Leading manufacturer of life safety products Hochiki Europe, have today demonstrated their commitment to training for life for fire engineers and apprentices with a sizeable donation of life safety equipment to Banham Academy’s new training facility in Derby. Banham Academy are the leading specialist training provider in England delivering the
A family-run homebuilder with sites across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, which has faced the challenges of labour shortages head on in recent years, has welcomed new plans for skilled migrant workers to support the UK construction industry. Fairgrove, established in 1995 in Nottingham, is currently building new homes in both Kimberley
Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has announced that it has been recertified with its three ISO accreditations following a five-day audit. The accreditations are for ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (QMS) – a recognised world leading standard, ISO 14001:2015 – the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a multi-award-winning initiative which represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within supply chains, yesterday released its 2023 Impact Report. The report surveyed over one thousand of its members across the country to get their thoughts on what is important to their organisation and supply
New City College is proud to announce the launch of FE’s first low carbon technology lab which will provide green skills training for London’s workforce. The lab, equipped with cutting-edge technology, was launched at a special breakfast presentation on Thursday 4 May, attended by industry experts and business leaders who
A new centre for green hydrogen innovation and product development has been launched by Heriot-Watt University in collaboration with hydrogen technologies experts Logan Energy and PlusZero. The newly named ‘Hydrogen Works’ building will see the consortium collaborate across a range of hydrogen-related research and industry projects including clean-power generators, state-of-the-art
Investment in infrastructure is a key growth priority for many European governments, but how can this be reconciled with the current skills crisis facing the construction sector? According to the latest EURES report on labour shortages and surpluses, 38 per cent of European countries who ranked building construction labourer shortages
Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) has created an online CPD – Seven Steps to FireSafety – focusing on the context of fire in relation to the built environment and the priorities for fire safety. Aimed at anyone interested in the design, construction and operation of buildings the CPD outlines the seven
Standard will help maintain safety and performance amid shift to net-zero Stakeholders from across industry have collaborated to develop the UK’s first-ever national occupational standard (NOS) for the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen. As industry strives towards ambitious net-zero targets, hydrogen is set to play a crucial role in
Nearly a quarter of a million extra people are needed in construction by 2027 but outdated perceptions mean it is often overlooked as a career, according to a new report. The Chartered Institute of Building, CIOB’s The Real Face of Construction survey showed 57 per cent of respondents perceived average
Leading manufacturer of life safety products Hochiki Europe, have today demonstrated their commitment to training for life for fire engineers and apprentices with a sizeable donation of life safety equipment to Banham Academy’s new training facility in Derby. Banham Academy are the leading specialist training provider in England delivering the Level 3 Fire Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) apprenticeship to apprentices across the country. Graduates leave the Academy with vital skills and accreditations, enabling them to embark on fruitful careers within the fire and security industries. Apprentices are released from their employer to train at Banham Academy’s educational training centre for 15 weeks, over a three-year period, undertaking a combination of coursework and practical training. Successful completion of the course sees an apprentice awarded with qualifications and invaluable credentials for their careers ahead. Furthermore, as Banham is the first IET-approved centre, employers gain a competitive edge as graduates are officially recognised and accredited by the IET as engineering technicians. Hochiki Europe have donated a range of life safety devices to Banham Academy’s newly opened Derby training centre including addressable panels, smoke and heat detectors, sounder bases and beacons, relay units, call points and remote indicators. Kevin Faulkner, Operations Director, Banham Academy, explained “We are grateful to Hochiki Europe for their donation of life saving equipment to our second training site in Derby. Banham Academy are reliant on donations from manufacturers within our industry to allow our apprentices to continue their training on industry-leading products that are trusted and are of the highest quality. Competency of installing, commissioning, and maintaining leading security and fire systems is an important part of the learning that we provide at the Academy. This vital hands-on learning allows our graduates to leave being proficient in handling lifesaving products and systems with the utmost of knowledge and care.” The Derby facility is Banham’s second Academy, allowing them to deliver their apprenticeships to even more young people across the UK from both their London and Derby sites. Not only is the training centre bigger, but crucially the location will make it more accessible for students based in the North. Nathan Hudson, Sales and Marketing Director at Hochiki Europe said “We were delighted to help Banham Academy because we know how important it is to encourage and support career development as well as helping the next generation of life safety engineers across the country. Compliance is crucial in our world, we design and manufacture products which are trusted to not only save lives and property, but also reduce false alarms, but this is only possible when the installation is compliant. Our aim with this donation is to enable Banham Academy to deliver hands on, compliant training using the latest life safety technology”. To date Banham Academy Derby has 125 students currently enrolled, but by the end of the year they are expecting that number to rise to 200. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A family-run homebuilder with sites across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, which has faced the challenges of labour shortages head on in recent years, has welcomed new plans for skilled migrant workers to support the UK construction industry. Fairgrove, established in 1995 in Nottingham, is currently building new homes in both Kimberley and Alfreton and has been hit hard by the lack of quality labourers available to work on its sites – which is why MD Steve Midgley has welcomed the Government’s announcement to add construction roles to its ‘Shortage Occupation’ list. Steve said: “The labour shortage has snowballed due to a combination of factors, from the challenges with workforces in a post-Brexit state, to the pandemic causing work to grind to a halt, as well as other circumstances such as the Ukraine war and cost-of-living crisis adding to tough financial situations for many employers and, critically, workers. As a result, skilled workers have been harder to come by, and home-building targets have been negatively impacted.” The recent announcement, made by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt MP in the Spring Budget, saw many roles within the construction industry added to the ‘Shortage Occupation’ list. This was the result of an interim report, published by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), with a full report due in June 2023. Positions to be added to the list include bricklayers and masons, roofers, roof tilers and slaters, carpenters and joiners, plasterers and dryliners. Steve added: “The impact of these roles being added to the ‘Shortage Occupation’ list is that they are now deemed to be in short supply and are subject to relaxed eligibility criteria for sponsored work visa applications. “This effectively unlocks the potential for skilled migrant workers to support the UK construction industry. “And while the addition of key construction roles to ‘Shortage Occupation’ list won’t directly impact us at Fairgrove immediately, we will feel the benefits of it indirectly.” Businesses such as homebuilders who wish to benefit from the scheme will need to take up the Government’s offer of a sponsorship licence which will allow them to bring in migrant workers to help ease shortages. Steve said that in time, Fairgrove may consider taking a licence but wanted to review the impact of the initiative for larger homebuilders first. He added: “It is great to see the construction industry being supported in this way, as we have needed the help of the Government over the last few years, due to all kinds of factors that have caused disruption to work and the missing of house-building targets all over the country. “We’re currently building new homes across the Midlands, at Swanwick Fields in Derbyshire, as well as the Nine Corners and Brewery Yard developments in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire. As a result, we need a diverse, skilled workforce, that can help us continue to build our properties with the high-quality finish we aim to achieve. “We are optimistic that this intervention will bring about positive change and allow the construction industry to move forward, after what has been a very difficult few years.” To learn more about Fairgrove’s developments, please visit: https://www.fairgrove.co.uk
Nationwide refurbishment contractor, Fortis Vision, has announced that it has been recertified with its three ISO accreditations following a five-day audit. The accreditations are for ISO 9001:2015 quality management system (QMS) – a recognised world leading standard, ISO 14001:2015 – the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the most widely used EMS in the world, and ISO 45001:2018 – an international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. Obtaining these recertifications involved significant effort from the Fortis Vision team and included a – a site audit, a remote audit and three days at the office and warehouse. The team worked collaboratively to ensure management systems conformed to the requirements of the audit standard, providing procedure and policy documentations, as well as statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. Organisation was also key to the effective implementation of the planned management system and making sure the system was meeting its specified objectives. The recertifications are every three years and verify the quality of work as well as the financial, administrative, operational and health and safety practices carried out by the company. David Borthwick, managing director at Fortis Vision, said: “This a huge achievement for Fortis Vision and our three ISO Certifications place us in a very select group of companies that prioritise best practice. “Quality and assurance have always played a vital part in the delivery of our work, which is all about continual improvement and driving innovation. Not only do these awards showcase the hard work of our team and our quality and sound practices, but they can inspire confidence in our existing and new clients as we continue to grow.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Supply Chain Sustainability School, a multi-award-winning initiative which represents a common approach to addressing sustainability within supply chains, yesterday released its 2023 Impact Report. The report surveyed over one thousand of its members across the country to get their thoughts on what is important to their organisation and supply chain, plus offered insights into how the School has continued to positively impact organisations and supply chains, through its free practical learning and support. The past few years have been challenging for the built environment industry; the pandemic made for a very unsure time, closely followed by the global economic downturn putting pressures on the industry with material shortages and steep rises in costs. However, sustainability remains firmly at the top of the agenda worldwide, meaning more opportunities for the School to continue to grow and widen its impact. Reflecting this, the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s engagement figures are up significantly, with 24,160 (+44%) individuals from 5,503 companies (+30%) actively learning through the School. This has driven a 35% increase in resource views compared to the previous year. At the same time, quality ratings for the training received by the members remain very high, with 95% rating the training as good or excellent. Shaun McCarthy OBE, Chair of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, commented: “It’s been another brilliant year for the School and we are thrilled to have over 24,000 individuals training through our learning platform. However, we recognise that there is still a way to go to achieve our vision of an industry where everyone will have the skills and knowledge to deliver a sustainable future. To achieve mass impact, technology will be a key focus moving forward. It is our hope that this additional technological investment and expertise will not only support the School’s growth, but ensure it is armed for arising opportunities so we can continue to provide membership with accessible and credible learning.” Organisations are becoming increasingly interested in understanding sustainability and embedding more sustainable practices. Many members have identified the School as a powerful tool to help them do this. Almost three-quarters of members (73%) reported that the School has helped them to better understand their organisation’s sustainability impacts. The School has also helped 65% of members improve their understanding of modern slavery, and 54% to increase their understanding of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect. Members also shared how the School has helped them to improve their sustainability impacts. This includes reductions in carbon emissions (52% of members) and total waste (50%), as well as increased community engagement (57%) and apprentice numbers (50%). Julia Barrett, Chief Sustainability Officer at Willmott Dixon, commented: “The School continues to drive massive change for the industry by providing free virtual learning across a huge range of subjects. This year once again, it’s proven that through collaboration the industry can thrive. To increase our sustainability impacts further, we would love more members to register and learn through School, and more Partners to work with us to identify key issues and share new ideas.” The School is part-funded by CITB and industry Partners, with over 190 Partners leading the direction of the School. Working in collaboration, Partners share knowledge and free resources to inspire the UK built environment to drive positive change. Last year, the School was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in recognition of the significant environmental, social and economic benefits it has delivered to its Members and Partners. Sign up as a FREE member this Spring to benefit from over 400 training sessions, tailored assessments with action plans and a library of over 3,300 online resources. https://www.supplychainschool.co.uk/ The full Impact Report can be found on the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s website here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New City College is proud to announce the launch of FE’s first low carbon technology lab which will provide green skills training for London’s workforce. The lab, equipped with cutting-edge technology, was launched at a special breakfast presentation on Thursday 4 May, attended by industry experts and business leaders who had the chance to tour the new facilities and hear about the benefits they will provide in the challenge for a new way of working to meet cleaner energy and net zero targets. The launch followed the creation of the Central London Forward Partnership, led by New City College, which comprises nine colleges across Central London. The partnership successfully secured a £2.7million bid from the Strategic Development Fund (SDF) to deliver high quality technical education in the low carbon energy industry. The lab has been developed at New City College Hackney and will be invaluable to employers who need to retrain employees in green skills and low carbon technologies. Courses and training for the next generation of installers include Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Air Source Heat Pumps, Electric Storage, Electric Vehicle Charging, Retrofit, and Energy Efficiency. Gerry McDonald, CEO and Group Principal of New City College said at the launch: “This new and innovative training facility represents a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability and makes us the sector leading college for the low carbon energy agenda. We have invested in it and have delivered, making us well placed to be pioneers in this essential work.” To the attendees, Gerry added: “You are the people who are going to make this happen. And you need a college to work hand-in-hand with industry and other partners, to make sure that London and the UK has the right people and skills to make the necessary changes to reach net zero.” Guest speaker Catherine Barber, Director of Environment and Energy for the GLA, congratulated New City College on the lab launch and said: “The Mayor wants London to be net zero by 2030, so this agenda on climate change, on clean technology and providing the skills that London needs to meet this ambitious target, is so vital. “There are currently about 4,000 people working in retrofit in London, but that figure needs to be closer to 60,000 people, so there is an enormous demand for skilled workers and the training you are offering.” As well as tours of the facilities, guests also saw Gerry McDonald unveil a commemorative plaque and present awards to two Low Carbon Skills Champions, industry experts Dan White from MCS and Hazel Mealy from Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark Councils, who had been instrumental in helping to set up the lab. In accepting the award, Dan said: “There is an immediacy about where we are in renewables. They are not our future, they are our now. One of the greatest challenges is persuading employees out of their old ways and into the new. Older people need to retrain in the middle of their carers – and this is the first challenge we are facing. “Right now the market is going crazy, searching for skilled staff. We need to lift the standard of training, of qualifications and of competence in low carbon technologies – that’s what the customer deserves. And this lab is where it will all start.” Jamie Stevenson, NCC Group Executive Director for Apprenticeships & Business Development, who leads the SDF project for Central London, thanked key partner Quantum Group. He said: “I am delighted this project has culminated in FE’s first low carbon lab, which is an excellent resource for Londoners and industry. We can now deliver tailored, hands-on and bespoke training to existing employees and the future workforce to help London work towards net zero. “The SDF funding has enabled us to invest in facilities, resources and our staff, to deliver the green skills required for today and for future proofing our tomorrow. “We’re excited about the impact our project is having on the local community. We will continue to develop our offering and invest in the next generation of low carbon energy professionals.” Guests at the launch were treated to a fantastic breakfast prepared by NCC Hospitality and Catering students who train in Hackney’s OKN1 restaurant. For more information, visit Central London Forward Green Skills Partnership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new centre for green hydrogen innovation and product development has been launched by Heriot-Watt University in collaboration with hydrogen technologies experts Logan Energy and PlusZero. The newly named ‘Hydrogen Works’ building will see the consortium collaborate across a range of hydrogen-related research and industry projects including clean-power generators, state-of-the-art refuelling infrastructure and cutting-edge energy systems for heavy industry. As part of Heriot-Watt University’s pioneering strategy to engage with business and become leaders in sustainability, it is reshaping its Riccarton Campus in Edinburgh to house innovative companies and clusters, including Logan Energy and PlusZero. The Scottish Government recently published a draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan setting out its plans to kickstart the production of low carbon hydrogen and carbon capture and storage as part of its ambition to decrease industrial emissions by 43% by 2032. It’s estimated that Scotland’s energy-intensive industry, which relies on polluting fossil fuels, is responsible for up to 15% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal for business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Working hand-in-hand with business is at the very heart of what we do at Heriot-Watt University. Hydrogen Works is an excellent example of how co-location on our campuses can drive engagement and accelerate growth in businesses through access to innovation, talent and entrepreneurial minds. “We look forward to working in partnership with Logan Energy and PlusZero and building a strong business cluster in Scotland around the future opportunities hydrogen brings to our economy.” Energy Minister, Gillian Martin, said: “Scotland has vast natural resources with which we can become world leaders in renewable hydrogen production and export, and the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Action Plan reaffirms our clear commitment to helping our hydrogen sector grow and prosper. “We must work collaboratively and innovatively in order to realise the huge potential of hydrogen and partnership is important to accelerate the development of the technology.” Edinburgh-based Logan Energy has more than twenty-six years’ experience in delivering projects and solutions in the hydrogen and clean energy sectors. It specialises in integrated engineering solutions incorporating hydrogen technologies, including production, refuelling, storage, distribution, and fuel cells. Bill Ireland, CEO of Logan Energy, said: “With demand for net zero technologies greater than ever, this collaboration demonstrates the innovative ways academia, industry and enterprise can work cheek-by-jowl to meet our collective energy-solution needs. “Our partnership with Heriot-Watt University and PlusZero comes at a pivotal moment for hydrogen as part of Scotland and the UK’s energy mix. The further development and roll-out of standardised, proven hydrogen technologies will only accelerate the transition from environmentally damaging fossil fuels and encourage the wider adoption of renewable energy sources across industry and society. “Together, as part of Hydrogen Works, we look forward to helping deliver the hydrogen technologies critical to Britain and the world’s net zero objectives.” Launched in 2021, PlusZero Power creates portable, zero-carbon generators that are powered by green hydrogen from renewable electricity generated on the Scottish islands, with the aim of replacing greenhouse gas-emitting diesel generators. David Amos, Managing Director at PlusZero, said: “PlusZero Power’s unique offer is to deliver portable clean power wherever it is needed. In the two years since we launched, our innovative green hydrogen generator has already removed tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere at several festival and live music events. “It’s abundantly clear that there is huge potential to bring this ready-to-go green hydrogen solution to other sectors including outdoor filming, construction, and industry, as well as outdoor events. “I’m delighted that PlusZero Power will be headquartered within the Hydrogen Works building at Heriot-Watt University in order to build a generator fleet that can realise this potential. Working with our partners at Logan Energy and Heriot-Watt University, PlusZero is making hydrogen happen.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Investment in infrastructure is a key growth priority for many European governments, but how can this be reconciled with the current skills crisis facing the construction sector? According to the latest EURES report on labour shortages and surpluses, 38 per cent of European countries who ranked building construction labourer shortages noted the issue as ‘high magnitude’[1]. A combination of macroeconomic influences ranging from an aging workforce preparing to retire, to labour market shifts caused by Brexit and war in Ukraine are all having an impact on skilled worker availability in Europe. This is further complicated by retraining needs caused by continuous advancements in sector technology, tools and products which begs the question – how can we better future-proof the construction workforce? Skills and competence are critical for the future of the construction industry, and various factors have accelerated the sector’s skills shortage to a crisis point. There is no silver bullet when it comes to tackling the skills crisis within the construction industry, particularly given the number of external forces at play. However, if we want to meet growing construction demand then we must grow the available workforce to make this a reality – creating an imperative for companies to incentivize and invest in diversifying the skillset of their current workforce rather than relying solely on technology. Through Victaulic’s work and customer engagement, we have identified and responded to the need for more specialised and accredited training programs in both a hands-on and virtual format to facilitate greater upskilling. Whilst seemingly obvious, such programs have been scarce since the Covid-19 pandemic with existing staff unable to refine their skills with new technologies and entrants losing out on the opportunity to formally learn the basics with new tools and products. By bridging the training gap, construction professionals across all sectors and experience-levels can gain greater confidence in their proficiency, whilst companies receive the critical assurances that their projects are up to code. This is particularly the case for the fire protection industry. As an industry which is constantly evolving and premised on the delivery of safe and efficient fire protection systems, it is crucial that training is both readily available and regularly updated to ensure that engineers and contractors have the requisite knowledge for their reliable installation and comply with regulations. At a broader scale, investing in training is also crucial for a company’s reputation building. Comprehensive training ensures industry professionals are getting the most from every application, whilst upholding and protecting standards. Victaulic’s increase in customer demand for training is a testament to this, with a recent in-person fire protection workshop attracting nearly 100 participants. With an age range of between 17-65+ and job titles spanning construction managers, design managers and subcontractors – there is a clear desire from customers and their employees to upskill and refresh their knowledge through in-person training. The workshop with construction engineering company, Mercury, provided an introduction to Victaulic fire protection products such as the VicFlexTM Flexible Sprinkler Fittings series and FirelockTM couplings, their applications in fire protection systems, and requirements for maintenance in accordance with applicable codes and standards. The value of this in-person training at their facility in Ireland could not be overstated, with Mercury implementing the bespoke demo rig at their facility to enable regular refreshers for their employees. The training did not stop there, with additional e-learning services provided through our Victaulic University platform. What was historically a portal used exclusively by our internal teams, Victaulic University training has become a mainstay for e-learning for our clients. One of the key benefits of our e-learning training is that is offers a range of options to suit different levels of expertise. For instance, beginner-level fire protection training covers the basics of fire protection system design and installation, whilst advance courses delve into the details of system testing and maintenance. Additionally, participants can work through the training programs at their own pace, providing the flexibility to manage their workloads while still acquiring essential skills. For the Mercury training alone, we saw 80 participants join online for 20 hours’ worth of training prior to the hands on workshop. With every worker who completes our training receiving a certification, our courses not only support with our customer’s credibility within the fire protection industry but also grant assurance that they have been equipped with the knowledge to properly install our products. Ciaran Carrick, Operations Manager, Mercury: “Given the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic, training for our employees has been scarce. This was why we were so appreciative of the practical in-person Fire Protection Customer Training provided by Victaulic – giving us an opportunity to see first-hand how the Victaulic valve-sets work and refresh our skills with the on-site demo rig.” “The Victaulic experts provided our 80+ team with comprehensive product knowledge and technical detail which will help us better deliver fire protection systems for our clients.” Whilst upskilling cannot entirely remedy the skills crisis that Europe is currently facing, what is clear is that there are simple, cost effective means to attract and retain a greater body of talent already at our fingertips. Training is only one piece of the puzzle, but the reputational benefits offered at a company level along with the empowerment derived at an employee level are vital steppingstones to future-proofing the construction industry. [1] https://www.ela.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2023-03/eures-labour-shortages-report-2022.pdf Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Insulation Manufacturers Association (IMA) has created an online CPD – Seven Steps to FireSafety – focusing on the context of fire in relation to the built environment and the priorities for fire safety. Aimed at anyone interested in the design, construction and operation of buildings the CPD outlines the seven steps to fire safety that will protect people and buildings, and how each step is an integral part of the building design. Certified by CPD UK and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), the CPD – Seven Steps to Fire Safety – will enable viewers to reach an understanding of material science, product testing, product classifications and how this relates to regulations and standards. It will provide insight into the seven steps to fire safety and how each step is critical to the fire performance of a building. “The way we build and the importance of fire safety cannot be understated,” commented Simon Storer, Chief Executive of the IMA. “Whilst fire safety is a fundamental expectation of the modern built environment, it is important that fire safety is not compromised in order to deliver other performance standards. This CPD presentation will help construction professionals gain a better understanding of the priorities for fire safety, the importance of taking a holistic approach and how each of the seven steps to fire safety plays a key part in ensuring buildings are designed and built to the required standards.” To view the online CPD module, please click on the following link IMA CPD – Seven Steps to Fire Safety For more information about IMA visit www.insulationmanufacturers.org.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Standard will help maintain safety and performance amid shift to net-zero Stakeholders from across industry have collaborated to develop the UK’s first-ever national occupational standard (NOS) for the production, storage and transportation of hydrogen. As industry strives towards ambitious net-zero targets, hydrogen is set to play a crucial role in decreasing carbon emissions and the transition to greener, more sustainable forms of energy. In its role as leading skills specialist for the science and technology sector, Cogent Skills has supported employers by facilitating the development of the NOS. The steering group which developed the standard was chaired by the Tank Storage Association and included representatives from Cadent Gas, XPO Logistics, Downstream Oil Distribution Forum and Progressive Energy. The NOS has potential applications in a range of professions in industries including – but not limited to – the energy sector. It can form the foundation for qualifications used in apprenticeship frameworks, job descriptions for new roles, training and appraisals for existing staff – and help prospective staff when searching for jobs which match their skills and experience, among other uses. The hydrogen NOS has been approved by relevant authorities across the UK and will be developed further into qualification and apprenticeships. Executive Director of the Tank Storage Association, Peter Davidson, said: “Hydrogen will play a critical role in helping the UK achieve its net-zero ambitions by 2050. New infrastructure – from production and storage to import and processing facilities for hydrogen carriers – will be required to meet the future predicted demand. “A competent workforce will be key to the successful and safe operation of these facilities. The Tank Storage Association fully supports the development of National Occupational Standards in this area to ensure that those competency demands are met.” Chief Executive of Cogent Skills, Justine Fosh, said: “Cogent Skills is proud to have played its part in developing this important new standard. The hydrogen NOS will support new apprenticeships across the UK in a field which is set to becoming increasingly important as we all work together to reduce our carbon emissions and tackle the climate crisis.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nearly a quarter of a million extra people are needed in construction by 2027 but outdated perceptions mean it is often overlooked as a career, according to a new report. The Chartered Institute of Building, CIOB’s The Real Face of Construction survey showed 57 per cent of respondents perceived average annual earnings to be lower than the true figure of £36,000. CIOB chief executive Caroline Gumble said: “Our survey shows there are big misconceptions around earning potential, job prospects and working conditions.” In fact, construction is £3,000 above the average annual salary across all sectors at £33,000. The survey shows while earnings across all sectors rose by 15 per cent between 2012 and 2022, the rise for full-time construction workers was 24 per cent. “Overly physical” and “dangerous” were among the top three answers respondents selected when asked to describe construction jobs despite more positions being office or site-based. Ms Gumble added: “This is something the sector needs to work together to address if we’re to bridge the existing worker shortfall that will over time become bigger if nothing is done.” Parents don’t encourage their children to go into construction The study showed the sector was often overlooked by individuals exploring job options or changing their career path. Just seven per cent of respondents said they would recommend construction as a career to their children or other young people. Londoners are most likely to recommend construction careers, 38 per cent, while those in Wales, 20 per cent, are least likely. “Without construction workers, including those in IT, planning, administration and management, as well as the frontline trades, there can be no new homes or other infrastructure and our economy will grind to a halt,” said Ms Gumble. Construction is the fourth largest employer in the UK outside of the public sector with 2.1m working in the industry and accounting for six per cent of gross value added to the economy. The Southeast has the biggest number of construction workers, 381,000, while the east of England has the largest percentage of its total workforce engaged in the sector at 7.9 per cent. “We want to see construction better represented in schemes to promote STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – careers and vocational qualifications, not just in construction but more widely, given equal esteem with university degrees. “Construction must be promoted as a sector in which people can make a positive difference, drive sustainability, improve their communities and leave a real legacy.” Brokers Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders were aware that staff shortages were a factor in residential and commercial projects being held up. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
