The National Masonry Academy (NMA) is proud to announce that it has been officially recognised as a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO), marking a major milestone in the delivery of specialist, high-quality masonry training in the UK construction sector. As a CITB ATO, the NMA is now authorised to deliver short-duration training, qualifications, and continuing professional development (CPD) that meet nationally recognised standards and align with current industry legislation. This recognition enables construction employers to access CITB grant support for eligible training delivered by the Academy, helping to drive workforce competence, safety, and career progression. The National Masonry Academy forms part of the wider National Construction Academy group, with a flagship training facility based in Sheffield. It will provide on and off-site training tailored to real-world site conditions, covering everything from entry-level diplomas and apprenticeship programmes to manufacturer-led product accreditation and upskilling for professionals. The academy will also deliver robust training initiatives for ex-offenders and ex-veterans, supporting social mobility through industry skills. Eve Livett, Chief Executive Officer of the National Masonry Academy, said: “Achieving ATO status is not just about a badge, it’s about trust, quality, and our responsibility to deliver training that genuinely supports the future of construction. The masonry sector has unique training needs, and we are now better placed than ever to meet them. This recognition from CITB validates The National Masonry Academy’s approach and opens the door for employers to access funded, fit-for-purpose skills development that strengthens safety, compliance, and career pathways.” The Academy is the dedicated training arm of the Masonry Association of Great Britain and benefits from deep industry integration, including collaboration with contractors, suppliers across the EU and beyond, and international trade bodies. This ensures that NMA training remains relevant, future-focused, and responsive to evolving market demands. The Sheffield facility includes space for both theoretical and practical training, as well as accommodation for trainees travelling from across the UK. Crucially, the Academy is supported by global suppliers, enabling it to provide access to the latest tools, materials, and technologies. Manufacturers are also invited to use the site to deliver bespoke training and registered installer programmes. With plans to introduce NVQ and diploma training in the coming months and to onboard its first apprenticeship cohort in January 2026, the National Masonry Academy is poised to become the UK’s leading centre for masonry training and education. By strengthening compliance with the Building Safety Act and wider government initiatives, and by unlocking funded training through the CITB levy system, the NMA is now ideally placed to support the upskilling and development of the UK construction workforce. For more information about training opportunities or to enquire about partnerships, visit: https://nationalmasonry.academy For course bookings or partnership enquiries, contact: training@nationalmasonry.academy Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new £250,000 centre for green skills training and education has been officially opened at Nottingham College, to address skills shortages in both construction and renewable energy in the region.   The Green Skills Centre, based within the Nottingham Sustainability Enterprise Centre at Basford campus, is kitted out with nine state-of-the-art, interactive demonstration and training bays, comprising solar PV, air source heat pumps, battery storage, electric vehicle charging and solar thermal technologies.  In each area, students will have access to a live working bay, an installation / maintenance bay, and a fault-finding bay, giving them practical application of learning across core low carbon technologies in live real-world scenarios.   The launch of the Green Skills Centre is hot on the heels of significant adjacent investment at Nottingham College’s Basford campus, including the £6million Construction Skills Centre which opened in November 2024.  Funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund and delivered in partnership with Quantum Training, the Green Skills Centre will respond directly to the region’s local skills needs and set the standard for upskilling in green sustainability-focused careers, both for students in further education and adults who may already be working in industry.   Bolstering the sustainability offer at the college, the Green Skills Centre enhances Nottingham College’s ability to play a pivotal role in supporting the construction sector, as it gears up to deliver the government’s 1.5 million homes mission – many of which will need to hit significant sustainability benchmarks.  The new facility also complements the existing green skills provision offering through the Gas Centre at Basford and the electric vehicle and related technologies courses offered at Ruddington campus.  In addition, the Green Skills Centre supports Nottingham College’s commitment to achieving carbon net zero through its comprehensive suite of sustainability initiatives, including decarbonisation of heritage buildings, rewilding projects in city centre locations and other retrofit initiatives to reduce energy consumption.   Carl Ara, Assistant Principal at Basford, acknowledged the impact that the new facility will have on teaching. He said:   “The Green Skills Centre provides a unique learning environment for students to develop their practical skills and understanding of green skills required in industry. Qualifications in green skills courses opens up a number of career options for students, whether that is in robotics, renewable technologies, business, construction and the built environment, agriculture, hospitality and retail, science and the public sector – so it is an education pathway which provides students with a great number of choices for further study and employment.  “Our mission at Nottingham College is to unlock potential through learning and this is exactly the sort of future-ready facility that will support delivery of a high standard of education for our students and adult learners in industry.”   James Swift, Director of Strategic Development and Projects at Nottingham College, was part of the bids team instrumental in accessing funding for the centre. He said:   “Success in allocation of funding for the Green Skills Centre is in part thanks to the increased demand for jobs and careers in green skills, exacerbated by a growing emphasis on tackling the climate emergency. As our understanding of environmental pressures increases, it is becoming more important to respond to these challenges in our society – and so green skills will help us address them across multiple industry sectors here in Nottingham and beyond.”   Maria Gonella, Managing Partner at Quantum Training, said:  “At Quantum, we’ve been delivering practical, hands-on renewable and retrofit training facilities across the country, as part of our mission to help drive the UK’s transition to net zero. One of the biggest challenges in achieving this goal is the shortage of a workforce equipped with green skills. That’s why we’re committed to supporting colleges, like Nottingham, in delivering green skills training and preparing learners with the expertise needed to drive the UK’s green transition.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Tackling the UK construction sector’s biggest challenge will prove impossible as long as businesses persist in simultaneously paying ‘lip service’ to gender diversity while refusing to make structural and cultural changes to their operations, according to the Circle Partnership. PwC’s latest ‘Women in Work’ index report measures factors such as the gender pay gap and employment levels. It shows that women’s worsening unemployment and participation in the workforce has pulled the UK to a shameful 27th out of 33 OECD’s most important economies. This is at a time when British construction is attempting to juggle the simultaneous needs of rapidly increasing output while experiencing chronic labour supply issues. If the construction sector is to move past these challenges, it must stop merely talking about the need for greater gender diversity and make concrete steps to changing the composition and culture of the sector. Last week, at UKREiiF where representatives from across the built environment industry came together to debate the most pressing issues facing the sector, sentiment suggested that the skills crisis remains the industry’s biggest and most pressing obstacle to growth. With so many highly skilled female professionals either under employed or having left the sector, urgent action in this space is needed if we are to support a thriving industry. Ceri Moyers, Director of The Circle Partnership, an organisation supporting businesses from across the built environment to combat the skills crisis through retaining their existing female talent commented: “Businesses continue to see gender diversity as a ‘specialist’ priority – and one that can be dumped in favour of more critical issues depending on international sentiment or other market pressures. We have to wake up to the role that gender diversity has to play as a direct means of addressing the chronic skills shortage – and this has to start with businesses investing in retaining their existing female talent. Companies are spending £100,000s on staff churn and on recruiting new staff and this is money that could be better spent in keeping the women they already have.” Current statistics show that 49% of women leave the built environment sector before the age of 34 – figures that are playing into these global gender equality rankings. This talent drain also means that economy is missing out on the some £15-22bn that Blackrock calculate would be delivered through unleashing women’s full potential. Failing to focus on initiatives to retain their existing diversity means that businesses are also actively hampering their future talent pipeline: 87% of GenZ consider the DEI of a workplace. 56% will not work for a business without a diverse leadership. Ceri Moyers adds, “Our industry requires some 100,000 new roles per year for next five years to simply sustain growth. Ensuring we’re investing in keeping the diverse talent we already have must be seen as an urgent priority – not only to keep the wheels turning, but to ensure that businesses remain competitive and attractive to potential future talent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

On May 8th, Croydon College proudly hosted a successful Women in Construction Open Day in collaboration with Construction for Women part of Gallaway Construction, aimed at introducing Year 9 and 10 girls to the construction trades and career opportunities within the industry. The event welcomed an enthusiastic group of students who took part in practical workshops covering Plumbing, Carpentry, Brickwork, Electrical, and Interior Design using Croydon College’s state-of-the-art facilities. Designed to raise awareness and inform young girls about their future GCSE and career options, the initiative focused on breaking down gender stereotypes and showcasing construction as an exciting, accessible, and rewarding field. Attendees explored different trades in a hands-on environment, guided by experienced tutors and current female construction students. One student, Freya, shared her enthusiasm: “I had never considered a career in construction before today, but I had a lot of fun and will look into a career in this field. The workshop showed me the basics in plumbing and electrical, I had a lot of fun!” Another participant, Stella, expressed her motivation: “I like working with my hands, so I thought it was interesting.” Madi, who attended the brickwork session, added: “The workshop was interesting. Aldo (the tutor) was really nice and showed us how to place bricks.” Stuart Singleton, Construction Team Manager at Croydon College, commented: “It was inspiring to see the level of skill, curiosity, and determination on display today. Events like this are essential to changing perceptions and opening doors, showing that construction is a rewarding and accessible career path for everyone.” Renee Preston, Director of Gallaway Construction & Founder of Construction for Women, added: “We’re passionate about promoting equality and inclusion in construction. The energy and interest from the attendees today show the incredible potential out there. We hope this is just the beginning for many of these girls.” Croydon College remains committed to supporting opportunities that empower all members of the community. The college looks forward to hosting similar events in the future, continuing to challenge outdated stereotypes and promote diversity in the workforce. To find out more information on the construction courses available at Croydon College, visit https://croydon.ac.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A trailblazing crane operator – the first woman to qualify in the UK – took centre stage at the latest Women in Construction Anglia Lunch this week. The sold-out event at Suffolk New College in Ipswich, on Wednesday April 30, was attended by almost 100 people and showcased the vast diversity of roles in the construction sector, encouraging more women to join the profession. Guests heard from keynote speaker Katie Kelleher, the first woman in the UK to complete a Lifting Technician Apprenticeship, who later worked on some of the biggest projects in the UK – including Crossrail and Tideway in London. Katie talked about some of the barriers she had faced in entering the sector, including backlash she has faced online and on social media, and how she overcame them. She said: “I loved today’s event, I think it was really great. It was a full room and everyone was positive, really supportive. “I think events like this are so important, showcasing what we do in this industry.  “There was a really nice mix of students and people already in this sector, which was a really nice blend. If any students need some more information, everyone is there for them.” She added: “If you are a woman considering entering the sector, I would say go for it.  “I never thought I would work in the industry but I absolutely love it. There’s plenty of scope, plenty of different jobs – so just go for it.” Women in Construction Anglia (WICA) was launched October 2024 and has already made a big impact in the sector, providing events and initiatives to inspire the next generation of women into the industry. Clare Friel, founder of WICA, who hosted the event alongside Siu Mun Li, said: “This was our fourth Women in Construction Anglia event, drawing key people from across the UK to showcase the wealth of opportunities the construction industry has on offer.. “Each event has built on the last, providing a space for people to connect, network and discover opportunities for a successful career in the sector.” Kat and Fi Parsons, who launched the Female Design and Build Project, and structural engineer Holly Peirson also featured as part of the event’s panel discussion. Amanda Ankin, from Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, a partner of Women in Construction Anglia, said: “I thought the event was really inspirational. “We had some fantastic speakers, we had a lot of conversation in the room as well. I think a lot of people will be walking out of here thinking, yeah, we can do this.” For more on Women in Construction Anglia and its upcoming events, see www.womeninconstructionanglia.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

STEPNELL has completed the core structure of a new communal area that will link two technical and vocational teaching blocks at New College Swindon. With the reinforced concrete structure now in place and the steel framing on the external facade complete, the new central two-storey Welcome Hub will integrate the college’s Lyra and Phoenix buildings at the North Star Campus, New College Swindon’s technical and vocational teaching facility. Secured under the Procure Partnerships Framework (PPF) and due to open in August ahead of the next academic year, the project will incorporate a centralised reception area, as well as upstairs meeting rooms, offices, welfare facilities and a multi-faith room. This will create a new entrance that affords easier traffic flow, room availability, accessibility and security provision. Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We aim to deliver the new central hub through an approach to construction that, like the design, is harmonious with the existing facilities and meets the needs of students and staff to enhance the on-campus experience.” Externally, the scope of works will also include landscaping to enhance its visual appeal and a dedicated drop-off zone to optimise pedestrian and traffic flow. To support its social value commitments to the project, complete construction partner Stepnell has been liaising closely with senior staff in supporting the delivery of its construction related courses at the college. A work experience programme provides students with site visits and the opportunity to be supervised while gaining valuable experience of working alongside a range of bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. To date, more than 120 students studying various technical and construction-related disciplines have been provided with visits to the live construction site, and this is scheduled to expand with the start of a comprehensive work experience and careers support programme that spans over 13 weeks during the summer months. Rob added: “Through close collaboration across various construction-related teaching specialisms we are ensuring that the live site is facilitating the opportunity to enhance the learning experience of the technical college students. “Our commitment to student engagement is testament to the strong relationship we have built with PPF to deliver phenomenal project value in the public sector.” Matt Butcher, vice president of commercial skill & partnerships at New College Swindon said: “Students undertaking work experience is vital at New College Swindon, so for them to have this opportunity to work alongside Stepnell and gain a vast range of real-world experience is fantastic.” To find out more about Stepnell, visit www.stepnell.co.uk, or join in the conversation at @Stepnellltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The first students to take part in the pilot Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North, the free three-week training course for people aged 17 years and over, have graduated with flying colours. Six students, five of whom have joined through SOFEA, the Didcot-based charity that provides education, employability and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable young people, have completed their course in curbing, block paving, drainage and finishing. The course ran for five days a week from 8am to 4pm. Their graduation ceremony was held at Oxford North on Friday 11 April 2025 with attendees from Oxford North, Thomas White Oxford, Careys, Mace, SOFEA, Activate Learning and Abingdon and Witney College. They were joined by Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, to see the campus and meet the teachers and students. The campus is place-based rather than project-based so that upon graduation the students are able to consider jobs at Oxford North and on other construction sites across Oxford and Oxfordshire. All students have completed their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card training and have had an interview. Three have been offered jobs at Oxford North and the remainder have interviews in progress and work is underway to look at placing them at other developments within the county. Oxford North Ventures is the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Stanhope which, with Careys, has funded the initial pilot. E.ON Energy partnered with SOFEA to fund materials and transportation to and from Oxford North. Simon Ruck, managing director, Oxford North said: “We offer many congratulations to the first cohort of students at Careys’ campus. What an achievement – they should be very proud of themselves. Our sincere thanks to Careys, and Mace as principal contractor, for their hard work in putting together the campus and course. Their dedication to supporting these young people and training our future construction workers has been admirable. This is what Oxford North is all about – providing opportunities for local people and having a positive social impact.” Tom Wraight, regional director at Careys, stated: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our first graduates on this significant achievement! We take great pride in their accomplishments. Many young individuals are overlooked due to past trauma or anxiety. We are dedicated to providing support through our campuses. We are in Wembley, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and now Oxford, and our initiative is proving effective. These locations offer invaluable opportunities for individuals. “As we face a skills gap in the construction sector, while not everyone may choose this path, we strive to engage with these young people through three weeks of structured learning and at the age of 17 and above they can obtain their CSCS card, qualifying them for work on construction sites. Our aim is to equip individuals with both trade skills and essential social skills within a practical setting. A sincere thank you goes out to Mick, Martin, Maddy and Madison and the entire Careys and Mace teams for their unwavering commitment and hard work in making this possible.” Kaiden, graduate, Construction Construction Campus said: “I heard about this course through a family friend and saw it online and wanted to apply as I have thought about construction in the past and wanted to get into it. I’ve learnt stuff that I never thought I would learn and picked up a few new skills like drainage, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. But now I’ve learned new ways and different techniques and the safety regulations which make it easier for me. I would say anyone thinking about doing this course to really, really do it. It’s amazing. I’m proud to have gained an offer of a job and start work as soon as my CSCS card comes through.” Cait Hayton, pre-apprenticeship lead, SOFEA added: “We have seen a transformation in the young people who have taken part in this course in both their confidence and learning new skills – they should be so proud of themselves. We have had positive feedback from their parents and guardians that the course has made a noticeable difference in their children, empowering them and providing positive motivation. We are grateful to EON for supporting us with materials and transportation. We’re so excited for the students to see them grow and what future they have ahead of them.” Fiona, graduate, Construction Construction Campus added: “When I was 15 years old I started work in a scaffolding business and I absolutely loved it – my grandad and my uncle were in construction and a few months ago, I started to miss scaffolding. I kept being told that you needed a CSCS card and I kept thinking to myself that I had to do it. I had to search it up and then found out about this course through SOFEA. I have loved it – just everything about construction is great because it is satisfying to see your work and what you do expand. I would recommend anyone thinking of doing this course to do it because it’s such an amazing opportunity. Getting my certificates is one of my biggest achievements. Honestly, that is amazing.” Councillor Susan Brown, leader, Oxford City Council added: “It was a real privilege to meet all the young people who have been learning at the construction campus. I have heard from everyone involved here today about how beneficial this opportunity has been to giving confidence and skills to these amazing young people. It’s so important for us, for our city and for our country that we encourage people to develop construction skills. We know that there are lots of people out there currently looking for work, and I’m really pleased and grateful that Careys and Oxford North have given local young people this opportunity. It was an important part of the planning approval that local jobs were created and supported but it’s good to see the imaginative ways in which Oxford North has taken

Dandara, one of the UK’s leading independent housebuilders, recently joined forces with Aviva Investors, Milton Keynes College and Packaged Living to deliver an ambitious education initiative, aimed at giving young people in Milton Keynes real insight into careers in construction and property. The initiative was created and funded by Aviva Investors with contributions from Dandara and Packaged Living to offer a bespoke careers programme to inspire young people in overcoming barriers and achieving their full career potential. It follows the announcement last year that Aviva Investors had funded the creation of 212 new family homes across two brand new communities in Shenley Wood and Whitehouse Park as part of a partnership with Packaged Living, which will be delivered by Dandara. Over seven weeks, 17 students studying a T-Level course in construction participated in a series of hands-on workshops, practical challenges and career-focused sessions designed to build skills, boost confidence and open doors to future opportunities in the industry. The standout session, The Big Build, saw students step into the role of property developers, constructing sustainable models using only the materials provided – with a budget of £30 million in mock capital to manage. From wooden pegs to lollipop sticks, creativity and sustainability were the name of the game. The more sustainable and resource-efficient the design, the higher the team scored – with the winning team selected by a judging panel from all three companies.  Students not only tackled real-world issues like climate change and sustainable building practices, but also explored asset management and investment strategy, helping them to understand the wider ecosystem of the built environment. In what was a programme highlight; interview preparation sessions gave students invaluable insight into professional life – many having never sat an interview before. As a result, Dandara is now looking to offer work placements to T-Level students to create long-term pathways into the industry. Lesley Treacy, Head of ESG at Dandara, who supported several sessions and was a judge on the panel, said: “Working directly with the students has been a genuinely inspiring experience. Their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to sustainability gave me great confidence in the next generation of construction professionals. At Dandara, we’re passionate about investing in future talent and ensuring the built environment evolves with fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. “The level of engagement we saw, especially during interview preparation and practical sessions, highlighted just how important real-world exposure is at this stage in a student’s development. The students showed an impressive understanding of sustainability and collaboration – two values at the core of what we do.” Ben Sanderson, Managing Director, Real Estate, at Aviva Investors, added: “We think it’s really important for investors to recognise the projects they fund do not sit in isolation. They are also a great opportunity for companies to interact with – and give back to – the local community and to add social value. Creating this initiative was a wonderful chance to meet young people in Milton Keynes who might have an interest in property or construction, to help nurture their enthusiasm and hopefully inspire the next generation to explore jobs in the industry. It was terrific to see how engaged they were and to show them the role these professions can play in helping the UK get ready for the future by investing into communities and having a positive impact on the surrounding areas.” The final feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of students reporting, they are confident to extremely confident they have the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The programme brought learning to life in a fun, interactive way that connected classroom theory with industry practice. At the end of the programme, each student received a certificate and credits towards their course, recognising their participation and achievements. As Dandara continues to expand its presence across the UK, its involvement in programmes like this reflects a genuine commitment to creating opportunities for young people and strengthening ties with the communities it serves. By working directly with students and educational partners, the company is helping to equip future talent with the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in the world of construction and beyond. To find out more about Dandara visit www.dandara.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

REGIONAL businesses have joined forces to expand education and training opportunities, tackling the growing construction skills gap and creating new entry routes for both young people and those upskilling across Yorkshire and the Humber. Stakeholders spanning building services, housing, construction, engineering, and manufacturing, alongside government agencies, charities, and training providers, came together last week at Leeds College of Building for the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) in the region. GSAP is a UK-wide member-led initiative, with regional panels established to support the delivery of green skills and employment pathways needed to meet the national net zero targets. The Yorkshire and the Humber panel is the latest to launch, forming a dedicated hub to drive collaboration and impact locally. Founding members of the panel include EN:Able Communities, the charitable arm of housing consortium Efficiency North, Barnsley College, Leeds College of Building, Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Simeon Perry, head of operations at EN:Able Communities, said: “It should come as no surprise that some of the sectors most in need of levelling up are those with the fewest opportunities. While it won’t happen overnight, real change is essential, especially in regions like ours, where the ambition is high but the solutions are few. “By joining forces with key construction businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber, we’re able to harness the power of collaboration to address the industry’s future capacity challenges. That means not just increasing headcount but also investing in and supporting the existing workforce.” With more than 13,000 new construction workers needed in North Yorkshire & York by 2031 to meet government targets, on top of West Yorkshire Combined Authority aiming to retrofit all social housing by 2038, requiring 838,000 heat pumps installed, 205,000 homes connected to heat networks and 569 megawatts of rooftop solar installed, the panel’s work is both timely and necessary. The group’s inaugural meeting marked the start of a collaborative journey to strengthen regional green talent pipelines, create accessible career routes, and support a workforce equipped to deliver a net zero future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals