The Retrofit Academy has opened its Hampshire Training Hub in partnership with workforce solutions and training specialist, SERT Training, increasing its nationwide network of training hubs to 10. As Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Homes Upgrade Grant (HUG) funding increases demand for retrofit talent, The Retrofit Academy Hampshire has
A brand new ‘Academy’ based at the Bradford College Trinity Green Campus has launched in partnership with Sheffield-based architects, Bond Bryan. The Bond Bryan Academy will see the company’s team of highly skilled professionals serve as guest lecturers, adding vital industry knowledge and perspective to Bradford College students’ learning. Bond
After more than 1,000 registrations and 17 regional heats, the top construction trainees from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been named as competitors at the SkillBuild National Final 2023. SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in
Caddick Construction Group is ramping up its investment in the future workforce with the recruitment of seven new apprentices and two new trainees, boosting the Group’s provision of work-based learning across the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Midlands. The new recruits include Apprentice Quantity Surveyor (QS), Isabelle Roberts, who
As part of its commitment to upskilling the next generation, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), has welcomed four new interns to its construction division, helping young individuals to gain valuable experience and strengthen their skill set. Apprentice planner, Tommy Bordicott; trainee quantity surveyor, Robbie Yusuf; trainee quantity surveyor Ellie Marnell
As part of the University of Kent’s annual ‘Employability Festival’ (9th – 20th October 2023), local housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes delivered a talk on ‘Building a Career in Construction’ at the Canterbury campus. The housebuilder, who is building new homes at Saxon Fields in Thanington and The Woodlands in
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has partnered with CITB and Samaritans to create a wellbeing support tool, as part of the industry wide initiative Make It Visible. Make It Visible aims to make welfare and wellbeing support visible on every construction site, helping to reduce the stigma around the subject
Leading provider of high-impact training and learning solutions to safety-critical industries, 3t is celebrating the success of five D.A.L.E.S. Utilities Civils and Plant apprentices completing their End Point Assessment for their Gas Network Operative (GNO) Apprentice Programme, developed by EU Skills. A crucial result for futureproofing the gas distribution industry
Building performance experts at Leeds Beckett University have teamed up with world-leading technology manufacturers, Coltraco Ultrasonics, to develop their Portascanner® Airtight, a novel rapid low-cost ultrasonic device which can be used to quickly assess and quantify the airtightness performance of a building. The Portascanner® Airtight is a handheld tool which
Students from across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire got an insight into the huge range of jobs on offer at HS2 this week when the high speed rail project opened its doors to local schools and colleges. Almost 200 students from twelve schools and colleges attended the two-day ‘Making Tracks into Construction’
The Retrofit Academy has opened its Hampshire Training Hub in partnership with workforce solutions and training specialist, SERT Training, increasing its nationwide network of training hubs to 10. As Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) and Homes Upgrade Grant (HUG) funding increases demand for retrofit talent, The Retrofit Academy Hampshire has been established to meet this demand by upskilling workforces and unlocking new career opportunities for individuals. The new training partnership will provide contractors and housing providers in the region with the highest quality training for Retrofit Advisors, Assessors and Coordinators required to work on upcoming programmes. The Retrofit Academy’s nationwide network of Training Hubs is licensed to provide leading retrofit courses curated by the UK’s experts in retrofit knowledge and skills. From The Retrofit Academy Hubs, contractors and social housing organisations around the country can access sector-specific qualifications ranging from levels 2-5, including: Successful delegates will be able to unlock new career paths that the SHDF and HUG have provided, helping contractors, local authorities and housing associations to address their practical retrofit skills gaps. As more organisations begin to understand the labour requirements that their projects present, they can now work with The Retrofit Academy to develop a workforce capable of delivering high-quality retrofit at scale. With hubs across the North East, Midlands, South East and South Wales, The Retrofit Academy’s licensing gives technical colleges and other further education centres the tools to deliver the leading, nationally recognised retrofit training. Licensed partners are granted access to a host of helpful resources and support, including a ‘train the trainer’ programme for two staff members, learner and tutor support from The Retrofit Academy’s expert team and full Retrofit Academy membership for 12 months. Mark Edwards, CEO of SERT Training, said: “We are thrilled to announce our exclusive partnership with Retrofit Academy to deliver their qualifications across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This milestone signifies our commitment to providing individuals with the skills needed to drive their own retrofit plans forward. “With our range of domestic clean heating and power courses, these qualifications will complement our offering perfectly. We are grateful for the support we have received from The Retrofit Academy, and we are excited to welcome the first cohort of learners onboard early November. Both our organisations share the same high standards in learner experience and content quality, so alignment has been very straightforward and a lot of fun.” David Pierpoint, Chief Executive at The Retrofit Academy added: “The launch of TRA Hampshire in partnership with SERT Training is another great step in extending the capacity for delivering retrofit at scale in the South East. Learners who train at The Retrofit Academy Hampshire will get access to the nation’s leading and most established training courses and graduate in a strong position to support with delivery of high-quality, large-scale retrofit across the UK. “Our work with training providers to create career paths for qualified retrofitters and bring graduates together with employers is important to address the practical retrofit skills gap for SHDF programmes. With 10 training partnerships established and over 5,500 learners having put their trust in us to date, we are keen to replicate this model other key UK regions to increase numbers and develop the workforce even further.” For more information on how to become a training partner with The Retrofit Academy, please visit:https://retrofitacademy.org/training-licence-partnerships/?utm_medium=feature&utm_source=pr&utm_campaign=pressoffice&utm_term=trahampshire Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A brand new ‘Academy’ based at the Bradford College Trinity Green Campus has launched in partnership with Sheffield-based architects, Bond Bryan. The Bond Bryan Academy will see the company’s team of highly skilled professionals serve as guest lecturers, adding vital industry knowledge and perspective to Bradford College students’ learning. Bond Bryan will also undertake workshops, site visits, and mentorship programmes for students across various courses in the College’s Construction & Engineering Department, immersing them in the day-to-day operations of a successful architecture firm. As part of the partnership, a specially designed Bond Bryan base room has been designed and built in the heart of Trinity Green Campus. As well as serving as a purpose-built classroom to support Design, Surveying, & Planning for Construction T Level students, architects will use the facility to oversee new estate projects on site. Bond Bryan has in-depth knowledge of the education sector and curriculum requirements at Bradford College. The team has collaborated on various successful projects to date, including the design and construction of both the College’s David Hockney Building and Advanced Technology Centre. Speaking at the launch event, Bond Bryan CEO Matt Hutton said: “Our ethos is ‘more than design’ which, for us, is about doing something with our clients and communities beyond just the boundary of the projects we’re working on. “This partnership with Bradford College] is a perfect example of how to reach students and create pathways for them into vocational courses, hopefully within this brilliant industry. It’s all about trying to show them that there are opportunities out there beyond what they’ve even considered. “We have success stories in the office of people that we’ve worked with before at colleges who are now doing really good things for us. We genuinely want to give something back and as an organisation; I want to ensure we are doing things which will make a difference, rather than just box ticking.” The launch event saw Matt Hutton visit Bradford College to deliver an insightful talk to staff and students about his route into architecture and how students will benefit from the partnership going forward. Stephen Smith, Bradford College Head of Department for Construction & Engineering, said: “We’re thrilled with the exciting new partnership with Bond Bryan. This collaboration will provide valuable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and insight into the architecture and construction industries. “Bradford College students will develop the practical skills and network needed to excel in their future careers. We are confident this relationship, with such a respected industry leader, will greatly enrich our T Level in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction. Our students are eager to learn from Bond Bryan’s experts and we look forward to seeing the fruits of this effort. We are also proud to deepen our commitment to preparing work-ready graduates through partnerships with respected companies like Bond Bryan.” Asa Gordon, Curriculum Vice Principal, added: “Partnerships with employers like Bond Bryan are fundamental to the College delivering our mission of working together to transform lives. Giving our students the opportunity to meet with Matt and understand the career opportunities available to them following studying with the College, is essential for meeting future skills needs. “Bradford College students will benefit from the expertise of a number of industry experts, as well as gaining access to work experience through this partnership, supporting them in their journey as the future workforce needed in the Construction industry.” Bradford College offers an extensive range of courses in Construction and Engineering for school leavers right through to degree-level and advanced professionals. Find out more about the T Level in Design, Surveying, & Planning for Construction (enhanced by the Bond Bryan partnership) by attending the next Bradford College open day on 11th November, 10am – 3pm: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After more than 1,000 registrations and 17 regional heats, the top construction trainees from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been named as competitors at the SkillBuild National Final 2023. SkillBuild is delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and showcases some of the brightest talent in construction. The prestigious competition brings together highly skilled learners and apprentices to battle it out to be crowned winner of their chosen trade. Following the regional heats, which took place this summer, the final will see the top eight highest scoring competitors from each category compete. For the first time, this year’s final will be held at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, England on 21, 22 & 23 November 2023. The arena has previously played host to the National Badminton Championships, major darts tournaments and various music concerts, and will now see 80 of the best construction trainees demonstrate their expertise. Across the three days competitors will be tasked with constructing a project designed by an expert panel of judges, within an 18-hour timeframe. The project will test the individual’s knowledge and skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure, ensuring they adhere to health and safety protocols. Members of the public are invited to attend the competition to both observe and try their hand at a range of activities at the designated careers experience hub, the Construction Showcase. Visitors can test their hand-eye coordination skills at the decorating station, build their own bird box at the woodworking station, or even get involved with virtual reality games and simulators. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to attend Continual Professional Development sessions, which will be hosted by the expert panel of judges across all 10 trade categories. CITB’s latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report states that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027. It also highlights that construction is expected to remain a sector where there is demand for workers, despite the current economic uncertainty. SkillBuild is a fantastic opportunity to alter common misconceptions of the industry and promote the diverse range of roles available. Mike Burdett, SkillBuild bricklaying judge, said: “The competition is a fantastic way for young people to showcase their skills and talents, it never ceases to amaze me the commitment and dedication they show to their craft. “As a judge we are looking to find the best of the best, testing their knowledge and skill levels through the test project. Every millimetre of inaccuracy costs the competitors points, but this is also set against a time pressure, making it even more challenging for them. Not only do they need to be accurate, but they also need to plan and review their work constantly to meet the demanding deadlines.” Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to be hosting this year’s SkillBuild National Final at the Marshall Arena, providing us with the opportunity to invite members of the public to observe the incredible talent coming through to industry. SkillBuild is a wonderful initiative which aims to attract a diverse range of recruits, and with the current skills gap, it places even greater importance on the competition and its ability to promote construction careers to a wider audience. “SkillBuild not only helps young people to grow personally, increasing their confidence and social skills, but it’s also proven to assist them professionally by developing their technical and employability skills. While a challenging experience, if you’re serious about a career in construction, SkillBuild is an excellent opportunity. I wish all our National Finalists the best of luck, and we look forward to seeing you in November!” CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors of this year’s SkillBuild, which include: British Gypsum, Crown Paints, BAL Adhesives, NFRC, TARMAC, SPAX, Schluter, Weber, The Tile Association, Nicobond, Stabila, The Keystone Group, Forterra, tesa, Tilgear, Permavent, SR Timber, BMI Redland, Stone Restoration Services, Midland Lead, Hambleside Danelaw, NSITG, Rollins Group, Albion Stone, and Felder Group. See the full list of finalists on Go Construct, and visit the Eventbrite page to get tickets to attend SkillBuild. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction Group is ramping up its investment in the future workforce with the recruitment of seven new apprentices and two new trainees, boosting the Group’s provision of work-based learning across the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Midlands. The new recruits include Apprentice Quantity Surveyor (QS), Isabelle Roberts, who first gained hands-on work experience at Caddick Construction Group’s Farrington Park project in Lancashire. Isabelle has now embarked on a 5-year Quantity Surveying degree with the University of Central Lancashire, attending university one day a week and spending the remaining four days with the site team at Progress Housing Group’s £23m extra care development in Lancaster. Orlando Wilson, one of Caddick’s new Construction Trainees, recently joined the business on a five-year Construction Management degree. Working across a number of Yorkshire developments, including a new £28m scheme for YARA Fertiliser, Orlando is now gaining valuable skills in various different departments at Caddick, whilst also studying for his degree at Leeds Beckett University one day a week. Working in the Caddick Construction team alongside Isabelle and Orlando is Brandon Crowther as Apprentice Engineer, Rob Knowles as Apprentice Quantity Surveyor, George Reynolds Winstanley as Trainee Site Manager, Evie Belwood as Apprentice Quantity Surveyor and Oliver Fauguel as Apprentice Engineer. Caddick Civil Engineering has also been joined by Apprentice Site Manager, Harvey Fenton, and Trainee Quantity Surveyor, Harry Webster, who will support the business’ growing pipeline of residential and public sector contracts. The nine join Caddick Construction Group’s expanding team of work-based learners, bringing the business’ total number of apprentices and trainees to 23. Working across the Caddick Construction Group’s key regions, the new recruits will gain first-hand experience of live construction projects in a variety of sectors, including residential, offices, manufacturing, healthcare and retail. Of her apprenticeship, Isabelle commented: “I am a very hands-on learner so an apprenticeship is perfect for me. Studying for my degree in this way means that I can earn while I’m training and not rack up huge debt as I start my career. I’ve worked with the Caddick team before at Farington Park so I already feel part of the team. Anyone considering an apprenticeship should go for it. It’s a great route into the industry.” Orlando, who works on a number of Caddick Construction sites, added: “Becoming a trainee whilst also studying for my degree has been the perfect route into the industry for me. I’d always known I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps in construction, and initially had my eye on the planning department. This training opportunity will be great for understanding which sector best suits me because it gives me a taste for each, while I study for my Construction Management degree at Leeds Beckett University.” Recruitment of the new wave of apprentices and trainees has been spearheaded by Caddick Construction Group Managing Director, Paul Dodsworth, who himself began his career as an apprentice bricklayer. Paul Dodsworth, Managing Director of Caddick Construction Group, commented: “I’ve always championed apprenticeships; learning on-the-job is the quickest way to master a skill or trade whilst getting paid. This is especially true for construction. I’ve had a very rewarding career since my apprenticeship and I’m eager to ensure we give young people a good start and add to the industry’s skill set for the future. “This is much more than a personal passion. Investing in skills is about the long-term strength of the Caddick business, succession planning and also our wider industry. Providing real opportunities, passing on our experience and knowledge to the next generation is the only way to future-proof the construction industry. It’s also an incredible way of bringing in fresh ideas; embracing new ways of thinking and increasing diversity, and I’m really excited to see what our new apprentices bring to the team.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of its commitment to upskilling the next generation, McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), has welcomed four new interns to its construction division, helping young individuals to gain valuable experience and strengthen their skill set. Apprentice planner, Tommy Bordicott; trainee quantity surveyor, Robbie Yusuf; trainee quantity surveyor Ellie Marnell and construction apprentice, Rhys Collins joined the team this summer. Tommy will be assisting the lead planner on the Longwood Close project, in Coventry, where he will be creating programmes to support key activities throughout. He hopes to further develop his interpersonal and time management skills while building in-depth knowledge of the industry. Attracted to McLaren’s vision and values, Tommy said of his new position: “McLaren embodies both a community and a team. They are actively supporting my skill and career growth and I hope to one day be in the position where I can provide someone else with the same fantastic opportunity that they have given to me.” Trainee quantity surveyor, Robbie, will be working onsite, measuring drawings using Bluebeam (CAD), and issuing revisions alongside producing purchase orders and completing administrative duties. When asked what you are most excited about for his internship, Robbie said: “It is a real privilege to be taught by industry-leading experts who can share their knowledge and help me develop my skills.” Ellie joins the McLaren team with an eagerness to learn new skills, gain industry knowledge and support on site to see projects come to life, all of which will contribute to her achieving a future career goal of becoming a senior quantity surveyor. Ellie was initially drawn to McLaren Construction due to its strong focus on personal development and support. She said: “The company prioritises their employees’ well-being and I am fortunate to receive guidance and mentorship from experts at the forefront of the construction industry, who I greatly admire.” Construction apprentice, Rhys, will be gaining experience across multiple departments, as well as on-site, where he is looking forward to developing engineering and management skills allowing him to see projects all the way from inception to completion. Hoping to be a long-term member of the McLaren team, Rhys said: “I have been inspired by McLaren for a number of years, having been particularly interested by their Aston Martin headquarters and Leicester City training projects. I am looking forward to working hard in this new role and putting all my efforts into achieving the best I can.” McLaren’s comprehensive apprenticeship scheme is designed to provide aspiring individuals with an opportunity for growth and development. As part of the program, apprentices work closely with McLaren’s site teams, gaining invaluable exposure to the dynamic world of construction. The program provides successful applicants with a tailored development plan to guide them towards achieving their apprenticeship qualification in their chosen discipline, while being mentored and coached by McLaren’s experienced managers, ensuring they receive the guidance and support they need to thrive. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction, said: “We’re delighted to welcome four enthusiastic interns to our company. We are passionate about supporting them with their career journeys by helping them to enhance their skills through mentorship and valuable hands-on experience in construction, preparing them for their future careers. Investing in the upskilling of the next generation will positively contribute to the bright future of our industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of the University of Kent’s annual ‘Employability Festival’ (9th – 20th October 2023), local housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes delivered a talk on ‘Building a Career in Construction’ at the Canterbury campus. The housebuilder, who is building new homes at Saxon Fields in Thanington and The Woodlands in Broad Oak, is aiming to debunk the myths surrounding the housebuilding industry and plug the shortage gap in the workforce. According to Statista, as little as 6% of young people are interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry[1]. This is largely due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the sector, and myths that construction and the wider housebuilding industry is catered for just bricklayers, carpenters and electricians. To help combat this, Ella Holt and Harry Phillips, both Land Managers at Barratt David Wilson Kent, attended the University of Kent during EmpFest23 to deliver a talk on’ Building a Career in Construction’ to a group of students. The presentation highlighted potential careers available in housebuilding, from Land and Planning, to Sales & Marketing as well as Finance, Technical, Commercial and Construction, details about their own career paths, and also information on Barratt Development’s Graduation scheme, the ASPIRE programme. Ella Holt, Land Manager at Barratt David Wilson Kent commented: “There are many avenues in the housebuilding industry and my own career showcases just that. It was a pleasure to speak to budding students from the university and showing them our own developments in Kent and how a career after university could look to them. We met with students studying a range of degrees, and it was rewarding to be able to highlight to them that their skill sets can be applicable to a real-life career in construction.” Harry Phillips, Land Manager at Barratt David Wilson Kent added: “Education is so important to us here at Barratt David Wilson Kent and we want to make sure we are playing our part in broadening young people’s horizons by showcasing the many careers available to them. We hope the students took away some valuable lessons from our presentation and we look forward to seeing any familiar faces sign up for our ASPIRE programme.” Lara Cavill, from University of Kent, concludes: “EmpFest23 welcomes a number of local companies to showcase their industries and is designed to be as engaging as possible. It was fantastic to have a local housebuilder on board and offer insight into how our students’ degrees can open a door into the construction industry. Both Harry and Ella shared insightful knowledge, tips and wisdom which I am sure has inspired many of our students into thinking about a career in construction. We hope to work with Barratt David Wilson Kent on future projects to help educate the next generation.” Barratt David Wilson Kent is currently building new homes at its The Woodlands development in Broad Oak and Saxon Fields development in Thanington, with a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes now available. Prices start at £349,995 for a three-bedroom home at The Woodlands and £314,995 for a two-bedroom home at Saxon Fields. To find out more about Barratt David Wilson Kent, visit 0333 355 8502 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk / www.dwh.co.uk. [1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/530177/job-vacancies-uk-by-industry/#:~:text=As%20of%20January%202023%2C%20there,the%20most%20of%20any%20industry Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has partnered with CITB and Samaritans to create a wellbeing support tool, as part of the industry wide initiative Make It Visible. Make It Visible aims to make welfare and wellbeing support visible on every construction site, helping to reduce the stigma around the subject and increase awareness of the support pathways available. Having secured over £400,000 in funding from CITB, a free website portal was created earlier this year to support the initiative. The portal provides a wide range of resources, covering themes of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. It aims to help individuals recognise when they’re struggling and how to cope with the challenges they’re facing. For each area, there is an extensive list of organisations that can provide further in-depth advice and support. Research from the Lighthouse Club shows that stress, depression, or anxiety accounts for 27% of all work-related illness in construction. Tragically, it also reveals that two construction workers in the UK take their own lives each day. The charity’s mission is to ensure that no construction worker or their family feels alone in a crisis, and that they get the support they need before it’s too late. The Make It Visible campaign also has a taskforce of people who are dedicated to visiting construction companies, builders’ merchants, hire centres, and sites across the UK and Ireland to get the conversation started and raise awareness of the free resources. The team has spoken to almost 30,000 people and visited more than 340 sites since the campaign’s launch in May, earlier this year. The portal is currently referring visitors to the world’s biggest mental health check-in, One Million Lives. This free tool has been developed by mental health professionals to help users assess their current state of mind and better understand the complexities of mental health. One Million Lives aims to create a global ripple effect by encouraging users to share the tool with friends and family. Bill Hill, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity CEO, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support from our industry to take on the challenge of improving workforce welfare and wellbeing as a unified force. This new portal curates all the amazing free services from various charities in the UK and Ireland and simplifies access for anyone seeking emotional, physical or financial help. The CITB has been instrumental in making this happen. There is much more to do but this is a great step forward.” Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “We know that there is a huge mental health crisis in the construction industry, and we must do more to support workers and their families. The statistics presented by the Lighthouse Charity’s research are trulydevastating,andwith World Mental Health Day upon us, I urge anyone who is struggling right now to reach out to the charity’s helpline. “CITB has been making improvements to ensure employees get the wellbeing support they need, and I feel very passionately about carrying this through to industry. The work we are doing with the Lighthouse Club will help drive long term culture change and promote fairness, inclusion, and respect across workforces. “There is a great selection of resources online, and I hope that this will make support more accessible to the wider industry. When all workers can access support, without fear of stigma, lives will be saved and attracting new entrants will be easier.” To find out more and access the resources, visit the Make It Visible portal today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading provider of high-impact training and learning solutions to safety-critical industries, 3t is celebrating the success of five D.A.L.E.S. Utilities Civils and Plant apprentices completing their End Point Assessment for their Gas Network Operative (GNO) Apprentice Programme, developed by EU Skills. A crucial result for futureproofing the gas distribution industry in the UK, the recent programme saw five Yorkshire-based apprentices successfully take part in 3t’s training course, with one learner passing with Distinction. Specialising in gas distribution and transmission, the GNO apprenticeship prepares learners for a career in the Utilities sector. An SME in the gas distribution sector, D.A.L.E.S. completes a diverse variety of contracts improving and replacing existing gas networks for various asset owners. Based in Doncaster, D.A.L.E.S.’, is a key employer within the region. Contributing to upskilling local workforces, the success of the GNO Apprentice Programme is the latest example of 3t’s support to futureproof operations within the gas distribution sector. Head of Employer Engagement for 3t’s Training Services division in Manchester, Tom Beetham commented “With operators across industries all facing issues surrounding skills shortages and talent retention, we’re all aware of the challenges ahead so it’s more important than ever to celebrate wins and successes like this. Smaller SMEs like D.A.L.E.S. need recognition for the part they play in helping to support the future of the industry, creating the next generation of workforce who have the skills, knowledge, and qualifications for a prosperous future across utilities.” Following his participation in the programme, apprentice Daniel Sanderson said: “After struggling academically in school, it was clear that my strength was in hands-on work. But without the qualifications, barriers were preventing me from breaking into the engineering industry. I knew about Dales Plant from my local area and had heard a lot about the contribution its CEO, Shane Yarrow, makes to the local community and the job opportunities the Plant provides. Allowing me to enrol on a GNO apprenticeship delivered by 3t Training Services, Shane, along with the 3t team, gave me the chance and supported me to take the step into a new career path. The training experience that 3t provided was fantastic, allowing me to develop and gain vital new skills to forge a career whilst supporting local industry.” Previously Utility and Construction Training LTD, following its acquisition last year by 3t (previously 3t Energy Group), the utilities and construction training specialist now operates as part of 3t’s rebranded Training Services division (previously AIS Survivex), which is responsible for training 125k delegates every year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building performance experts at Leeds Beckett University have teamed up with world-leading technology manufacturers, Coltraco Ultrasonics, to develop their Portascanner® Airtight, a novel rapid low-cost ultrasonic device which can be used to quickly assess and quantify the airtightness performance of a building. The Portascanner® Airtight is a handheld tool which uses ultrasound to detect and locate air leakage sites. It is the first system of its kind to also quantify the extent of any air leakage. The tool can be applied to both new and existing buildings, so can be used before, during and after building or renovation. The new collaboration between Coltraco and Leeds Beckett University has been funded by the Government through Innovate UK to develop, evaluate, and optimise the use of the Portascanner® Airtight – creating an improved version of the product, along with best practice guides and training materials for professionals. Dr David Johnston, Professor of Building Performance Evaluation in the Leeds Sustainability Institute at Leeds Beckett University, said: “The airtightness performance of building fabric can have a significant impact on energy use and CO2 emissions. Therefore, it is important to develop low-cost tools that are capable of rapidly assessing and quantifying the airtightness performance of a building, providing an alternative to existing methods of testing airtightness. All of these tools will be important in helping the UK meet its Net Zero obligations.” The project will assess the use of the new technology within both a controlled and real-world environment. This will be used to design and develop a rigorous, best-practice process. The team will also compare the technology with other airtightness testing technologies – such as blower door fans – to assess the accuracy of the Portascanner® Airtight and how it compliments tried and tested existing technologies. The team also plan to make improvements to the technology, including upgrading the hardware to include a wireless sensor, and developing and testing a mount for a geostationary drone, to hold the generator in place on external structures for tall buildings. Daniel Dobrowolski, Senior Physicist – Research, Development, Design, and Ergonomics at Coltraco Ultrasonics, said: “We are committed to evaluating the benefits of the Portascanner® Airtight as a rapid testing tool through a systematic empirical study and so this project is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with the academic experts. The research we undertake with Leeds Beckett will aid professional airtightness testers, building services engineers, and building surveyors to confidently take full advantage of Coltraco’s innovative technology to improve building airtightness and, ultimately, building sustainability.” Professor Johnston added: “We look forward to further developing our relationship with Coltraco, and demonstrating how industry and universities can work together to improve the sustainability of the built environment in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Students from across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire got an insight into the huge range of jobs on offer at HS2 this week when the high speed rail project opened its doors to local schools and colleges. Almost 200 students from twelve schools and colleges attended the two-day ‘Making Tracks into Construction’ event hosted in Bicester by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall. The young people – aged between 11 and 19 – got the opportunity to meet people working on the project and take part in activities including interactive plant simulators where they could try their skills on an excavator and see how high tech drones are used for survey work. They also got to see some of the vehicles and equipment used on HS2 construction sites, take part in engineering activities as well as learning more about the environmental and community engagement side of Britain’s new high speed railway. The second day was tailored towards young people with special educational needs and disabilities – with lower numbers and a quieter atmosphere to make the visit more accessible. Dr Catherine Pickup, Director of Project Based Learning at Futures Academy in Banbury, said: “Futures’ Year 10 students were eager to attend the EKFB’s Making Tracks into Construction event. The Year 10 students work on employability projects to find out more about what jobs are available and to develop their skills like teamwork and creative problem solving. “One thing we find is that most students are unaware of the wide range of jobs that are available to them. The chance to see so many organisations involved in such a high-profile infrastructure project is very exciting and will open their eyes to the opportunities they have ahead of them. Our hospitality and catering students are very interested in that side of the project too.” More than 29,000 people are currently working on the HS2 project, both directly and across the UK-wide supply chain, and ‘Making Tracks into Construction’ is part of a push to get more local people involved and inspire the next generation of rail engineers. Construction is well under way on the first phase of HS2, between London and the Birmingham which will improve journeys, boost the economy and free up more space on the existing rail network for freight and local services. More than 3,000 people who were previously unemployed have won work on the project, which has also created more than 1,000 apprenticeships so far. Jhen-Nel Swanston, HS2 Ltd’s Legacy Manager said: “At HS2 we are passionate about showcasing the opportunities and roles that a project like this involves. “It was great that so many young people from across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire were able to be on site this week, and I hope that events like this will inspire them to consider careers in construction and the rail industry.” Victoria Hingley, EKFB Skills, Employment and Education Coordinator, said: “It’s exciting to have been part of the team organising and hosting this event – young people are the future of the construction and engineering world, so we have a duty to inspire and help them. “HS2 is a legacy project, and I am passionate about to trying to have a positive impact upon the students and schools along the trace of the EKFB works. The event would not have been possible without the support of our supply chain and our site team at Bicester – thank you to all who have given their time and expertise.” The event was held on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd September. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
