered by the imbalance between demand and supply of new homes. As one might expect, many are considering the viability of launching new projects to the market very carefully, particularly in light of the latest Bank of England base rate rise, but there are signs that this will be temporary as enquiry and reservation levels begin to rise.” he said. For more information on the latest figures, please click the image link to the data booklet below. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lincoln-based Stirlin Construction, part of Stirlin Group, has reached 15 years of trading, with completed projects totalling over £70m and plans to deliver £10m worth of schemes in 2023. The milestone comes just months after Stirlin Group expanded its senior contracting team with the hire of Howard Griffith as head of construction and Ryan Goddard as quantity surveyor. Stirlin Group is a development and construction company based in its purpose-built premises on Sadler Road in Lincoln. Since its first commercial project in 2007, Stirlin Construction has successfully delivered 30 commercial and residential schemes across Lincolnshire, for private clients and joint venture partners. The recent hire of Howard and Ryan takes the team to 20, and as the company increases its portfolio of projects, the team will expand further this year with the hire of a commercial manager and a number of other positions. Stirlin Group’s strategy for 2023 is to further build its presence and reputation for quality in its home county, along with expansion into the wider Midlands – with conversations already taking place with clients. Tony Lawton, managing director of Stirlin Group, said: “Our ambition has always been to be one of the leading residential and commercial developers and contractors in Lincoln and I believe we have achieved this. With the sustained demand for our services and approach, we are growing our team and widening the areas that we operate in to enable us to meet that demand and attain our aspirations for the future. “Stirlin Group is largely known as a property development company – which it certainly still is – but we have also been successfully managing the construction of our own developments and projects for a variety of clients, developing a strong reputation over the years. “It’s wonderful to have reached 15 years of contracting, and with a strong order book for this year, ambitious growth plans and our talented team, it’s a very exciting time for the business. I would like to thank the whole Stirlin Group team for their passion and commitment and to our valued clients who choose to work with us.” Active projects for the contractor include a 10,000 office development for Duncan & Toplis in Louth, an industrial/office development at the Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) in Holbeach, and new phases added to commercial schemes at Kirk’s Yard in Branston and Leafbridge Business Park in Hykeham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading fire engineering consultancy, OFR Consultants has seen further expansion this year already with the appointment of two new colleagues in the capital. Joining the 115-strong London-based team, is fire engineer Milad Mansouri and graduate, Lizzie Pickup. Milad, a Fire CFD Engineer and Lizzie, whose university thesis focussed on fire safety in informal settlements and refugee camps, have join OFR at an exciting time for the business. In London, the team has continued to be involved with some of the city’s most exciting developments including East London’s landmark Silvertown development, on behalf of developer, Lendlease. The masterplan for the 50 acre Silvertown site, will see a huge transformation for this underdeveloped area of East London, bringing homes, offices, leisure, cultural and community space here. The OFR team has been assisting with the fire strategy for the £3.5bn dockside regeneration development, where plans were submitted a few weeks ago, following consultation with the local residential and business community. OFR project manager, Matt Stallwoodexplained: “We have been appointed extensively across the site as it progresses through the development stages, prioritising sustainability by incorporating Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to reduce construction time and have a positive effect on reducing carbon emissions, whilst also assessing the complexities relating to fire safety. “We are assisting with the Masterplan development for the entire development as well as on RIBA Stages 2 – 4 for Plots 6, 7, 8 Millennium Mills and 1D/2D. We have also been appointed for RIBA stage 2 of plot 1 plot 1J.” The OFR team is currently the sole fire engineering consultancy across the plots, where the scheme primarily comprises of new residential buildings. The landmark Millennium Mills, which will be transformed to a commercial purpose is a collection of listed buildings which presents the challenge of trying to retain as much as possible while still meeting the requirements of current standards. Milad spoke about joining the OFR team, which has grown to 115 people across seven UK offices since it was established in 2016, he said: “I am excited by the breadth of work that OFR is involved in both here in London, throughout the UK and overseas. I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience – as an Aerospace Engineering graduate, I have since held roles at various consultancies and developed my career working on many major projects including the Sail Tower and Maad Towers in Saudi and Westfield London White City. 2023 is certainly a great time to be joining the business and embracing the opportunities of working within the sector at this time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the government’s announcement to make sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mandatory across England, ACO Water Management is supporting urban planners, architects and civil engineers to embed sustainable drainage into their designs. SuDS will become a legal requirement in 2024 after a recent government review. Making SuDS a necessary obligation aims to help further reduce surface water flooding and water pollution, and lower the pressure on sewerage systems that often get overwhelmed in heavy rainfall events. Regulations and processes are currently being established but SuDS are expected to be compulsory for any new development, building or structure over 100sqm. It is anticipated that SuDS plans will need to be submitted to SuDS Approvals Bodies (SABs), which will fall under the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). However, ACO Water Management, a leading drainage and water management manufacturer, warns firms not to delay in acting. Instead, it advises to start planning ahead now for the incoming changes, especially given a knowledge and skills gap across the industry. Sam Hawkins, National Specification Manager at ACO, said: “This rule change by the government is a welcome one and will help to address the challenges we’ve seen recently with flooding. More importantly, mandatory SuDS will ensure we can start to mitigate the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. “While it seems far off, it’s vital that everybody within the construction industry pulls together now rather than ‘wait and see’, otherwise we could see residential and commercial projects being held up and exacerbating current issues we’re seeing in the sector. This is especially as we know from our own research that there are different levels of awareness around SuDS requirements, and how to implement SuDS that perform well. At ACO, we’re here to help overcome these challenges, and our team is ready to help with design and specification to ensure compliance.” The new regulations will come about through implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, which is already in force in Wales. However, as reported by Planning Resource, the. In a recent report by ACO, titled Highway Drainage: The Route to Surface Water Management, it found similar conclusions in a survey of 100 infrastructure and highways engineers, including: “It is great to see the government acknowledging the difference SuDS can make and taking the necessary steps to protect properties and natural habitats. There is much work to do, so it’s vital that water management suppliers assist in the journey,” said Sam. “We encourage all key stakeholders to come to us if they have questions in creating sustainable drainage systems, and at ACO, we have an entire portfolio of drainage and water management solutions to assist in any scheme. Alongside this, engineers can access our free-to-use tools like our QuAD design software, and our colleagues are on hand to ensure we can provide the support required.” To find out more about ACO Water Management and to read its highways drainage report, please visit https://www.aco.co.uk/the-route-to-surface-water-management-report Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Reading, Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and AMA Research (part of Barbour ABI) have today launched a new report Procurement in the Finishes, Fit-Out and Interiors Sector, aiming to better understand how procurement practices are affecting the £10 billion fit-out industry and most importantly, how they can be improved. FIS last year raised concerns that the push for modern methods of construction was being undermined by lack of focus on modern methods of procurement. To better understand the evolution of procurement practices, the organisation commissioned Professor Stuart Green of the University of Reading to explore procurement practices in the UK fit-out sector. FIS has a close working relationship with AMA Research, who were also keen to explore this topic and support this work and were able to offer assistance in developing the survey and extending the reach for participation. This result is a fascinating new report that benchmarks current practices from those contractors directly involved and explores how procurement impacts effective delivery. Through better understanding of the challenges facing the industry, the sector can deliver better value and improve supply chain relationships.The nature of the procurement process is often identified as a barrier to change. Dame Judith Hackitt’s statement from the 2018 ‘Building a Safer Future’ Report, confirmed that ‘Improving the procurement process will play a large part in setting the tone for any construction project. This is where the drive for quality and good outcomes, rather than lowest costs must start.’ FIS Chief Executive Iain Mcllwee stated: “The key to unlocking the potential of construction and unleashing the culture change that we need in the finishes and interiors sector sits squarely in procurement. That isn’t a revelation. Virtually every report written about the construction process has raised concerns about procurement practices that facilitate a race to the bottom and create adversarial relationships and it crops up in almost every conversation I have about improving the sector. This is felt most acutely in our sector which absolutely sits at the whip end of construction when programmes and budgets are stretched or there is huge pressure to get the work done to leverage the value of a building.”This new report furnishes the ongoing debate with concrete data and provides a voice to those who work in the fit-out sector. It is based on both a questionnaire conducted online during July and August 2022 that returned 269 responses with 100% quality rating on results and then supplemented with 20 in-depth interviews with selected practitioners representing contractors operating at all tiers of the supply chain. The research raised serious questions about time allocation in procurement and tendering processes, and worryingly how risks are routinely pushed down the supply chain. Professor Stuart Green, School of Construction Management and Engineering at the University of Reading said: “I have been hugely impressed with the leading-edge firms in the fit-out and interiors sector. They are crucially focused on delivering high-quality work to demanding deadlines. Such firms act as exemplars for collaborative working at its very best. “But many firms within the sector don’t get the chance to work collaboratively. This is especially true of the smaller firms who act as subcontractors. Procurement practices are too often focused on low-cost tendering with little consideration of other factors. Subcontractors are further obliged to accept highly onerous conditions of contract which undermine trust from the outset. The smaller firms are frequently pressurised to reduce their tender price retrospectively and to offer discounts in return for prompt payment. It seems that old-fashioned subbie bashing is alive and well in the fit-out sector. This cannot be the basis upon which to sustain a modern industry.” Laura Pardoe, Director at AMA Research said ‘Connecting with people working directly in the field helps understand the real issues they are dealing with daily. This is critical to being able to decipher what needs improving. It has been a pleasure to support FIS in reaching out to people across their sector to canvass views and gather thoughts and experiences. The objective perspective we can bring as an expert researcher provides robustness to our understanding across the array of issues uncovered.’ In conclusion, Iain Mcllwee said: “The regulatory, environmental, commercial and moral drivers for change have never been stronger and this research-based report has given a voice to all in the supply chain and is the start of a practical call to action for positive change.” To download a copy of the report click here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The campaign, which will run from 9th – 13th October 2023, will provide a much-needed platform on which to showcase the diverse range of career options available within the scaffolding and access industry. With the recent lack of uptake in roles within construction being well publicised, NSW aims to inspire a new generation, be that school leavers or career changers, to take up a role within scaffolding. NSW promotes scaffolding as a viable and rewarding career option for everyone regardless of age, gender or background but it also provides the opportunity to celebrate some of the great achievements of organisations and individuals already operating within the sector and showcase best practices, innovation and the sheer dedication to quality and competence which already exists. There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in NSW – regardless of your current circumstances. The website will host a range of resources to guide and support those looking to take up a role in scaffolding including a blog, useful links and insights into life in scaffolding. For those already working in the industry, NSW is a chance to celebrate your sector – a digital campaign toolkit will be available for download and will comprise a range of digital assets to help you show your support online. After the success of last year, NSW will once again open nominations to find the UK’s ‘Scaffolding Stars’ – an individual that has gone over and above in their role, demonstrating the determination and dedication of the scaffolding sector. Robert Candy, Chief Executive, Scaffolding Association said; “It was fantastic to see the support that last year’s National Scaffolding Week attracted – with organisations and individuals from across the sector coming together to stand in support of a common goal. This year we hope to build on last year’s success and establish NSW as the annual celebration flying the flag for the scaffolding and access industry.” To stay up-to-date with everything happening during National Scaffolding Week, visit: www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cladding and façade contractors can now get aluminium window pods with super-fast delivery from Corrivo. After supplying some bespoke window pods for a number of high-profile projects, the Midlands based fabricator, has now expanded their product offering to meet the needs of architects, specifiers and façade contractors. Surrounding the window frame, aluminium window pods are a popular choice with contractors and specifiers looking to add an architectural statement to their façade. Corrivo can manufacture them in a wide selection of sizes as well as almost any RAL colour, making them the ideal choice to meet the design needs of any façade project. “We’re always reacting to the demands of our customers to adjust our product range, and after manufacturing some window pods for some recent projects, we’ve now added them to our product range,” says Scott Quig, National Sales Manager at Corrivo Building Products. “Available in almost any RAL colour and a huge range of designs, aluminium window pods are perfect for complementing various façade designs, such as brick slip or rainscreen systems. “This will take us into a new market and will help façade contractors, architects and specifiers, working on a range of projects, including new build housing developments and residential apartment blocks. “Not only will this mean we can help the design needs of new build construction projects, but it will also give even more customers access to our speedy and reliable service. “We house an experienced fabrication team coupled with state-of-the-art machinery, which allows us to offer rapid, nationwide delivery on all our products – and this new addition to our portfolio will be no different. “Our super-fast turnaround times are why our existing customers love working with us, and we look forward to showing a new sector how working with us will allow everything to go smoothly and help their project to stay on schedule.” For more information, visit www.corrivo.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire-headquartered Smith Brothers has opened applications for its popular apprenticeship programme, which seeks to find the next generation of talent to join the electrical engineering industry, and keep Britain connected. With applications open for budding substation fitters, the apprenticeship is the perfect springboard to a career in the utilities industry, offering vital hands-on experience of working on overhead lines, with underground cables, and in substation fitting. As part of the course, Smith Brothers will provide direct, practical advice to a pair of trainee fitters — with one of the positions already filled. This will be dovetailed by a two-year City & Guilds academic course and three years with Utility and Construction Training (UCT). “Apprenticeships provide people of all ages with a fantastic opportunity to combine practical learning with earning an income — something which is more pertinent than ever, in the current economic climate. As an employer, it’s our responsibility to support the ambitions of those in our sector and region. If you qualify as a fitter, you have a ready-made, lifelong career – anywhere in the world. It’s important that we do our bit in fostering the brightest and best in engineering talent,” explained Dave Ogden, director at Smith Brothers. The course is designed to give apprentices a sound working knowledge of a wide variety of fitting activity, as well as an understanding of safe working practices, and the practical skills and techniques to enable them to become valuable members of the workforce. The annual apprenticeship scheme is not solely reserved for school-leavers though, as Dave continued: “We take apprentices of all ages because we believe that everyone deserves the chance to learn a trade. Some of the best engineers left school and went straight into a labouring job, but years later, they might be keen to back up that ‘on the ground’ experience with a formal qualification.” As part of the programme, trainees will spend one month per year at the UTC training centre, 9-10 months on site with Smith Brothers, and the remaining time focused on completing the City & Guilds academic requirements. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
