Talan is supporting the delivery of a new industry trial designed to understand how students and trainees can be supported as they begin their careers in the gas sector, working on behalf of Gas Safe Register and the Health and Safety Executive.  Talan has contributed to the development of the trial from its early stages, including designing a range of student-facing resources such as career pathway guidance and the new Gas Safe Register Student Hub. The hub has been created to provide a clear and accessible landing point for trial participants, giving them easy access to information and support throughout the trial. The initiative invites individuals training to become gas engineers to take part in a structured programme that offers practical support.  The trial offers guidance covering registration, safety, career progression and the future skills needed in a changing industry in a ‘Student Hub’ found on the Gas Safe Register website. There are also plans to hold live webinars with gas engineers during which students can ask questions. As part of its role in the trial, Talan has worked closely with the Gas Safe Register to shape the structure and presentation of the Student Hub, ensuring that information is easy to navigate and relevant to the needs of trainees at different stages of their learning journey. Talan are using surveys to collect feedback from students on the quality of the support so it can be improved and developed further in future. Talan have engaged with awarding bodies and training providers across the sector to support participation in the trial and help ensure it reaches students in a range of training environments. Will Taylor, Principal Consultant at Talan, said:“Our role has been focused on supporting the development and delivery of the trial in a way that works for trainees in practice. That has included shaping resources such as career pathways and guidance, as well as working with Gas Safe Register on how the Student Hub is structured so it’s clear, accessible and easy to use. We have also worked closely with awarding bodies and training providers to help ensure the trial reaches students across the sector. Bringing together that engagement with practical support gives a stronger understanding of what trainees need as they start out and how that support can continue to improve.” The trial will run until 31st July 2026 and is available through the Gas Safe Register Student Hub.   For more information, visit: www.gassaferegister.co.uk/student-hub/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading contractor Bouygues UK has achieved the Silver Level Social Value Quality Mark in under three months. This makes them the first organisation to fast-track from Bronze to Silver, while accelerating efforts to address the UK construction sector’s critical skills shortage. Awarded following a comprehensive audit and a 90% compliance score, the accreditation recognises the company’s outstanding progress in delivering measurable social value across its communities, customers and employees. The Social Value Quality Mark is an independent accreditation that assesses compliance across multiple dimensions, with Silver representing substantial achievement in embedding and evidencing social value in core business operations. At a time when the construction industry faces a skills gap, Bouygues UK has positioned social value as a key lever to drive long-term workforce development. Significant investment in education, apprenticeships and training programmes is helping create sustainable pathways into construction careers – particularly for young people and underrepresented groups. Through STEM initiatives, school and college partnerships, and targeted employability programmes, the company is actively contributing to building a more diverse and future-ready workforce. This approach not only supports local communities but also strengthens the industry’s long-term resilience. The audit highlighted Bouygues UK’s exemplary approach to strategic partnerships, alongside strong leadership and governance, sector-leading sustainability practices, ethical supply chain management, high staff engagement and development, and robust measurement of social return on investment. Huw Evans, Director of Quality at SVQM CIC, said: “We congratulate Bouygues UK on the award of Silver. This recognises their outstanding progress to create social value for their communities, customers and employees, through their everyday operations. In particular, their determination to help tackle the UK skills gap through innovative approaches was found to be exemplary. We look forward to supporting their journey as they continue to drive positive social legacy.” Emmanuelle Rodarie, Director of Social Value at Bouygues UK added, “This Silver award is a testament to our team’s commitment to creating real, measurable impact in our communities. From education and skills development to supporting local economies, we’re proud of the breadth of positive change we’re driving. Achieving Silver at pace reflects the strength of our approach, and we look forward to building on this momentum – delivering even greater value for our clients and the communities we serve.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bricklaying students visited Bellway’s Roe Wood Park development in Harold Hill to get an insight into work on a construction site. The 10 students, who are all studying for their Level 1 Bricklaying qualification at New City College, were welcomed by Bellway Senior Site Manager David Barden. The visit took placeon Friday 20 March and included talks from Bellway staff and contractors GSQ Brickwork, as well as a tour of the site and the chance to have a go at bricklaying. Roe Wood Park is a joint venture with Mercury Land Holdings, a wholly owned company of Havering Council. The 120-home project is redeveloping the former Quarles Campus of Havering College – now part of New City College – and the sale of the site provided funding towards the college’s Specialist Construction and Engineering Centre at Rainham. David said: “As a company, we are very much focused on providing opportunities for young people to gain the skills and experience they need to progress in their careers, and developing the skilled workforce we need as a business now and into the future. “It was a pleasure to welcome this group of young people to Roe Wood Park and give them an insight into what the job of a bricklayer looks like on a live construction site, where we are building homes at scale. “It is particularly rewarding to be welcoming students who are benefitting from the state-of-the-art facilities on the Rainham Construction and Engineering campus, which was supported by the regeneration of the former Quarles Campus site. “This is all part of our commitment to the local community – to not only provide high-quality housing, but also create jobs and invest in local infrastructure and facilities.” Jane Nugent, Work Related Curriculum Advisor at New City College, said: “Our Brick students learnt so much whilst at Roe Wood Park– they came out of there beaming, and for most of them it was the first time they had used real cement. Bellway’s Senior Site Manager David Barden was so informative, and we truly appreciate the opportunity.” When complete, Roe Wood Park will comprise 53 houses and apartments for private sale, including a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties, 47 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership and 20 new homes for private rent. As part of the planning agreement for the development, the aim is for 20 per cent of people working on site to be residents of Havering or neighbouring boroughs. More information about career opportunities with Bellway can be found at https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

wienerberger UK & Ireland has delivered the first pilot of its Trades of Tomorrow programme, a three‑day initiative designed to help care‑experienced young people explore careers in construction while responding to the industry’s long‑term skills challenge. Developed as part of the company’s Social Impact Strategy, the programme was delivered in partnership with charity The National House Project and the Greater Manchester Youth Network, bringing together young people from across the North West with lived experience of the care system. With demand for skilled trades continuing to outstrip supply, Trades of Tomorrow was created to provide practical, real‑world insight into the construction sector, build confidence, and demystify the different routes into employment, training and further education. The programme sits alongside wienerberger’s wider, long‑standing support for construction skills development, including its backing of and provision of materials for national skills competitions such as Super Trowel, SkillBuild and the Guild of Bricklayers. Sarah Nurton, Social Impact Manager at wienerberger UK & Ireland, said: “Construction is facing a long‑term skills challenge, and as an industry we have a responsibility to think differently about where future talent comes from. Trades of Tomorrow is about opening up access to the sector and providing practical, real‑world insight for young people who may not otherwise see construction as an option. “By working alongside trusted partners and employers, we can help care‑experienced young people build confidence, understand the breadth of opportunities available, and make informed decisions about their next steps.” Across the programme, participants were introduced to a broad range of construction trades, including heritage skills through sessions delivered by Donald Install Associates. Activities included hands‑on clay work and a practical roofing session, designed to give participants a tangible feel for working on site and with materials. The group also visited Stockport College, where they toured the construction department, took part in a brick‑building exercise and spoke directly with teaching staff about course options, entry requirements and what to expect from further education in the built environment. The programme concluded with a site visit to an Anwyl Homes development in Chorlton, offering a live view of housebuilding in progress. Participants took part in a site tour and Q&A session with an apprentice, providing insight into day‑to‑day site life and the different pathways into construction careers. Kat Luckock, Director of Partnerships at The National House Project, commented: “It has been fantastic to partner with wienerberger to co‑produce the Trades of Tomorrow programme with young people from two of our Local House Projects. For care leavers, access to industry insight and real career pathways can be transformative, and construction is a sector full of opportunity. “Working in partnership with an employer like wienerberger ensures the programme is grounded in real industry experience and opens doors that might otherwise feel out of reach. It also supports our existing partnership, where wienerberger provides a bursary to young people looking to start or develop their career in construction. “We’re excited to continue growing the programme to support care‑experienced young people to build sustainable, skilled careers in the construction sector.” Mathew Harrison, Group HSE Director at Anwyl Homes, said: “It was our pleasure to welcome such an enthusiastic group of young people to our Dalton Fields development in Chorlton and give them an insight into the everyday workings of a construction site. We hope we have inspired them to consider housebuilding as a future career path.” Andy George, Director of Skills and Attraction at Home Builders Federation, said: “It’s great to see targeted interventions like Trades of Tomorrow being launched by the industry and shows how initiatives like this can really open up construction careers and strengthen the talent pipeline. This programme builds on the success of the HBF Partner a College programme, which works by connecting employers with colleges to provide hands-on experience, giving clearer pathways into the sector and enabling more work-ready students.” Following the success of the pilot, wienerberger plans to build on the programme, with ambitions to deliver further Trades of Tomorrow sessions and continue working with partners to support care‑experienced young people into long‑term careers across the construction industry. www.wienerberger.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bellway hosted a visit by a group of young people at its Newcastle headquarters to help promote awareness of career opportunities in the construction industry. The 19 students were given a tour of the Western Grange development in Killingworth and met Bellway staff at the company’s head office in Woolsington as part of a weeklong bootcamp organised by the non-profit academy Regeneration Brainery. The organisation aims to boost diversity in the property and regeneration sector by increasing job awareness and providing hands-on work experience opportunities for 14 to 21-year-olds thinking about a career in the industry. The group were hosted by Bellway on the third day of their five-day bootcamp on Wednesday 18 March. The day began with a visit to Bellway’s head office, where the students were given introductions to core parts of the business, such as commercial, architecture, construction, sales and marketing, and customer care. The group then took part in a construction team challenge featuring dominoes to bring it to life, which was followed by an interactive session where they were tasked with planning, analysing and pitching a potential land acquisition.  In the afternoon, the students were taken to the nearby Western Grange development where they got to see homes at various stages of construction and take part in a bricklaying challenge. Laura Cooper, Head of Learning & Organisational Development at Bellway, said: “Faced with an increasing skills shortage, it’s absolutely vital for the construction industry to attract people from a diverse range of backgrounds, enabling it to draw on the widest pool of talent available. In order to do this, it must not only raise awareness about the variety of opportunities that exist but also to give young people first-hand experience of what these roles entail. “Regeneration Brainery aims to do exactly that, by connecting young people thinking about a career in construction to experienced professionals who can give them a valuable insight into what working in the industry is really like. We were really pleased to partner with this forward-thinking project and it was a pleasure to host the group of young people on the day. We hope they found the experience useful and that they now feel better informed about the range of exciting career opportunities that are open to them. “Partnering with organisations such as Regeneration Brainery complements the work we already doing to raise awareness of careers in construction through our ongoing outreach with schools and colleges in the areas around our developments. And, as a company, we are committed to increasing the ethnic and gender diversity of our workforce while continuing to provide opportunities for young people to enter the industry through our graduate and apprenticeship programmes.” More information about career opportunities with Bellway can be found at https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

FE tutors at Barnsley College’s Clean Energy Training Centre for retrofit training with Efficiency North and BE-ST. A NATIONAL training programme designed to upskill construction educators in retrofit and sustainable building and address the sector’s skill shortage has been brought to England for the first time by leading social housing consortium Efficiency North.  Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), host of both Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre and the Mass Timber Centre of Excellence, delivered the training for Efficiency North in February, building on its two years of development and delivery of the programme across Scotland.  The programme was aimed at further education (FE) sector tutors and managers from six colleges across Yorkshire and the Humber and took the form of a four-day course at Barnsley College’s newly-opened Clean Energy Training Centre, with enrolment later extended nationally across England.  The course will support FE tutors and curriculum managers to strengthen green construction skills teaching, with a focus on building physics, retrofit, the application of digital methods of construction and modern methods of construction (MMC) to reduce skills imbalances in the sector.   Simeon Perry, head of ESG at EN:Procure, the procurement specialist arm of Efficiency North, said: “With the government’s new Warm Homes Plan investing £15 billion to help upgrade up to five million homes by 2030, delivering energy-efficient retrofit at scale demands a workforce with the right skills and confidence. This is no longer an area where half measures will suffice.  “By partnering with BE-ST, Efficiency North has chosen to invest at the very start of the skills pipeline, equipping educators with the expertise to prepare the next generation of retrofit-ready construction professionals and supporting colleges to meet both immediate and long-term green skills demand.”  Designed as a leadership-focused course, the programme directly addressed the acknowledged shortage of skills within the FE sector.  It takes a whole-house approach to retrofit, with a strong emphasis on building physics and the relationship between insulation, ventilation, moisture control and energy performance. Participants also explored how emerging digital tools, including artificial intelligence, are shaping construction delivery.  One of the learners, Richard Favell, carpentry and joinery lecturer at Grantham College, said the course gave him in-depth awareness and discernment of the challenges and opportunities the sector is currently facing: “From the building physics sessions to the retrofit principles, technology in construction and exploration of new and emerging materials, I’ve come away with plenty of practical ideas and insights to apply in my work.”  The programme prioritised hands-on learning, with delegates applying theory through practical activities and live demonstrations. Structured networking sessions enabled knowledge-sharing between colleges and supported the development of consistent, high-quality retrofit training across the sector. Delegates also received comprehensive resource packs to support future course delivery within their own institutions.  Hanna Lundstrom, impact manager at BE-ST, said: “It has been great partnering with Efficiency North to deliver this programme in England. All attendees have brought great enthusiasm in both the practical exercises and the educator-to-educator discussions. From experience delivering the course in both Scotland and England, it is key for educators to get the time and space to identify and share resources on how to embed their learnings into the curriculum.”  The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) projects that Yorkshire and the Humber will need around 26,600 additional construction workers by 2028 to meet projected demand, with an annual average requirement of over 5,320 new recruits each year.  While initially focused on the region, the programme is also open to colleges nationwide to support long-term viability and wider sector impact.  The course was priced at £1,600 per delegate and is expected to generate further demand from FE colleges across England and Wales as the sector prepares to meet the growing requirement for retrofit and sustainable construction training.  For more information on Efficiency North and its skills and sustainability initiatives, visit: www.efficiencynorth.org.  For more information on BE-ST and its skills programmes, visit: https://www.be-st.build/skills-training.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

During National Apprenticeship Week, members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru and their apprentices have been showcasing their skills to the Welsh Government’s Skills Minister. The Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant MS, visited an FMB member site operated by Excel Home Design in Pontyclun, where he toured the development and saw apprentices in action. During the visit, the Minister met apprentices currently learning their trade and heard first-hand about the vital role small, local builders play in training Wales’s construction workforce. The construction sector continues to face acute skills shortages, and the Federation of Master Builders is calling for greater support to help small firms offer and sustain apprenticeship placements. Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, Jack Sargeant, said: “We greatly value our partnership with the Federation of Master Builders in addressing construction skills, standards, and SME capacity. Construction is a critical sector for the Welsh economy, with a long and successful past in harnessing the power of apprenticeships for the benefit of employers, learners, and the wider socio-economic landscape. We are committed to strengthening its workforce and skills pipeline to meet construction, housing and retrofit ambitions. “There is clear demand for Level 2 construction apprenticeship opportunities to be made available in Wales, and the new pathways we have announced today are proof our commitment to apprenticeships is unwavering. The sector can be confident that Wales is building a modern, flexible and future focused apprenticeship system. Small builders like Excel Home Design train the majority of construction apprentices in Wales. We value that contribution immensely, and I was delighted to accept an invitation from the FMB Cymru to visit them and see first hand the positive impact of apprenticeships across Wales.” Ifan Glyn, Director of FMB Cymru, added: “We were delighted to host the Minister on one of our members’ sites and to discuss the key pinch points that are currently putting the brakes on the delivery of construction apprenticeships in Wales. Construction is a sector that relies heavily on employer-led apprenticeships, and it is encouraging to see the Minister engaging directly with the industry. Addressing these challenges will require close collaboration between all key stakeholders.” Russell Everett, Managing Director of Excel Home Design and an FMB member, concluded: “Apprenticeships have been vital to our business and to the construction industry as a whole. Training young people from the ground up allows us to develop the specific skills we need, whilst giving apprentices a strong foundation for a rewarding career. “It was a pleasure to host the Minister and showcase the excellent work our apprentices are doing. Investing in their training is an investment in the future of Welsh construction, and we are proud to play our part in building the next generation of skilled tradespeople.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Josh Maskell, says: “I didn’t just want to learn simple carpentry, working at Greencore allows me to learn a variety of different skills on interesting sites. I’m keen to learn more about the company’s fabric-first approach and understand the Passivhaus standards that we build to. A typical day on-site involves working alongside experienced carpenters and learning new skills all the time. Every day is different, which keeps it interesting and helps me build confidence quickly.” “I’ve always been inspired by watching housebuilding videos on YouTube. Seeing projects come together made me want to build things myself,” he recalls. “I became interested in the construction industry after doing work experience in July 2024, where I tried site carpentry work and really enjoyed it. I heard about Greencore when they came into college to talk about opportunities. After that, I went through the interview process and was really pleased to be offered a role.” “My apprenticeship is helping me work towards becoming a qualified carpenter, and I’m particularly interested in the sustainable homes side of construction. It’s exciting to be part of projects that are building for the future.” Josh is enthusiastic about the apprenticeship scheme and its potential for career-building. He says: “I wanted to take an apprenticeship route because I like the idea of learning on the job and building a career in the industry. It’s been a great opportunity to start learning the trade properly while working on real construction projects.” Ian Pateman, Timber Frame Manager at Greencore Homes, and Josh’s line manager comments: “Josh’s enthusiasm for working with timber is fantastic to see. He’ll gain valuable hands-on experience from our skilled teams on site, which will help him learn new skills quickly. With fewer young people entering the industry today, passing knowledge from experienced professionals to the next generation is essential.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Six students who have completed their placement year with leading construction firm Beard have been offered permanent jobs upon the successful completion of their studies. The students undertook a year of on-the-job training across Beard’s offices in Bristol, Swindon, Guildford and Southampton and impressed their colleagues with their hard work, knowledge and attitude. Returning to Beard full-time from July 2026 will be: The year in industry programme is part of Beard’s long-standing commitment to nurturing talent in the construction sector. Inspiring and developing rewarding careers is a core part of the fourth-generation family-owned business’ ethos. Beard looked to enhance students’ experiences beyond the formal training through a series of initiatives, including a ‘foundations and futures’ event bringing trainees of all levels together for a day of team building and skills development; and ‘rise and connect’ where students heard about colleagues’ employment journeys and were given a charity fundraising challenge. Neil Sherreard, deputy chairman at Beard, said: “Supporting the next generation of professionals in laying the foundations for a successful construction career is a cornerstone of what we do at Beard, to grow talent, support our business ambitions, and play our part in addressing the rising demand for talent in the industry. “We hope to not only support them in learning the practical skills to do their jobs, but also to experience the Beard way of doing things, help them to build a network of peers, and engage with colleagues at all levels of the business. “We’re always impressed by the level of skill, professionalism and enthusiasm of our placement year students and this cohort has been no different. Many congratulations to them all and we look forward to welcoming them back through our doors on completion of their studies.” The 2024/25 cohort included a Masters student for the first time. Amber Kamugisha, who is studying Architecture at University of Exeter, will join Beard’s design team in Swindon after completing her degree. Amber said: “As an architecture student, I hadn’t considered a role in the main contractor stage of construction, but the opportunity I had to explore this pathway has significantly broadened my horizons. With the support of so many brilliant colleagues, I learnt so much whilst enjoying the experience with Beard. “Beard has been a great place to celebrate the construction of great buildings, grow professionally, and be a part of welcoming team. I am grateful for being offered a position in design management at Beard and I’m looking forward to returning after completing my degree.” To learn more about career opportunities at Beard, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk/careers/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals