The looming changes to the UK Apprenticeship Levy are causing ripples across industries. For the construction sector, which often relies on Level 7 apprenticeships to address leadership skills gaps and attract younger talent, these changes are particularly significant. “With Levy funding for new Level 7 apprenticeship starters aged 22 and
A new programme is helping offenders to build a new life – and a career in construction – once they are released from prison. Industry-approved health and safety training is being offered by PLIAS Resettlement and funded by Ealing Council. It is specifically for borough residents who are currently serving
As construction projects grow more complex and safety standards tighten, PERI UK’s field services manager Terry Hall is on a mission to professionalise industrial training. Leading temporary works training programmes, including the only accredited formwork training courses in the UK, he is enhancing the skills – and confidence – needed
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced the launch of a £250,000 pilot programme aimed at boosting safety skills in rainscreen facade installation across the UK. Set to begin in early 2026, the two-year initiative will provide free training to 100 facade system installers and 24 supervisors, with delivery
According to new research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, the UK’s shift to clean home energy is accelerating, and it’s opening the door to thousands of green job opportunities. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data shows a 145% rise in the proportion of homes listing a heat pump as
Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading distributor of building materials, is pleased to share that its parent company, Travis Perkins plc, has been ranked one of the nation’s top apprenticeship employers. The building materials supplier ranked top in sector and 32nd in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, published by
Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) attended the Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire (SWM+W) celebration of the construction sector in the region at the special awards event in support of Benniman Ltd, one of their strategic partners. In her opening speech, Chair of the SWM+W Steering Group, Suzie Branch-Haddow, laid
The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and
A new agreement signed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Department for Work and Pensions will enable thousands of people to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the construction sector. Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to jobseekers thanks to
One of the UK’s fastest growing principal contractors has pledged to boost spending on its Early Years’ Talent Academy as part of its 15th anniversary celebrations. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, is increasing its investment to £150,000 per year to help fight the growing
The looming changes to the UK Apprenticeship Levy are causing ripples across industries. For the construction sector, which often relies on Level 7 apprenticeships to address leadership skills gaps and attract younger talent, these changes are particularly significant. “With Levy funding for new Level 7 apprenticeship starters aged 22 and over ending in January 2026, construction firms need to act swiftly to capitalise on current funding opportunities before the December cut-off,” explains Steven Hurst, Director of Corporate Learning, at Arden University. Here, Steven explores the potential impact of these changes, highlights the opportunities still available and proposes practical solutions to ensure construction companies can maximise the remaining funding to future-proof their workforce. Why do level 7 apprenticeships matter in construction? Level 7 apprenticeships, equivalent to postgraduate qualifications, have become an invaluable tool for the construction sector. They fill critical skills gaps, upskill existing talent and develop leaders who are equipped to tackle the industry’s challenges. For instance, the senior leader apprenticeship has helped construction organisations to address issues such as: However, with the government’s impending restrictions on Level 7 funding, the construction industry faces a narrowing window to maximise these benefits. Funding challenges and the narrow window of opportunity From January 2026, government Levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeships will no longer be available for new starters aged 22 and over, which is likely to cause a key pain point for those wanting to formally upskill more senior staff. However, there’s a silver lining for organisations that act quickly, as businesses can still utilise the Levy funding for new level 7 learners, as long as they’re enrolled before the 31 December deadline. This urgency presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Left unchecked, skills gaps and leadership deficits may exacerbate already critical workforce shortages, but organisations that proactively plan can not only mitigate these risks but also strengthen their position for the future. To make the most of the remaining Level 7 funding, construction firms should consider these four key actions: 1. Audit skills needs and workforce requirements Conduct a thorough assessment of the current workforce to identify skills gaps and forecast future needs. For example, consider areas like leadership and digital transformation, where advanced training will be essential. Use this information to prioritise staff who are ready to enrol in Level 7 apprenticeships while funding is still available. 2. Accelerate recruitment for cohorts With the December cut-off fast approaching, ramping up recruitment efforts for apprenticeships is crucial. Partnering with education providers now can help to ensure smoother enrolment processes. 3. Focus on age-eligible candidates With the age cap for funding set to change, targeting talent before the end of the year, who will be ineligible to access funding from 2026, makes strategic sense. Prioritise candidates aged 22 and over for enrolment this year, ensuring that funding supports this group before eligibility shifts. 4. Explore Level 6 apprenticeships as alternatives For organisations where Level 7 funding may no longer be feasible from 2026 due to budget restrictions, Level 6 apprenticeships remain a valuable alternative. Equivalent to degree-level qualifications, these programmes still deliver high-quality training while addressing workforce diversity and retention goals. Addressing broader apprenticeship challenges in construction While the funding restrictions may signal a shift in apprenticeship opportunities, they also highlight the importance of future-proofing workforce development strategies. Employers committed to investing in apprenticeships can take steps such as: Proactively adopting these strategies can ensure that construction businesses maintain access to vital skills and leadership development in the years ahead. The clock is ticking for construction businesses to make the most of current Level 7 apprenticeship funding. Acting decisively over the next few months can help secure the training and leadership development necessary to address workforce challenges and prepare for future demands. “While the government’s decision to restrict funding may create some obstacles, it also presents an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate resilience and adaptability,” advises Steven. “By planning strategically and taking immediate steps to optimise remaining resources, the construction sector can continue to build the skilled and diverse workforce it needs to thrive. “Don’t wait until it’s too late. Begin your workforce audit, accelerate apprentice recruitment and explore alternative opportunities today to maximise the value of your Apprenticeship Levy funding.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new programme is helping offenders to build a new life – and a career in construction – once they are released from prison. Industry-approved health and safety training is being offered by PLIAS Resettlement and funded by Ealing Council. It is specifically for borough residents who are currently serving a prison sentence in HMP Wormwood Scrubs. The scheme is part of the council’s commitment to invest £1million to train and support those excluded from the jobs market, with a particular focus on groups like ex-offenders who face barriers to employment. It aims to ensure that they can get a second chance and fill a useful role in society, in an industry which continues to face a notable labour shortage. Based in Park Royal, PLIAS Resettlement is a criminal justice charity that helps people with criminal records get their lives back on track. As part of the programme, PLIAS offers serving prisoners with help to prepare for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card exam. This is an important step to finding a well-paid job in construction. Since starting work with Ealing Council in October 2024, more than 80 people have taken the course. Follow-up “through the gate” support is provided on release to ensure a smooth transition from in custody back into the community. Tom Chandler is the PLIAS resettlement director. He said: “We visit the prison every month. We target prisoners who are due for release within the next 3 months, as they need more timely help. We explain what we are doing and how it can benefit them. If they are interested in a career in construction, we put them forward for our training programme. We usually have 8-10 people attending per course.” The programme aims to help people to make a successful transition into the community and get them ready for work. He added: “Once people get released, we invite them to our fully equipped IT centre which they can come to as many times as they want. We want them to successfully pass their CSCS test and move into employment, so they get unlimited practice and revision materials. We know that people who are employed in jobs with prospects are less likely to re-offend. “While people are preparing for the test, we help them with writing their CV, interview techniques, and how best to disclose a criminal conviction to an employer.” After people get their CSCS card, Ealing Council’s construction skills advisor is helping them to find work on construction sites in the borough. The CSCS card is a physical card and proof that a construction worker has the required training, qualifications, and knowledge of health and safety to work on a UK construction site safely. The cost of the health and safety training, CSCS preparation and test is included in the programme. Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes said: “Creating opportunities for people in prison is helping us reach our ambition of supporting 2,000 residents with the toughest barriers to employment. “Once they have paid their debt to society, it is vital that we offer ex-offenders the help they need to become contributing members of society. Our lives don’t always follow a straight line, and everyone should have an equal chance to find a good job. That’s why it is important that we, as a council, provide opportunities and funding to help residents overcome obstacles which would otherwise stand in the way of their route to a good, well-paid job.” Help with training and employment can be found on the council’s website. If you are interested in a career in construction, email workealing@ealing.gov.uk to learn about vacancies and training programmes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As construction projects grow more complex and safety standards tighten, PERI UK’s field services manager Terry Hall is on a mission to professionalise industrial training. Leading temporary works training programmes, including the only accredited formwork training courses in the UK, he is enhancing the skills – and confidence – needed to build better. Modern construction demands towering skyscrapers rise from the ground with inch-perfect precision – driven by efficiency, productivity, and sustainability, making the need for competent, safety-conscious operatives ever greater. Improving site safety and operational efficiency in the UK’s system formwork and scaffolding sectors is Terry Hall’s top priority. Terry is a field services manager at PERI UK, providing accredited, hands-on training and support to both novice and experienced professionals. “PERI UK is the only company currently offering accredited formwork training of this kind,” Terry states. “And it’s long overdue that the industry catches up.” The man behind the mission With over three decades of experience in formwork carpentry, supervision, and instruction, Terry embodies a blend of deep practical knowledge and a strong commitment to improving industry practices. His journey from apprentice carpenter to a twice-nominated CONSTRUCT Unsung Hero spearheading PERI’s accredited training programme reveals both a dedication to systemic safety and a sharp understanding of the risks involved in formwork and scaffolding. Terry’s goal is to ensure that only individuals with a recognised, formal qualification are authorised to erect temporary works systems. This commitment is reflected in his efforts to introduce clear competency measures in the areas of formwork and falsework. He believes that by introducing mandatory, regulated training, the industry can make meaningful strides in reducing serious accidents and injuries. “There’s no other construction activity where you can use specialist equipment without any formal training,” says Terry. “Electricians can’t work without qualifications, and site operatives shouldn’t use complex, multi-tonne climbing systems for formwork and scaffolding without ever being shown the right way to do it. It’s dangerous.” Bridging the industry’s skills gap PERI UK’s training programme was developed in response to this challenge. PERI UK is now an approved centre by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) for formwork and has accreditation from the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) for system scaffolding. PERI UK offers bespoke formwork and falsework training, accredited by UK industry body AIM, according to necessity and related to working at height, plus scaffolding courses from basic erector to advanced scaffolder and inspection. The courses are delivered by a team of experts and can be carried out at any PERI UK depot, PERI’s Brentwood training facility, or other designated location. Successful participants receive certification from an awarding body and have the qualification linked to their CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card, providing instant proof of competence on-site. “When a site manager scans your CSCS card, they can see immediately that you’ve had proper training,” explains Terry. Straight from the classroom Terry believes training should be grounded in real-world experience and delivers all of his courses with this approach. Having worked hands-on with PERI’s systems as a site supervisor for five years before stepping into his managerial role, he understands the challenges that only practical experience can reveal. “I always assume learners have never used the systems before,” Terry says. “Some have, some haven’t, but I treat every session as a blank slate to make sure nothing is missed.” Training figures continue to rise each year, with 2024 marking a record high for PERI UK, up 50% from the previous year. In total, Terry has trained nearly 600 individuals in his career, but the impact goes beyond numbers: “The most rewarding thing is when someone who’s been in the industry for years comes up to me after a course and says, ‘I never knew that, thank you.’ That’s when I know we’re making a difference.” A typical course spans a minimum of two days with additional tailored support available on request. PERI’s courses blend hands-on instruction with theory-based workbooks. With new systems constantly being introduced, Terry also regularly trains alongside designers and engineers from PERI’s global teams to remain ahead of industry evolution, and is consistently involved in meetings held by CONSTRUCT, the organisation which acts as an interface between member contractors, clients and suppliers to improve safety and efficiency and identify best practice and buildability. PERI’s training is increasingly being built into projects from the outset. As Terry explains, major contractors are beginning to require proof of competence before permitting operatives on high-risk tasks such as climbing formwork assembly. “On many projects PERI is involved in, training is embedded into the package,” Terry explains. “We’re supplying the equipment, the drawings, the supervision, and the accredited training. That gives our client confidence that everyone knows what they’re doing and why.” Driving change, one trainee at a time While PERI advocates for wider industry adoption of accredited formwork training, it currently remains the only provider offering this level of formal instruction. In an industry that can be slow on the uptake, Terry and PERI are proving that transformation doesn’t always begin at the top. Sometimes, it starts with someone on the ground, quietly raising the bar until the rest of the industry has no choice but to catch up. Beyond the manuals and lifting diagrams, Terry sees each session as a way to embed safer habits across the industry. Whether teaching apprentices or experienced operatives on cutting-edge hydraulic systems, each training session is a chance to build safer habits. “PERI UK is leading the way, but we shouldn’t be the only ones,” says Terry. “This kind of training needs to become mandatory across the board.” “But it’s not about pointing fingers,” he adds. “It’s about keeping sites and people safe.” And the industry is listening. Several contractors have gone from post-incident training to proactive upskilling across their workforce. The long-term benefits speak for themselves: fewer accidents, more efficient builds, and improved reputation. Looking ahead As construction projects become more complex, Terry and the PERI training team’s role evolves. They are currently involved in training
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has announced the launch of a £250,000 pilot programme aimed at boosting safety skills in rainscreen facade installation across the UK. Set to begin in early 2026, the two-year initiative will provide free training to 100 facade system installers and 24 supervisors, with delivery led by Wigan-based 3B Training—recently acquired by Morson Group and a CITB Approved Training Organisation. The scheme comes as part of the wider push to improve building safety, aligning with the UK Government’s Remediation Acceleration Plan, which aims to complete the remediation of unsafe high-rise buildings in government-funded schemes in England by 2029. Similar efforts are also under way in Scotland and Wales, with the Welsh Government introducing the Building Safety (Wales) Bill to formalise responsibilities around building safety. CITB says the pilot will develop new training standards in response to evolving fire safety legislation and recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The course content will focus on best practice for the inspection and installation of facade systems, aligning with the latest safety requirements. Tim Balcon, CITB’s chief executive, said: “Our industry research clearly shows the urgent need to raise capability and competency in facade installation. This programme is a direct response to that need and will ensure that we’re building a workforce ready to meet today’s safety challenges.” Mathew Bewley, managing director at 3B Training, added: “A key recommendation from the Grenfell Inquiry was to make cladding installation training mandatory. We’re proud to be leading this programme and will be forming a specialist steering group to shape the curriculum and uphold the highest standards.” The new training programme represents a collaborative effort between CITB, industry leaders, and government to raise professional standards and ensure that building safety is embedded at every level of construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
According to new research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service, the UK’s shift to clean home energy is accelerating, and it’s opening the door to thousands of green job opportunities. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data shows a 145% rise in the proportion of homes listing a heat pump as their main heating source since 2020, alongside a 129% increase in homes with solar panels and a 36% rise in wind turbine installations. This rapid uptake of low-carbon technologies is fuelling demand for skilled workers who can install, maintain and optimise these systems. From solar and heat pump engineers to retrofit assessors and building performance experts, the technologies appearing on EPCs today are directly linked to some of the fastest-growing careers in the UK’s green economy. Job search data reflects this growing interest. Online searches for heat pump engineer roles have risen by 29% in the past year, with similar growth seen in thermal insulation engineer (+28%) and solar panel installer (+11%) searches. Strategic green roles are also on the rise: sustainability analyst searches are up 30%, and sustainability manager searches up 23%. Table 1: Fastest growing green job searches Job role Monthly searches Trending % Sustainability analyst jobs 210 30% Heat pump engineer jobs 260 29% Thermal insulation engineer jobs 320 28% Sustainability manager jobs 480 23% Sustainability consultant jobs 590 19% Ecologist jobs 1,900 14% Wind turbine technician jobs 1,300 11% Solar panel installer jobs 880 11% Source: Uswitch.com Employers are actively recruiting to meet this demand. More than 4,300 UK job adverts mention “building performance”, while “energy management” (2,430) and “clean technology” (2,427) appear in thousands more. Leadership and compliance skills are also in high demand, with over 1,000 listings each for terms like sustainable development (1,320), environmental compliance (1,197) and sustainable business (1,405). Table 2: Most in-demand sustainability skills in UK job adverts Skill mentioned # Job adverts Building Performance 4,329 Energy Management 2,430 Clean Technology 2,427 Sustainable Business 1,405 Sustainable Development 1,320 Environmental Compliance 1,197 Automation Systems 1,116 Environmental Technology 1,050 Source: Uswitch.com Salaries for green roles are often competitive, reflecting the technical expertise required. HVAC technicians top the chart at £41,358, followed by thermal insulation engineers (£39,536) and solar and wind engineers (£39,447). Even newer roles like retrofit assessor (£38,216) and sustainability consultant (£36,789) offer attractive earning potential. Heat pump installer roles, a key entry route into the sector, average £24,300. Table 3: Average salaries for green energy roles Job title Average salary HVAC Technician £41,358 Thermal Insulation Engineer £39,536 Solar Engineer £39,447 Wind Turbine Engineer £39,447 Green Building Consultant £38,880 Retrofit Assessor £38,216 Heat Pump Engineer £37,469 Sustainability Consultant £36,789 Smart Meter Installer £33,202 Retrofit Coordinator £32,448 Solar Installer £30,693 Heat Pump Installer £24,300 Source: Uswitch.com Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.com comments: “The way we heat and power our homes is evolving, bringing new opportunities in green jobs and skills. “From heat pump engineers to sustainability analysts, there’s growing demand for people who can help make homes cleaner and more efficient. And with solar, wind and insulation tech becoming more mainstream, now’s the time to plug into a career that powers real change. “It’s also important to remember that making green savings doesn’t always mean installing new technology, simple changes in how we use energy, or switching to greener tariffs, can make a real difference.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travis Perkins, the UK’s leading distributor of building materials, is pleased to share that its parent company, Travis Perkins plc, has been ranked one of the nation’s top apprenticeship employers. The building materials supplier ranked top in sector and 32nd in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, published by the Department for Education in partnership with apprenticeship review platform RateMyApprenticeship. Travis Perkins was also named the UK’s third best apprenticeship employer in the Construction, Property & Surveying category. Andy Rayner, the Director of Skills and Apprenticeships at Travis Perkins plc, said: “Being named a top UK apprenticeship employer is a testament to Travis Perkins’ deep commitment to nurturing talent. Our proud track record reflects not only the hard work of our colleagues and apprentices, but also the high-quality, impactful experiences we deliver, ultimately building a skilled and loyal workforce for a thriving industry.” The 2025 Top 100 list recognises organisations for: Travis Perkins currently offers over 40 award-winning apprenticeship programmes, from Level 2 to Level 7, delivered through our inhouse LEAP Apprenticeships & Early Careers programmes and through partnerships with Multiverse, Exeter University, BPP and the Open University. Travis Perkins’ apprenticeship scheme has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all assessment areas, with the builder’s merchant currently working on ambitions to bring 10,000 new people into the construction industry through these programmes by 2030. “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to upskill and help build the workforce for the future,” said Andy Rayner. “They offer people from all backgrounds an opportunity into sustainable and meaningful work, while helping businesses to address the growing skills gap.” A recent CV Genius survey found that three in four UK hiring managers questioned said that this skills gap is causing them to struggle to fill roles. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised all companies which made up the 2025 Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list, commenting: “Congratulations to all the employers recognised for their outstanding apprenticeship programmes. “They are delivering the skilled workforce we need to deliver our number one mission to grow the economy, and breaking down barriers for young people across the country.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) attended the Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire (SWM+W) celebration of the construction sector in the region at the special awards event in support of Benniman Ltd, one of their strategic partners. In her opening speech, Chair of the SWM+W Steering Group, Suzie Branch-Haddow, laid out the opportunities and challenges faced by the construction sector, drawing on the findings of a specially commissioned study on construction sector skills by Whitecap Consulting. Suzie highlighted the critical role supporting skills development played by the FE sector which comprises 70 providers, employs nearly 10,000 people with 120,000 students participating in post-16 education. However, she also made clear there remains room for improvement with nearly 74% of regional employers not having engaged with post-16 education and training providers in the last five years. Mo Horan, Vice Principal Apprenticeships, Partnerships & Skills, HoW College, said: “In the construction sector, there are clear opportunities to align education provision with industry demand. Employers have emphasised that they need a workforce equipped not only with technical skills but also with the adaptability and resilience to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. These insights will guide how we shape our curriculum and training programmes moving forward.” At the ceremony, Benniman Ltd and a selection of other organisations including; Balfour Beatty VINCI, Orton Group, Speller Metcalfe, and Taylor Wimpey were recognised for their investment in partnering with the further education sector. HoW and Benniman Ltd recently announced their partnership aimed at promoting career opportunities and curriculum development in the construction industry. The collaboration will focus on educating young people about essential roles, skills, and the current skills agenda surrounding sustainability, environmental issues, and health and safety legislation. Working together, this three-year commitment will assist in raising awareness of career pathways within the construction sector. Both organisations recognise the importance of equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this vital industry. For more information about HoW College visit www.howcollege.ac.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and longest-running industry skills competition in the UK and has become a prestigious showcase for those in construction. This year, over 1,000 students battled it out across 10 construction trade categories during 16 Regional Qualifiers, each one day long, in which participants were assigned a task relevant to their trade. Eight students – the highest scorers in each category – will go head-to-head in the National Final at the Arena MK, Milton Keynes on 19–20 November, where the 10 winners will be crowned top of their trade. The three-day final will consist of competitors constructing a project within 18 hours, with an expert panel of judges assessing them on a number of characteristics – including technical ability, time management, problem solving, working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements. With CITB’s annual industry forecast highlighting that 47,860 extra workers are needed per year from 2025–2029, SkillBuild continues to be an important platform to spotlight the industry and the opportunities available. Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, said: “Congratulations to all of the competitors progressing through to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final – it’s truly a great achievement for them. “In a time when construction skills are in high demand, it is more important than ever to spotlight the next generation of construction talent. SkillBuild continues to further this mission and is proud to demonstrate the value that a trainee or apprentice provides to their team. “The quality of participants never ceases to amaze me – I’m excited to see this year’s National Final and wish all the competitors the best of luck!” Josh Thompson, Painting and Decorating Judge, said: “Having been a former contestant myself, I know first-hand just how amazing a competition SkillBuild is, and I intend to pass on any words of wisdom I can do all the competitors. It’s so encouraging to see the enthusiasm from trainees and apprentices across the industry coming from all corners of the country. Good luck to everyone participating in the Final later this year!” CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors, supporters and strategic partners of this year’s SkillBuild competitions:BAL Adhesives, Band of Builders, Brick Development Association, British Gypsum, Careers Wales, CITB NI, Crown Paints, Festool, FIS, Institute of Carpenters, N&C Nicobond, NFRC, NSITG, Saint Gobain, Schluter, SPAX, Stablia, TARMAC, The Tile Association, Tilgear, Weber, Wienerberger, The Worshipful Company of Masons, and The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new agreement signed by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Department for Work and Pensions will enable thousands of people to benefit from on-the-job training and career opportunities in the construction sector. Roles ranging from project managers to bricklayers will be made available to jobseekers thanks to the agreement, which will mean Jobcentres working more closely with the construction industry to offer work experience and tailored placements to meet the need of employers and people looking to start a fulfilling career. The agreement, signed earlier this week at the newly-launched Green Plant Academy at the Earls Court Skills Centre, is a major step in the Government’s drive to get Britain building and get Britain working as part of its Plan for Change. More than 40,000 industry placements will be funded through a further £100 million from the government, alongside a £32 million contribution from the CITB. It comes as the Deputy Prime Minister co-chaired the first Construction Skills Mission Board earlier this week with Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council. Alongside Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Industry Sarah Jones, and several CEOs and sector leaders – including CITB CEO Tim Balcon – the Mission Board launched an industry commitment to recruit 100,000 more construction workers per year by the end of the Parliament. This will be a step-change for the construction sector, creating good jobs across the country to deliver on government’s housing and infrastructure commitments, including building 1.5 million homes over this Parliament and delivery of the 10-year infrastructure strategy. Ministers will highlight major reforms to transform Jobcentres as well as the £625 million investment to tackle skills shortages in the construction sector – expected to create up to 60,000 more jobs for engineers, electricians and joiners by the end of the parliament. Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Building 1.5 million homes takes investment, skills, and a government that’s ready to roll up its sleeves to deliver. And that is exactly what we are doing. Our Plan for Change commits to delivering the biggest boost for affordable and social housing in a generation, which we’ve backed with a £39 billion investment over ten years. “We’re working hand-in-hand with industry to recruit thousands more workers into skilled construction jobs, and thanks to our Make Work Pay reforms we will ensure these jobs are more secure and better rewarded.” Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “I am determined that our young people have the best start in life. To do this we must give them the tools they need to get ahead. This agreement, alongside our record funding will do just that. Our welfare reforms will see the biggest investment in a generation to support disabled people into secure, well-paid work. Our Plan for Change will deliver the jobs, homes and opportunities we need to build a stronger and more prosperous Britain.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “The construction sector is on the frontline in our mission to grow the economy, giving more people skilled jobs building the homes and infrastructure we need. Through our Plan for Change we are determined to break the link between background and success, so that more young people can get on in well paid careers. “The Construction Skills Mission Board will make sure we hear directly from employers about what their skills needs are, driving our reforms and helping more young people achieve and thrive.” Tim Balcon, CITB CEO, said: “Opportunities in construction are for everybody, whatever their background. By working together, we can widen the talent pool, bring in more diverse voices, and encourage more people to consider a career in construction. “Every year, over 100,000 people receive construction training. I want many more of them to forge lasting careers in the sector. This is why the partnership with DWP is so vital, as it helps ensure individuals are not just trained but truly prepared for careers in construction. “The Government commitment to addressing the housing shortage, improving the country’s infrastructure, and investing in construction skills mean this is a real boom time for our industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s fastest growing principal contractors has pledged to boost spending on its Early Years’ Talent Academy as part of its 15th anniversary celebrations. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, is increasing its investment to £150,000 per year to help fight the growing skills gap facing the construction sector. This will encompass an even more comprehensive programme, offering apprenticeships, on-the-job learning, formal qualifications and one-to-one mentoring from its senior leadership team. It has been specially designed to attract individuals into the sector and, importantly, retain existing talent who are being tempted into different opportunities. By offering acceleration of their personal development and career path they can clearly see their future at Inco Contracts. The Early Years’ Talent Academy has been a resounding success so far for the business, with six young people trained from the basics into highly skilled professionals with some already progressing into managerial positions. “Skills are a growing issue for our sector and our ability to grow. Rather than stand still, we decided to take positive action and create our own training programme,” explained Operations Director Sam Norton, who led the MBO with Managing Director David Cotterill in 2020. “This has been a fantastic initiative for attracting young talent to join us as a fledgling contractor and we wanted to further renew our commitment to this. Our 15th anniversary felt like the perfect opportunity to extend it by increasing the funding to £150,000.” He continued: “We provide real project-based experience from day one, setting us apart from our competitors, with a progression pathway aligned with their personal goals. There is also company-funded education at College or University in place to deliver the best all-rounded team member. “Annual growth is running at around 20% and we can’t completely rely on the existing labour pool if we want to maintain this level of expansion. Growing our own talent is the preferred option to address the skills shortage and I’m delighted that we have given our proven scheme an ‘anniversary boost’.” Inco Contracts is a specialist in industrial, commercial and education refurbishment schemes across the UK, completing hundreds of projects every year. These often tend to be turnkey in nature and involve the company working alongside architects, designers, and landlords to bring warehouse, educational establishments and office space back to life or to the required modern-day standards. Services provided range from industrial roof and cladding, dilapidation schemes and external groundwork packages to building services, M&E installations, strip-outs and demolition, not to mention heritage and conservation work. Beyond the Early Years’ Talent Academy, the business also offers CPD for all of its 55-strong workforce as part of a regular 6-month appraisal scheme. This clearly defines a personalised action plan to further support their role and provide upskilling opportunities. Managing Director David Cotterill, added his support: “It’s well documented that the construction industry has been experiencing skills shortage issues for some time, so it’s crucial that we deliver talent from the ground up. “By doing this we’re helping address the ‘gap’ and create opportunities for people who might otherwise be overlooked by the sector. Our goal is to make construction more accessible, modern and rewarding. In a tight labour market, the companies that invest in people will be the ones that continue to thrive.” Harry Merrick was one of the first people to be enrolled into the Inco Contracts’ Early Years Talent Scheme, joining as Trainee Contracts Manager in 2020. He progressed to Assistant Contracts Manager just twelve months later and quickly secured his Level 3 BTEC in Construction and the Built Environment, before embarking on a five-year HNC in Construction Management at Birmingham City University. The 21-year-old from Walsall has made equally impressive strides in the workplace, recently leading a tender that secured a near £1m industrial refurbishment project in Nottinghamshire. Harry, who is also hoping to achieve Chartered status with the Chartered Institute of Building, commented: “I’d recommend this scheme to anyone entering construction. I’ve had a clear pathway from day one and lots of mentoring from experienced professionals that has accelerated my practical knowledge. “My sights are now set on the next step in my career, which will be the Contracts Manager role and then who knows…maybe one of the senior management team. Working with an independent contractor has fast-tracked my development in this sector.” Inco Contracts is planning several special events and announcements through the year to tie in with its 15th anniversary, which officially takes place in July. For further information, please visit www.incocontracts.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals