One hundred electricans have benefitted from free Level 3 ‘18th Edition Wiring Regulations’ training at Leeds College of Building thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Delivered through the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, re[boot] and subsequent Skills Connect training is designed for adult learners looking to upskill, re-skill, and gain sector-specific qualifications within regional skill shortage areas. Since July 2020, one hundred employed and self-employed electricians have completed the specialist training at Leeds College of Building. Re[boot] funding from July 2020 – March 2022 helped to upskill 70 electricians; a further 30 qualified through Skills Connect funding from January – March this year, with the latest cohort completing in Spring. The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations programme is aimed at practicing electricians with relevant experience and allied professionals needing to update and enhance their understanding of current wiring regulations. This is an essential qualification for anyone looking to certify that their installation work meets current building and wiring regulation guidelines. Colleges from the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, including Leeds College of Building, have delivered training to over 700 people in the region so far, and provided a springboard for careers in priority areas such as Digital, Engineering, Manufacturing, Green Skills, and Construction sectors. Yasmin Ali, Business Engagement Manager at Leeds College of Building, said: “We’re delighted that 100 individuals have gained sought-after qualifications through our partnership with the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). “Tutor Adrian Holland has been exceptional in delivering training on the latest electrical industry standards, helping students attain excellent pass marks. As a result, uptake for the training has been superb. This work is essential to help sustain in-demand professions such as these.”  Georgia Williams, Project Manager at West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges, said: “It’s great to see that the work of our colleges, in partnership with WYCA, has made such an impact on the region. Leeds College of Building has worked hard to deliver the 18th Edition to electricians and through the Skills Connect and [re]boot projects, we’ve been able to allocate funding to make the course accessible and remove some of the barriers to learning for those wanting to progress within the sector. “We are continuing to work with WYCA, local employers, and our colleges to offer more opportunities to people who want to progress in their careers through Skills Connect and Skills Bootcamps programmes whilst addressing skills gaps for employers in the region.”   To find out more about construction and built environment training for adults (18+), visit the Leeds College of Building website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Constructing Excellence South West (CESW) has announced the launch of the first-ever diploma in Collaboration in Construction. The organisation charged with driving real change in construction has partnered with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) to deliver the programme which is designed to equip delegates with the tools and techniques to positively disrupt traditional ways of working within the industry. During an online 10-month programme, this academically benchmarked level five diploma explores exactly what individuals need to ensure that a collaborative culture is successfully adopted within construction. Those taking part will not only study the principles of collaboration and integration in construction but will also benefit from networking with like-minded peers, studying technology-led approaches and learning about new behaviours which are much needed in the industry. Andrew Carpenter, CEO of Constructing Excellence South West, said: “The need for collaborative work within the UK construction industry has never been greater. With the economy expected to go into recession in late 2022, the need for our sector to adopt lean principles is essential and to be able to do this we must embrace collaboration. “In a sector that is excessively fragmented, we have identified a will to work together to deliver consistent solutions. Delegates undertaking this diploma will learn important skills in collaborative working to the advantage of themselves, their organisation and any projects they’re involved in. “This diploma course provides individuals with the chance to be an early adopter in this critical area which is essential for the future of the industry. Collaboration is the way forward.” Following a successful pilot project which ran last year, the new programme will welcome 12 new delegates in January 2023.  The course runs for 10 months which includes one-half day a month followed by additional reading material and homework. If you are passionate about collaboration and want to know more about being part of this essential change visit: https://constructingexcellencesw.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Diploma-2023-Mids.pdf Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Fareham College had a visit from the Managing Director of a Hampshire housebuilder this week to help accelerate next generation learning programmes for future construction workers. James Dunne, Manager Director of Barratt Homes Southampton Division, attended Fareham College’s Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC) and toured its state-of-the-art facilities, set up in 2017 to address the skills shortage hindering civil engineering growth and expansion in the south of England. Its high-profile apprenticeship programme has been supporting the industry ever since, by creating more jobs and opportunities for skilled groundworkers in the region. James was shown around CETC’s purpose-built two-acre mock construction site, dedicated to the delivery of its specialist Civil Engineering and Groundworks Apprenticeship, and looked around neighbouring classroom areas, where relevant theory is taught to support the students’ practical training. Barratt Homes is committed to providing career prospects for young people in the local area, and the MD was keen to see how the developer could widen its support for budding construction workers in the region, in collaboration with CETC. James said: “At Barratt, we want to provide young people with an alternative to full-time university study by helping them to explore their potential in the building industry. “We already offer apprenticeship schemes to the next generation of tradespeople but are looking to expand this support. CETC is offering an incredible facility here in Fareham, and I’m thrilled to have been offered the chance to look around today. Hopefully we can discover a way we can work together in the future.” Director of CETC, David Richardson, said: “CETC was set up to tackle the skills shortage in the civil engineering and construction industry, and to nurture the talent of our young people in the area. “It has been a real pleasure to show James from Barratt around today, and it would be fantastic if we can work alongside the developer in providing these important apprenticeship schemes to the local community.” CETC was created after a group of local civil engineering employers set up the Solent Civil Engineering Employer Group (SCEEG) in conjunction with Fareham College to produce a unique apprenticeship training programme to support the construction industry across the region and create more jobs and opportunities for skilled groundworkers. Barratt Homes works in tandem with the communities where it is building new homes, to offer career opportunities for young people. For more information on the housebuilder’s new developments in Hampshire, visit: Harbour Place and Pebble Walk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Pre-teens and young teenagers are being inspired to investigate careers in the construction industry, thanks to the passion of some of the team at insulation specialist Actis. The latest event which gave students insight into professional opportunities within the sector was at a Bedfordshire middle school, which invited South East area sales director Steven Ellis to share his love of thermal efficiency with a rapt crowd of youngsters. Steven was one of a number of professionals, including representatives from the police, fire brigade and an architectural practice, talking to the youngsters at a ‘Careers Carousel’ at Marston Vale Middle School. Associate assistant head teacher at the school, Emma Ramsay, said the day was inspirational for the ten to 13-year-olds. “Steven set up a very visual stand for our pupils which really helped to attract them. Pupil engagement from years five to eight was high, with both male and female pupils being really engaged. Steven was personable and enthusiastic about Actis and his industry. Many pupils came away discussing what insulation is, why it is important and what sort of jobs are available within the sector. These career rich discussions were brilliant to hear!” She said they particularly enjoyed a competition to see who could make the tallest tower of Actis Hybris samples – with the winner managing 12! Steven added: “I was predominantly talking about careers In construction and manufacturer and what my typical day to day and week would entail, such as visiting builders on site, offering specifications and liaising with our direct customers.” Other members of the Actis team have been involved in recent years with educational activities aimed at encouraging young people to consider working in the industry. Actis northern regional sales director and Women in Construction ambassador Jemma Harris has spoken to students at a Construction Industry Training Board careers event and a school in Yorkshire, with the aim of inspiring young women to reject stereotypes and follow their dreams of a career in a male-dominated profession. South-West area sales manager Tom Hendzel has helped out with lectures to construction trainees at Cornwall’s Truro and Penwith College. Another team member flying the flag for women in construction is specification manager Amaret Chahal who has co-written the latest Actis CPD material. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals