The Keystone Group, the UK’s largest steel lintel manufacturer has launched a new and exciting education initiative to help cement the future of brickwork students across the UK and Ireland. Serving as an enterprising response to the current building industry skills shortfall, ‘Keyskills’ showcases a wide range of construction methods
Employers can now receive expert advice and support from sector specific networks, as part of the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) employer network pilot. As well as the local training networks, selected sectors will also be supported making it even easier to find and fund appropriate construction training. Hire
Through its construction partner Laing O’Rourke, Everton is proud to be helping nurture local people undertaking various apprenticeship programmes. There are currently 66 apprentices working on or towards the build of the stadium, applying their skills in various fields. Trade and technical apprentices work in areas such as formwork, steel
Angmering housebuilder David Wilson Homes is helping to plug the construction skills shortage gap[1] this National Apprenticeship Week (6th-12th February), having recently recruited two new apprentices at its Ecclesden Park development on Water Lane. Fledgling ‘chippies’ Alfie Tanner (17) and Bili Heasman (20) began their Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery
Puma Property Finance (Puma) is sponsoring the launch of UCL’s new world-class research centre focused on developing sustainable practices in the construction industry and the built environment. It’s the first centre of its kind in the UK. It is estimated that 39% of global energy related carbon emissions come from
SD Team, one of the largest cosmetic finishing groups in the UK, has launched an all-new training facility, SD Academy, at its headquarters in Caldicot to conduct off-site classroom teaching at a time of skills and labour shortages in the construction industry. With more than a quarter of a million
This week is National Apprenticeship Week (NAR) and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) is supporting the annual week-long celebration of that most enduring route into work, the apprenticeship. With the UK facing a skills shortage the popularity of apprenticeships is on the rise, particularly in sectors like construction, and that’s
Are you Britain’s best bulldozer driver? A world-class wheel loader operator? The search is on for Operator of the Year, with £10,000 in prize money up for grabs in a dedicated all-day festival of construction. This is the competition’s third year, run by UK Plant Operators Magazine (UKPO) and supported
Finning is offering people of all ages the opportunity to become fully trained engineers through its award-winning apprenticeship scheme. As well as the chance to learn all the skills needed while on the job, Finning apprentices benefit from earning 39 per cent more than the national minimum wage for training
Actis regional sales director Jemma Harris and sales manager Melanie Porter have been flying the flag for the construction industry as a career path for young people at an educational event in Yorkshire. The pair were among seventy organisations taking part in an annual initiative aimed at educating, developing and
The Keystone Group, the UK’s largest steel lintel manufacturer has launched a new and exciting education initiative to help cement the future of brickwork students across the UK and Ireland. Serving as an enterprising response to the current building industry skills shortfall, ‘Keyskills’ showcases a wide range of construction methods through free training support and materials. The initiative, involving Keystone Group’s IG Masonry Support, IG Lintels, Keyfix and Keystone Lintels brands, focuses on relieving financial pressures on education establishments to allow extra funding for the development and recruitment of bricklaying training courses. Owen Coyle, Divisional CEO within the Keystone Group, said collaboration with colleges and training facilities will be crucial to Keyskills’ success. “This is a fantastic opportunity for places of education to offer first-class training programmes and ‘skill-up’ a new generation of bricklayers,” Owen Coyle said. “The shortage of skilled tradespeople throughout the building sector as a whole is a well-known, long-standing issue. With this shortage, we want to collaborate with education establishments to relieve financial pressure and enable funds to be reallocated back into the development and recruitment of these training programmes.” Keyskills has a range of gratis benefits to support the recruitment and training process including training rigs and free product to support installation education, tours of Keystone’s manufacturing facilities, training presentations from Keystone’s technical experts, awards and event sponsorship, free merchandise and equipment and more. According to the Construction Skills Network, the UK needs to recruit 1,450 more bricklayers per year over the next five years to keep pace with building demands. But building to the requisite standard is more than a numbers game, particularly as poor brickwork has been the foremost issue on new-build inspection reports for the past decade. Therefore, instilling the right skillset in youngsters aiming to take-up this most traditional and vital of trades will be essential to delivering properties that perform as-designed. Owen Coyle continued: “In the months and years to come, we hope Keyskills will have played a meaningful part in supporting the recruitment and training of the bricklayers we need to meet our future building needs. We look forward to hearing from education partners who are keen to join us on this exciting journey.” Don’t miss out on this unique training opportunity, click here to find out how you can take part in the Keyskills initiative. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Employers can now receive expert advice and support from sector specific networks, as part of the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) employer network pilot. As well as the local training networks, selected sectors will also be supported making it even easier to find and fund appropriate construction training. Hire Association Europe (HAE) is among the first of the sector specific networks to be introduced, supporting plant, tool and equipment hire employers with queries directly related to their field. Through the network’s technical expertise, and with a budget of more than £300,000, they can help ensure employers receive the right training for skills needed now or in the future. The model aims to create a more simplified process and has therefore removed the need to access the grant scheme, with HAE helping to organise and fund the training on behalf of employers. The CITB pilot launched its local training networks in August 2022 with an initial £800,000 investment. With a focus on connecting employers to established and experienced delivery partners, the aim is to help employers recognise their training priorities and the best routes to achieving them. This transformative way of working provides a huge opportunity for employers to not only voice their training requirements, but also play a fundamental role in deciding how funds are used in their local area. The 12-month local initiative is available to 3,800 levy-registered construction businesses and offered across five locations in England, Scotland, and Wales. One business already reaping the rewards is Aspect Group Services Ltd. The East Anglian business provides various services across roofing, scaffolding, property refurbishment and development, and was informed about the employer network pilot through the Norfolk Construction Training Group (NCTG). Katie Laws-Chapman, Aspect Group Services Office Manager, said: “Initially we were hesitant, as we were accustomed to claiming training back from CITB through the usual process. However, through discussions with our contacts at NCTG, we were assured the process would be simple and we would have greater benefits due to the wide scope the employer network covered. “As we are a mix of site-based operatives and office-based staff, we were able to request support for a wider variety of courses than previously possible. It was very beneficial to be able to combine both sets of training requirements for our staff through the employer network.” Stacey Felmingham, Office Coordinator for Aspect Group Services, added: “With the support from the NCTG we have been able to navigate the employer network process effectively and efficiently. The simplicity and broad scope of the initiative has allowed us to offer training to more employees than we initially budgeted for over the year, which is fantastic news as a business and for the individual!” Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m thrilled to see the great results this pilot is already achieving in such a short space of time! We’re really excited to join forces with Hire Association Europe and believe their support will have an invaluable impact on the plant, tool and equipment hire sector. The real drive behind this project is ensuring employers get the support they need to train and develop their workforces. By expanding the networks to include niche technical expertise, this should simplify the process and make it even easier for employers to get the most out of their training budgets.” Paul Gaze, CEO, Hire Association Europe, said: “Hire Association Europe is delighted to be working with CITB on the Sector Employer Network Programme. It is vital that we invest in the plant, tool and equipment workforce to develop the required skills and competencies, as the sector underpins the wider construction industry. Nothing gets built, maintained or repaired without the professional hire and rental workforce. We commend CITB for its investment in developing the skills to drive forward construction.” There’s still time to get involved if you are based within one of the five pilot areas or work in the plant, tool and equipment hire sector. Find out more and sign up here. Your voice can help shape the future of training provision. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Through its construction partner Laing O’Rourke, Everton is proud to be helping nurture local people undertaking various apprenticeship programmes. There are currently 66 apprentices working on or towards the build of the stadium, applying their skills in various fields. Trade and technical apprentices work in areas such as formwork, steel fixing and carpentry, while colleagues on Laing O’Rourke’s Early Talent Professional Apprenticeship Programme are studying disciplines including but not limited to construction management, engineering and quantity surveying. Monday 6 – Friday 12 February is the Department for Education’s National Apprenticeship Week, a campaign that gives organisations the chance to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy. The number of apprentices working on the site in north Liverpool, which is the one of the largest private developments in the UK at present, will only grow as more supply chain partners are introduced in the coming months. In addition to the people employed by Laing O’Rourke, many of the contractors on site also work with apprentices. An example of this is Dylan, who as part of a three-year course with Summit Scaffolding started with smaller duties like oiling fittings and organising materials. His schedule involves visiting a scaffolding training centre in addition to his on-site training at Everton Stadium, where he has been able to undertake tasks from simple edge protection to complex heavy duty design scaffolds. Cameron, 22, explained why he chose to start a level two apprenticeship in formwork and how he is finding it. “I have been in an array of jobs from landscaping and construction to insurance and I always felt like I had more to give. What better way to do that than to apply the knowledge I already had to once in a lifetime opportunity to help build a football stadium almost on my doorstep. Working for Laing O’Rourke has been nothing short of a dream come true. Staff and contractors from top to bottom have made me feel so welcome and have helped me develop in many ways.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Angmering housebuilder David Wilson Homes is helping to plug the construction skills shortage gap[1] this National Apprenticeship Week (6th-12th February), having recently recruited two new apprentices at its Ecclesden Park development on Water Lane. Fledgling ‘chippies’ Alfie Tanner (17) and Bili Heasman (20) began their Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery apprenticeships with the housebuilder in August 2022. “No two days are the same,” says Alfie, who splits his time between working with the subcontractors at Ecclesden Park, and Stephenson College in Leicestershire for practical and theoretical training. “We were up on the roofs from day one, learning from the construction team and getting stuck in trying out the tools and building the framework. I’ve since built signs, worked on roofs and helped with the finishing touches on the inside – from the stud work to the skirting, doors and architraves.” New apprentices with David Wilson Southern Counties can choose to qualify in either carpentry or bricklaying. The 18-month course will see Bili and Alfie gain crucial hands-on training, supported by the expertise of the construction team, and interspersed with block-weeks at Stephenson College where they learn about the construction process in detail, and gain off-site practical training. “I told myself that you can’t really go wrong with a trade, it’s a skill for life,” says Bili, who is a father and lives locally in Angmering. “I’ve worked as a trainee chef, bar manager and a plumber, but the difference to this is night and day. It’s an intensive course but you don’t need any experience to do it, just a willingness to learn. Every day is an opportunity to learn and the team really want you to grow and succeed.” Bili plans to complete his course with David Wilson Southern Counties and study towards a Level 3 qualification, while Alfie hopes to secure employment with the carpentry subcontractors at Ecclesden Park. “The great thing about the course is that the door doesn’t close when you achieve the qualification. Lots of apprentices go on to work with David Wilson Southern Counties’ subcontractors, but if you get a good result in your final exam then you can work towards a Level 3 qualification,” Bili adds. Alongside the hands-on training for apprentices, lessons at Stephenson College cover everything from the land buying process all the way to the latest industry regulations, providing apprentices with a wider insight into the process of building new homes. At the end of the course, apprentices will be challenged with speaking, practical and multiple-choice examinations to complete their qualification. Kimberley Benson, Sales and Marketing Director for David Wilson Southern Counties, comments: “Skilled tradespeople are the backbone of the construction industry, and it is our responsibility to invest in the next generation, providing much needed jobs and, therefore, housing to local communities. Our flagship apprenticeship scheme is second to none, offering a two-pronged learning approach to gain real experience on a construction site, working in tandem with our award-winning site teams to pass on their knowledge and expertise. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to learn in an academic environment at Stephenson College, helping them to gain the wider knowledge that will give them an unshakable foundation on which to build their career.” Looking ahead to the future, Bili hopes to start his own business with his brother, who is trained as a bricklayer, while Alfie plans to build his own house one day. Alfie continues: “There will always be a need for skilled tradespeople, and the skills that I’m learning during my apprenticeship are the first step on the path to career success.” To find out more about the careers available with David Wilson Southern Counties, visit www.barrattcareers.co.uk. Bili, Alfie and the team are building a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes at Ecclesden Park, where prices start from £369,995 for a two-bedroom house. To find out more David Wilson Southern Counties or Ecclesden Park, please call 0333 3558 499 or visit www.dwh.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals [1] https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/skills/skills-shortage-reaching-alarming-proportions-15-11-2022/
Puma Property Finance (Puma) is sponsoring the launch of UCL’s new world-class research centre focused on developing sustainable practices in the construction industry and the built environment. It’s the first centre of its kind in the UK. It is estimated that 39% of global energy related carbon emissions come from the built environment. But despite its obvious centrality, the construction industry has historically been slow in developing sustainability initiatives. The new ‘Centre of Sustainable Governance and Law in the Built Environment’ seeks to address the challenge of building more with less emissions as the demand for more and better-quality housing increases. The two-year partnership will see the development of pioneering research designed to improve understanding of sustainability practices in the built environment and drive forward solutions. This includes research to identify the best measurement tools to accurately measure the environmental emissions and the social impact of construction projects and buildings; develop innovative financing models for construction projects; improve knowledge transfer; and decarbonise building stock. The centre will sit within the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction: the first built environment faculty in the UK, and one of the global leaders in this field. The ten-person research team will be led by Dr Armando Castro, an Associate Professor at UCL, who has been researching and writing about ESG related themes since 2014. Other team members’ expertise spans economics, finance, civil engineering, surveying, geography, management and law, in order to tackle and solve the wide-ranging issues across the industry. Puma has been a longstanding supporter of the drive towards greater sustainability in the construction industry. With this new partnership, Puma hopes to further inform the conversation and help the property finance industry to arrive at solutions that promote the next generation of the built environment. Paul Frost, managing director of Puma Property Finance, and member of the Centre’s Advisory Board comments: “We’re incredibly proud to sponsor UCL’s new research centre and play our part in significantly reducing the carbon impact of the construction industry. Delivering net zero buildings and retrofitting existing ones is a huge challenge, especially as we try to meet the demand for more and better quality housing, education facilities and suitable accommodation for our ageing population. “Progress can’t be achieved through policy and regulation alone; it requires collaboration across industry and academia, innovation, creativity and ambition if we’re to drive truly impactful change. “This new Centre offers an exciting opportunity to put that into practice, and we are delighted to be supporting its important work. The finance sector has enormous influence over the real estate that we build in this country and around the world. We can and must use that influence for the benefit of both current and future generations.” Dr Armando Castro, UCL adds: “This Centre has been launched in a critical time and has the purpose of sharing academic insights and knowledge, while connecting and fostering the dialogue between academics and practitioners of the built environment. This is greatly needed now since the construction industry and its players need to do more to address current societal concerns regarding their social and environmental impact. Further, universities’ research can be used for the greater good and should be shared more widely.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SD Team, one of the largest cosmetic finishing groups in the UK, has launched an all-new training facility, SD Academy, at its headquarters in Caldicot to conduct off-site classroom teaching at a time of skills and labour shortages in the construction industry. With more than a quarter of a million additional construction workers needed by 2026* to fulfil industry demand, SD’s training academy aims to develop necessary practical skills in complex surface repair and will ready participants for a cosmetic technician role within the business. The training facility officially opened in January 2023 new recruits coming on board to begin developing their skills immediately. The academy will be run by senior members of the SD finishing team, with plans to expand the programme in the coming months. At present, SD Training Academy offers three separate classrooms complete with workstations presenting a range of materials that are to be repaired and finished ‘as new’, as well as an open-plan workshop. “We are delighted to be able to open our training centre for apprentices and new staff. Investing in training, and in our people, will not only demonstrate to our clients that we are serious about the quality of our work but also ensure that our team is equipped with the right experience to carry out a brilliant job,” said SD Managing Director, Nick Jones, on launching the facility. “We hope to be able to invite customers to visit the training facility so that they can see how our team work, and they can also get involved and try out some quick and easy repairs to see what goes into a service like this.” The training academy has been developed in the wake of a record year in business, with figures for the last three quarters showing that SD has achieved a 25% increase in turnover year on year. The business, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023, has gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the UK’s largest sealant, repairs and marine interiors companies, with nine offices across England, Scotland and Wales. “Having the opportunity to gain confidence and perfect new skills before you get on-site is a huge benefit as it can be quite daunting to get started on a big development when you’re still relatively new to the industry. I’m really grateful to be able to learn from some of the best in the business, and have the chance to shadow them here as well as on the job,” commented Evan, a Trainee, who will be learning at the facility. Launched in 1973, SD Sealants originated as a family-run business in Somerset that specialised in the supply and application of sealant. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the UK’s largest repairs and sealant companies, with nine offices across England, Scotland and Wales. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This week is National Apprenticeship Week (NAR) and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) is supporting the annual week-long celebration of that most enduring route into work, the apprenticeship. With the UK facing a skills shortage the popularity of apprenticeships is on the rise, particularly in sectors like construction, and that’s hardly surprising given the advantages a modern apprenticeship offers for both jobseekers and employers. Though many apprenticeships are taken up by young people places are available to anyone over the age of 16 and there’s no upper age limit. Christian Atkinson is 36 and he’s been an apprentice with WCHG for more than a year, having left his job as a support worker to pursue a career in joinery. In October last year Christian was nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award at the Construction Apprenticeship Awards 2022. Christian said: “I was incredibly proud when I found out I’d been nominated. I’m following in the footsteps of my grandad, who was a joiner for Manchester Council, and I hope taking up an apprenticeship at 36 will show others it’s never too late to follow your dream. “I think to succeed in an apprenticeship you have to have confidence in your abilities, and know what it you want to achieve from your time as an apprentice. For me no two days are the same in my job, and I love learning new skills each day and having a laugh with my colleagues at the same time. I’ve even told my son, if he wants a skill for life, get an apprenticeship.” Paul Butterworth, Executive Director of Assets at WCHG, said: “In terms of building a career and furthering your education an apprenticeship very much offers the best of both worlds. “An apprenticeship is a real job where you’re a paid employee with a contract of employment, just like any other employee. But as an apprentice you also attend college part-time and work towards nationally recognised trade qualifications, and your employer will support you throughout the whole process. “So, as an apprentice, you’re both earning and learning and gaining valuable, hands-on experience right from day one. “As an employer we also benefit by recruiting apprentices. Not only are we able to recruit bright, dedicated people into our business, it also helps us develop a talented workforce that’s equipped with skills for life. At WCHG we have a business head and a social heat, and it’s fantastic to see apprentices coming into our company and succeeding, not just in their chosen carer, but in life too.” Apprenticeships at WCHG In the last 10 years more than 100 people joined WCHG through our apprentice/trainee programs. In 2021/2022 there were 14 apprentices working at WCHG, all fully supported by our employment team. This included: WCHG now recruits apprentices from six different trades (up from three last year) and so far in this financial year we’ve already enrolled a further nine new apprentices, with more to follow. Recruitment for WCHG apprenticeship positions usually takes place during the summer months and places are advertised on the WCHG website, as well as through local schools and colleges. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Are you Britain’s best bulldozer driver? A world-class wheel loader operator? The search is on for Operator of the Year, with £10,000 in prize money up for grabs in a dedicated all-day festival of construction. This is the competition’s third year, run by UK Plant Operators Magazine (UKPO) and supported by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The event attracts substantial interest from owners, operators, hirers and contractors from across the UK. UK Plant Operators Magazine recognises that the industry faces a severe skills gap, urgent attention is required, as such this issue is at the strategic heart of the publication’s output. The nation’s leading contractors and hirers, through close relationships with the magazine, promote the operation of plant machinery as a rewarding and sustainable career path. The pathway to becoming a plant operator has been simplified with best-in-class training available through the CITB National Construction College (NCC) in Bircham. The best plant hire companies are providing excellent terms and conditions, first class opportunities and the latest technology. Creating a safer, smarter and cleaner environment to attract the next generation of UK Plant Operators. UK Plant Operator Magazine publisher Brian Coogan said: “We are delighted to welcome the CITB as headline sponsors of the 2023 campaign. As industry leaders the CITB supports the skills needs of the construction industry. We share the same values and face the same challenges. We look forward to working together to champion the sector, create awareness of the need for, and advantages gained, from quality training… all for the good of the UK construction industry.” In 2023 the UK Plant Operator of the Year campaign will see some exciting developments, with leading UK hirers and contractors entering teams to compete in a series of challenges across a range of Excavators, Telehandlers, Compact Loaders, Bulldozers, Backhoes, Wheel Loaders and Tilt Rotators, to name a few. The very latest models, supplied by the world’s leading manufacturers. The event is open to all to enter once they have their equipment tickets up to date. Finalists will demonstrate their skill and knowledge, in addition to showcasing the technological and engineered solutions the machines deliver, supporting the industry to be safer and more sustainable, whilst improving performance. The 2023 event will expand further with the introduction of a Scottish heat in July, the winners will qualify for the final on 30th September at the National Construction College. Brian Coogan added: “Working with the UK’s leading training authority, we will deliver together a message to the industry that encourages training, helping to build a safe, professional and fully qualified workforce.” Gary Cumiskey, Head of NCC Curriculum Delivery at CITB, said: “This is such a fun event and showcases all sorts of skills on various types of machines. But there’s also a serious message behind it, as we seek to attract the next generation of workers to fill skills shortages in the UK. The benefits of these careers are obvious, so I’d invite operators across the country or anyone who is curious about a construction career to join us for this exciting event and find out more.” To find out more about the campaign and register your interest visit https://ukplantoperators.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finning is offering people of all ages the opportunity to become fully trained engineers through its award-winning apprenticeship scheme. As well as the chance to learn all the skills needed while on the job, Finning apprentices benefit from earning 39 per cent more than the national minimum wage for training schemes. And the latest retention rates showed that over 90% of apprentices were employed by the firm on successful completion of their apprenticeship – compared to the national average of under 60%. As Finning is the authorised dealer of Cat® equipment, parts and service in the UK and Ireland, many apprentices will get the chance to learn how to dismantle and reassemble the machinery the brand is known for. With apprentice roles available in the UK and Ireland, the company is looking to fill 24 positions in Winsford, Cannock, Llantrisant, Peterborough, Glasgow, Ashford, Chesterfield, Leeds, Lisburn, Nanpean and Dublin. The apprenticeship scheme is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, from school leavers up to people seeking a mid-life career change. Finning is an equal opportunities employer, proactive in supporting women in engineering positions, as well as being Disability Confident committed and is signed up to the Armed Forces covenant. Currently there are 62 apprentices at Finning working to complete the four-year apprenticeship programme. For 44-year-old Ahad Miah the apprentice scheme has given him the chance to restart his career. He explains: “As an older apprentice, I’d approached several companies in the hope somebody would give me the opportunity to learn new skills. Having looked on the website I could see how inclusive Finning were and that I could have a real chance if I was to apply. “I’ve felt supported from the very moment I submitted my application. Before the interview process, I was extremely nervous, having not had an interview in over 20 years. I was reassured every step of the way. The support continues now, even as an employed apprentice. If I ever have any problems, there is always somewhere to turn. “In the short time, I have been with Finning I feel like I’m already part of the team and starting to make a difference. I would 100 per cent recommend the Finning apprenticeship scheme. I felt like no one was willing to give me a chance, but I’ve been given a great opportunity, even at the ripe old age of 44.” As with all apprenticeship schemes, the salary rises year-on-year in line with skill development. On successful completion of the scheme, an apprentice with Finning will be offered a permanent position within the company, along with further opportunities to progress their career. Within Finning a number of former apprentices have gone on to hold senior roles, including Service Operations Director Iain Carpenter who began his career with Finning as an apprentice in Glasgow. Craig Smallman, Apprenticeships Quality Manager at Finning, is a former apprentice himself and believes the quality of the in-house training sets the scheme apart. He said: “There are so many great people that have come through the apprenticeship programme. It’s a great fit if you are interested in engineering and learning. The Finning scheme highlights the importance of education, as well as on the job experience, and supports apprentices with whatever they need to succeed within the company. “Employees are well looked after and will get out what they put in; if apprentices are ready to work and interested in learning they will reap the rewards. If you want to succeed, Finning is the place to work.” To take the first step on a rewarding engineering career with the world’s largest Caterpillar dealer apply now online. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Actis regional sales director Jemma Harris and sales manager Melanie Porter have been flying the flag for the construction industry as a career path for young people at an educational event in Yorkshire. The pair were among seventy organisations taking part in an annual initiative aimed at educating, developing and upskilling the next generation in the region and addressing the skills shortage. Foundations Live 2022, organised by construction firm Hobson and Porter, and supported by Jewson, the Construction Industry Training Board and agricultural college Bishop Burton College, was aimed at inspiring people from as young as four up to adults looking at retraining to explore opportunities within the sector. Jemma, also a Women in Construction ambassador, and Melanie are among a number of Actis colleagues passionate about inspiring young people and women in particular to pursue a career in a currently male-dominated profession. Jemma has given inspirational talks in schools, while specification manager Amaret Chahal has co-written the latest Actis CPD material. In her talks Jemma, who is responsible for sales growth in the UK Northern region, has shared her own career path working in two very traditionally ‘macho’ environments – the Royal Navy, where she worked as a weapons engineer, and construction. Amaret explains: “I enjoy the fact that as a young woman of colour I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and technical understanding on all types of specifications, both simple and complex. The Actis team in the north is all-female and I love that we are women working in a demanding industry which is traditionally male dominated.” The Foundations Live event is captured on video, with Jemma talking about the joys of working in construction around six minutes in. In it she explains: “In the construction industry it’s definitely not boring. You get to meet various different people on a daily basis. No day is the same. One day you could be on a building site, the next day you could be stood in front of an architect doing a CPD presentation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
