Fife College Modern Apprentices were given a starring role recently (Friday 30 September) to highlight the College’s Earlseat Wind Farm Scholarship. The Scholarship received £82k this year from Earlseat owners, The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG), to support companies to take on and train Modern Apprentices (MAs). In practice, funds are
HS2 Ltd has strengthened its future talent pool, welcoming a total of 44 new starters to its 2024 early careers programme. The intake of 26 graduates and 18 apprentices have joined the company across multiple office and site locations between the West Midlands and London. They join teams responsible for
Today, the Supply Chain Sustainability School (“the School”) has released the findings of the ninth annual Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Culture Impact Report, showcasing significant growth and a positive impact of the FIR Programme within the built environment sector. The FIR Programme, delivered by the School and part-funded by
Grayson, a leading provider of construction consumables, is proud to announce a new partnership with St Edmunds Society (St Eds), a Norwich-based charity offering vocational training and employability skills training to young people aged 16-18. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance the learning experience for St Eds’ students by providing
CELEBRATIONS are in full swing as northern flexi-job apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures secures two prestigious accolades at East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. Part of Efficiency North Holdings, EN:Able Futures has grown into a leading flexi-job apprenticeship agency over the past decade, unlocking opportunities for young people across the north of
A housing association-led partnership has transformed two college classrooms into cutting-edge workshops, designed to inspire students to join the construction sector. Hartlepool College of Further Education unveiled its new construction workshops to students on Tuesday, following its transformation by be:ONE partners. The be:ONE partnership was launched in April by believe
Launched this week at the Energy & Utility Skills Conference and Awards, the Workforce Demand Reports from Energy & Utility Skills highlight the significant skills and workforce challenges facing industries in the sector over the next six years. The reports outline what will be needed to enable the UK to
Bouygues UK and Acorn by Synergie’s Pentre Awel employment hub has created several career opportunities within construction on the landmark project in Carmarthenshire. The innovative, multi-million-pound development, being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, is the largest regeneration scheme in South West Wales. The employment hub has provided local people the
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a training programme to help building services firms work more closely with schools and inspire future generations of building services engineers. The BESA School Engagement and Engineering Discovery (SEED) Programme is fully funded by the Association and was developed by the schools
Hot on the heels of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, a young engineer from the UK is aiming to fly the flag at this month’s “Skills Olympics’’ in France, with continued backing from Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK. Luke Haile, a refrigeration technician from Lightfoot Defence, will represent the UK
Fife College Modern Apprentices were given a starring role recently (Friday 30 September) to highlight the College’s Earlseat Wind Farm Scholarship. The Scholarship received £82k this year from Earlseat owners, The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG), to support companies to take on and train Modern Apprentices (MAs). In practice, funds are given to employers to subsidise wages, making it easier for them to employ Fife College Apprentices. This innovative partnership between Fife College and Earlseat Wind Farm complements the existing work the College does to deliver one of the largest MA college contracts in Scotland. This example of private and public sector partnership benefits local people, local businesses and the local and national economy. Speaking at the site, days after the Prime Minister announced the new publicly funded clean energy company, GB Energy, was to be based in Scotland, Fife College Principal Jim Metcalfe said: “It’s so inspiring to see Fife College Modern Apprentices in action at Earlseat Wind Farm. “The College is dedicated to the skills needed for the future workforce to make the transition to clean energy. We are proud to be helping shape a cleaner, greener future for our economy – and ensuring well-paid, sustainable work for Fife’s communities. “This month, as the third-largest engineering modern apprenticeship provider in the country, we welcomed a record intake of 350 first-year modern apprentices. Working with a large number of employers, including wind farm operators RES at Earlseat, we can provide more opportunities than ever before for these talented apprentices to earn while they learn.” After touring the site and meeting with the Modern Apprentices, Glenrothes and Mid Fife MP Richard Baker said: “It is brilliant for Fife that such an innovative partnership has been developed between Fife College, TRIG and RES, providing opportunities for apprenticeships with local renewables firms. This is a fantastic way to secure community benefit from renewable energy generation in our area, investing in the skilled workforce we need to grow the renewables sector in Fife. “This collaboration between RES and Fife College provides an excellent model for collaborations to boost skills and innovation, and as GB Energy is established in Scotland I hope this will lead to more partnerships to boost renewables in Fife in the future.” Callum Whiteford, Head of Corporate Affairs at RES, who operate Earlseat Wind Farm on behalf of The Renewables Infrastructure Group (TRIG), said: “This excellent training programme, funded by TRIG, has enabled our long-term partnership with Fife College to become a prime example of how the renewables industry can bring wider benefits to the local economy by supporting future careers, and how this can play an integral part in the wider transition to renewables. It is so rewarding to see the programme grow as apprentices are given the opportunity to thrive in such a variety of environments and we look forward to welcoming future intakes here on site at Earlseat.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 Ltd has strengthened its future talent pool, welcoming a total of 44 new starters to its 2024 early careers programme. The intake of 26 graduates and 18 apprentices have joined the company across multiple office and site locations between the West Midlands and London. They join teams responsible for disciplines including project management, engineering, cyber security, procurement and surveying. Lasting up to two years, HS2 Ltd’s early careers courses are designed to provide participants with a breadth of business knowledge and construction-based experience – combining on-the-job training with portfolio-based learning. Karen Davis, Head of People Development at HS2 Ltd, said: “We’re delighted that our 44 new starters have chosen to begin their careers with HS2. They join us from a variety of backgrounds – from school and university leavers, to people who were looking for a change in career direction. “On-the-job learning through apprenticeships and graduate opportunities are invaluable in attracting and shaping the workforce of the future. As we continue ahead with peak construction, there has never been a more exciting time to jump on board with HS2.” Alongside their graduate or apprenticeship scheme, the new starters will also benefit from dedicated training and development aimed at boosting the core skills and behaviours needed in any business, such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, innovation, resilience and presentation skills. 25-year-old Harry Fellows, from Solihull, is a project management graduate trainee. He said: “I am looking forward to getting involved in a project which will benefit the nation both socially and economically. I am excited to play my part in facilitating the project’s completion, no matter how big or small that part may be. “I am also excited to undertake my professional career with HS2 and the graduate scheme, helping to further develop myself personally and professionally whilst benefiting HS2 itself.” 23-year-old Maya Marmorato, from Greater London, is studying an apprenticeship in project management. She said: “I joined HS2 because of its visions and goals to increase travel capacity and reduce journey times across our country. “If HS2 had been established during my upbringing, it would have significantly changed our lives. Joining HS2 is an honourable opportunity to create value for the future.” Since the HS2 early careers programme began in 2017, 33 graduates and 66 apprentices have gone on to successfully secure permanent jobs helping to build Britain’s new railway. This adds to the 2,000 apprenticeships which are due to be created across HS2 Ltd and its supply chain over the lifecycle of the project. HS2, which is due to open between 2029 and 2033, is now at peak construction. More than 31,000 people and 3,200 UK businesses are currently supporting the delivery of the new high-speed rail line. Once operational, HS2 will almost halve the journey time between London Euston and Birmingham to just 49 minutes – with trains running further north via the existing rail network to destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. HS2 Ltd’s annual early careers recruitment drive will begin again in January 2025. For more information about the career opportunities available with HS2 and its supply chain partners, visit https://www.hs2.org.uk/jobs-and-skills/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, the Supply Chain Sustainability School (“the School”) has released the findings of the ninth annual Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Culture Impact Report, showcasing significant growth and a positive impact of the FIR Programme within the built environment sector. The FIR Programme, delivered by the School and part-funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), offers comprehensive training, resources, and a network of FIR Ambassadors to help organisations embed fairness, inclusion, and respect in their workplace practices. Through workshops, webinars, e-learning modules, and a resource library, the programme equips individuals and businesses with essential knowledge and tools to enhance inclusivity and cultivate a positive working culture. This year’s FIR Culture Impact Survey revealed an impressive milestone, with 1,689 respondents – a 32.7% increase in participation compared to the previous year. This rise underscores the growing importance of the FIR mission within the industry and reflects heightened awareness of inclusivity efforts. Key findings from the 2024 FIR Culture Impact Survey indicate that 56% of respondents have engaged with the FIR Programme, with 39% joining within the last 12 months. This surge in engagement highlights the programme’s increasing relevance, particularly for newer entrants to the workforce discovering the benefits of FIR for the first time. The demographic composition of survey respondents continues to challenge traditional industry norms, signalling meaningful progress towards greater inclusivity. Notably, 48% of respondents identified as women, 9% disclosed a disability, and 15% represented non-white backgrounds, exceeding standard diversity benchmarks within the sector. The Role of FIR Ambassadors The survey further underscored the invaluable contribution of FIR Ambassadors, with 519 Ambassadors (31% of respondents) sharing insights about their experiences. Findings indicate that the Ambassador role correlates with higher engagement and job satisfaction: Quality and Impact of FIR Training Respondents praised the quality of FIR Training, with 90% providing positive feedback on workshops, webinars, and the FIR resource library. Furthermore, 92% of workshop attendees and 93% of webinar attendees reported an enhanced understanding of FIR principles. The FIR e-learning modules also demonstrated significant impact, with 93% reporting increased knowledge and 88% indicating that they applied knowledge from FIR resources in practical settings. Positive Impact on Individuals and Businesses The FIR Programme continues to have a strong impact on individuals, with an increasing number of respondents reporting positive experiences: At the business level, many organisations reported tangible improvements in key areas: Anonymous feedback from participants further highlights the FIR Programme’s influence. One participant shared, “The FIR Programme has given me a deeper understanding and knowledge base of issues that can affect my colleagues and the workforce that we supply to our clients.” For the full report, visit the Supply Chain Sustainability School website here. Explore the FIR Programme here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grayson, a leading provider of construction consumables, is proud to announce a new partnership with St Edmunds Society (St Eds), a Norwich-based charity offering vocational training and employability skills training to young people aged 16-18. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance the learning experience for St Eds’ students by providing them with modern, up-to-date materials and equipment for training and teaching purposes. An award-winning charity, St Eds offers a diverse range of courses and qualifications, including City and Guilds Multi-Skills Construction (L1) in which students can gain skills in carpentry, bricklaying, painting and decorating, plastering, tiling and plumbing, with the opportunity to specialise in these areas in an industry-approved training environment. St Eds also works closely with local schools to support students who find mainstream education challenging. Recognising the high-need nature of St Eds’ student cohort, the institution has a robust welfare team in place, providing extensive emotional and mental support beyond what is typically available in traditional schools and colleges, ensuring that students receive the care and guidance they need to succeed both academically and personally. Through this partnership, Grayson has supplied St Eds’ construction department with state-of-the-art equipment and materials, including those for cavity wall construction and other specialised techniques used on-site. This contribution has enabled St Eds to expand its curriculum, offering more enrichment activities that go beyond standard qualification requirements. As a result, students can gain a deeper insight into the construction industry and hands-on experience with materials and techniques that are crucial for their future careers. In addition to supplying equipment, Grayson works closely with the staff at St Eds to keep them up-to-date on the latest products and techniques, elevating the quality of education and ensuring that both tutors and students are well-acquainted with the modern materials currently used onsite. Grayson also recently sponsored the Construction Student of the Year Award at St Eds’ graduation ceremony in July. Katie Wills, Grayson’s Regional Manager for the South, attended the ceremony to recognise the hard work of the emerging talent and proudly presented the award to the deserving student. “The tutors are thrilled with the new resources provided by Grayson,” says Heidi Duhig, Fundraising Manager at St Eds. “These are tools and materials we wouldn’t typically have access to due to budget constraints, and they allow us to provide a more comprehensive and engaging learning experience for our students. Thanks to Grayson’s support, we can now expose our students to a broader range of construction skills and knowledge, better preparing them for their future careers.” Gary Smith, Lead Construction Tutor at St Eds, comments: “We have been able to develop our teaching methods with the resources that Grayson has been giving us. We are using realistic profiles on one model now, rather than using wooden profiles. Cavity walling is more realistic with the cavity stop socks they have generously given us, along with the lintels, cavity trays and weep holes.” By partnering with St Eds, Grayson is helping to ensure that the next generation of tradespeople are equipped with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to succeed in the industry. Tony Higson, Managing Director at Grayson, adds: “We are incredibly proud to support St Edmunds Society in their mission to provide alternative education and practical training to young people. By equipping students with the latest materials and tools, we are helping to create a solid foundation for their future careers in construction. It’s essential that these students have access to the best resources, and we’re delighted to be a part of their journey.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CELEBRATIONS are in full swing as northern flexi-job apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures secures two prestigious accolades at East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards. Part of Efficiency North Holdings, EN:Able Futures has grown into a leading flexi-job apprenticeship agency over the past decade, unlocking opportunities for young people across the north of England in the construction and built environment sector through high-quality apprenticeships. To date, the agency has empowered more than 500 apprentices to become career-ready, providing first-class support and training, and helping to address the skills gap in the industry. Last week (Thursday, 19 September), the agency was named SME Employer of the Year, while apprentice Liam Mansbridge, hosted by Termrim Construction Ltd, won Higher Apprentice of the Year. Another EN:Able Futures apprentice, Harvey Dobson, hosted by Alan Wood & Partners, was also a finalist in the Advanced Apprentice of the Year category, further showcasing the talent fostered by the service. Julie Deeley, director of operations at EN:Able Futures, said: “This double win is an incredible achievement for EN:Able Futures and a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, apprentices, and host partners alike. “Liam’s success as Higher Apprentice of the Year and our recognition as SME Employer of the Year highlight the transformative work we’re doing to deliver life-changing opportunities to the young people of the region. Our apprentices, like Liam and Harvey, are at the heart of what we do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see their efforts recognised on such a prestigious stage. “At EN:Able Futures, we strive to shape the future of the construction industry by investing in people, talent, and potential. These awards validate the positive impact of our work and reaffirm our commitment to providing valuable pathways to ensure young professionals are equipped to succeed.” To find out more about EN:Able Futures, please visit: https://www.efficiencynorth.org/futures/find-an-apprenticeship Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A housing association-led partnership has transformed two college classrooms into cutting-edge workshops, designed to inspire students to join the construction sector. Hartlepool College of Further Education unveiled its new construction workshops to students on Tuesday, following its transformation by be:ONE partners. The be:ONE partnership was launched in April by believe housing, with contractors Buston & Maughan Group, RE:GEN Group, Sendrig Construction Limited and Sunter Limited, to deliver improvements to around 5,600 of its homes by 2028. The collaboration sees the partners work together to improve customer experience, achieve significant savings, and maximise the impact of social value in communities. There is also a strong focus on supporting the local economy and employment and reducing their impact on the environment. To deliver its first significant social value project, partners and suppliers gave 635 hours and donated more than £8,000 of materials to refurbish the workshops, which are kitted out with fit-for-industry equipment. Ruth Dent, Director of Assets and Compliance at believe housing, said: “The college does a fantastic job of giving students the skills and knowledge they need to get ready for a career in construction; in roles that are increasingly vital for building the new homes we need, maintaining and decarbonising existing homes, and supporting the regional economy. “We wanted to help make its learning spaces even more inspiring, and the be:ONE partners have pulled out all the stops to transform the workshop into the bright, well-equipped facility they deserve. “I’m deeply grateful to the partners for their hard work and enthusiasm and to suppliers Jewson, JTC Kitchens and Brewers Decorating for generously donating materials to the project. “I’m honoured that the college has let us help shape the students’ time at college and look forward to continuing to support them; maybe in the not-too-distant future some of them will be working for believe housing or our construction partners, helping us maintain and improve customers’ homes and supporting the local economy and jobs. “Together, we’ve created workshops that will help many young people to realise their potential, to succeed in our competitive world, and open doors to careers they might have never thought possible. “The skills learnt here will not only benefit the students but will also benefit the businesses they go on to work for and the communities they return to.” John Cartwright, Head of Business Growth and Skills at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “Planning a further education curriculum that maps into the construction industry is extremely difficult due to the ever-changing industry landscape. “Creating an inspiring educational environment that will support and ‘transform students’ lives’ is also difficult, due to cuts in education budgets and a severe lack of funds. “Working with Ruth Dent and the huge team of be:ONE partners has been a brilliant experience for us. “The college has gained not just brilliant, high-end workshops, but we have also partnered with some of the best industry employers in the region which will provide rich information from the sector to support the growth of our learners’ knowledge, skills and behaviours. “We are very fortunate to be part of this partnership and close links between all members have already been forged. “Our learners and staff will cherish these facilities that have been designed and built by industry with them in mind. “We can’t wait for our learners to show off their new skills in these fantastic facilities and look forward to the start of what plans to be a fabulous partnership.” One student said: “I love what they’re doing at Hartlepool college. They’re giving me a real stepping stone to how it works in the real world when I get a job.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Launched this week at the Energy & Utility Skills Conference and Awards, the Workforce Demand Reports from Energy & Utility Skills highlight the significant skills and workforce challenges facing industries in the sector over the next six years. The reports outline what will be needed to enable the UK to achieve the Government’s ambition of becoming a clean energy superpower and delivering improvements to our environment. Phil Beach, CEO of Energy & Utility Skills, opened the conference with a welcoming address, setting the scene for the sessions to follow. Mark Wild, OBE, CEO of SGN and Chair of the Energy & Utility Skills Partnership CEO Council, then delivered a keynote speech ‘Taking on the Skills Gap,’ offering valuable insights into workforce development, talent attraction, and the scale of the skills challenge. Phil Beach returned to the stage to lead the session ‘The Skills Opportunities of Net Zero and Environmental Goals,’ focusing on the sector’s key challenges and opportunities and the potential for Government, employers and unions to work in partnership to deliver change. Panels of experts, industry leaders, and regulators then explored the data in the reports. The demand for both current and planned skilled roles is exceptionally high and is exacerbated by challenges in filling these positions. The volume of people needed to be working in the sector is growing, and excluding staff turnover, over 205,000 new jobs are expected. Labour market forecasts further complicate the situation, predicting that over 105,000 workers (1/6 of the current workforce) will retire by 2030. This raises the total number of new workers needed to over 312,000. Notably, more than half of these roles (52%) will require low to mid-level skills, highlighting the need for better alignment between national skills policies and industry demands. With the sector operating in a highly competitive environment for scarce skilled resources, the focus on recruitment, development, progression, and retention is more critical than ever. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) are vital components of this strategy, helping to broaden the talent pool and ensure the sector remains resilient amidst rapid growth and evolving demands. A successful social impact commitment and coordination of EDI initiatives will reduce barriers to opportunity and expand access to high-quality jobs within the sector to meet the requirements for net zero. Phil Beach, closed the conference by thanking participants and highlighting the skills opportunities arising from net zero environmental goals, commenting, “We need an additional 200,000 people in the energy and utilities sector by 2030 to deliver the Government’s missions. This requires a more demand-led skills system that delivers competent people. Government, industry, and unions need to work together to identify these compeEnergy tencies and ensure the skills system is sufficiently agile and responsive to deliver them. The introduction of Skills England is a huge opportunity and will hopefully herald increased flexibility in apprenticeship funding and delivery whilst preserving them as a critically important feature of the skills landscape.” For more detailed insights and to explore the strategies essential to addressing these pressing workforce issues, please refer to the Workforce Demand Estimates 2024 to 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK and Acorn by Synergie’s Pentre Awel employment hub has created several career opportunities within construction on the landmark project in Carmarthenshire. The innovative, multi-million-pound development, being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, is the largest regeneration scheme in South West Wales. The employment hub has provided local people the chance to find out about potential construction trade jobs at the site, as well as supporting them with training and skills. Client Development Director for Acorn by Synergie, Lawrence Beach, has held regular sessions at the site, allowing unemployed people from the local community to come along and find out more about Pentre Awel: “The employment hub gives people out of work the chance to come and see what the site is like and see if there may be any opportunities that might interest them within the various trades present on site. “Pentre Awel is a huge site and coming here gives people a real taste of what a career in construction might look like. It’s open to all, is very informal and relaxed and is the perfect opportunity for people who think they might enjoy working on site to come and see it for themselves.” Lawrence added: “We run two-to-three-hour question and answer sessions which not only give people the chance to learn about all the different trades on a site, but also gives us an idea of what might suit that person too, so we can try and match the right people to the right trades. It’s very collaborative and supportive.” Geraldine Evans, 32, from Dafen, Llanelli is working as a site labourer for supply chain partners Massey Cladding Solutions at Pentre Awel and she has recently been awarded Operative of the Month for her efforts. She was interested in working in construction so attended the employment hub and found it very welcoming. She said: “I’m really enjoying the work. There is plenty of work to do, which I like because I like to be busy and I enjoy working for Masseys and their site team (managers and operatives). There is a really good working environment and everyone treats me with respect. It was also lovely to receive the health and safety award for the month which I’ve never had before.” Bouygues UK social value advisor Nina Williams said of the hub: “The employment hub has been a crucial tool to help us engage with local people who are looking for work or those who are interested in entering the industry. Giving people the chance to come on site means they can really get a sense of how things work here and whether construction is something that appeals to them. It’s great to see how well Geraldine is doing and how she has integrated herself into the team.” As well as supporting local employment opportunities through the employment hub, Bouygues UK is also supporting apprenticeship opportunities in partnership with the Coleg Sir Gar and Cyfle Building Skills Shared Apprenticeship Scheme. Through Cyfle, Bouygues UK and Whiteheads Building Services are supporting 10 electrical and plumbing apprenticeships, which will allow more apprentices to enter the industry and work with a number of different local employers. Harrison Griffiths, a Cyfle Technical apprentice who is currently on long-term placement with Bouygues UK at Pentre Awel said: “Doing an apprenticeship is an ideal way to get a start in the industry and it has been amazing working on such a prestigious scheme. I really love being part of the team on site and learning everything I can about how a site works and the work that goes into building a major project. I would encourage anyone thinking about a career in construction to consider an apprenticeship.” Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented: “Increasing employment is a key objective of the County Council, and a significant driver for this phase of the Pentre Awel development. We are pleased that the Employment Hwb has been successful in engaging with local people who have interest in the industry and hope that this gives local people an idea of how Pentre Awel can benefit them in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has launched a training programme to help building services firms work more closely with schools and inspire future generations of building services engineers. The BESA School Engagement and Engineering Discovery (SEED) Programme is fully funded by the Association and was developed by the schools engagement specialists Built Environment Skills in Schools (BESS) which has worked with more than 4,000 schools across the UK. The 12-week programme is designed to give engineers and business owners the skills and knowledge they need to engage effectively with their local schools and promote career opportunities in the building services industry. The training will be delivered in three tranches with eight places available on the September intake with another eight in January 2025 and a third cohort setting out on their engagement journey in April. Full details can be found here. BESA members regularly cite long-term skills shortages as the biggest challenge to their businesses and this new fully funded scheme is part of the Association’s response. Members will now have the chance to work with experienced educators to gain insights into engaging the interest of school children and inspiring them to want to work in a sector that can make a huge difference to major social issues like climate change, air quality, and health & wellbeing. ConfidenceAs well as helping to shape a future generation of engineers and improve the flow of skilled workers into the sector, this exercise can also have major benefits for existing staff who gain valuable communication and presentation skills – not to mention improved confidence. “This is a groundbreaking exercise for our industry and an opportunity not to be missed,” said BESA’s head of skills & policy Stuart Rattray. “Early adopters can demonstrate their commitment to education and community involvement which will boost their reputation. “It also gives them the opportunity to spot and nurture young talent early, creating a direct pipeline of future apprentices and employees who are already familiar with the company and the work opportunities available in our sector.” BESA also pointed out that working with schools aligns with corporate social responsibility goals, demonstrating a company’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting local education. “By helping to educate and inspire future engineers today, employers are investing in the long-term success and sustainability of their companies and the broader building engineering services industry,” said Rattray. “They will be sowing the SEEDS for the future of skills in our industry.” Topics covered in the training include understanding the National Curriculum, OFSTED requirements, safeguarding issues, and best practices for engaging with schools safely and effectively. The programme also shows employers how to build partnerships with local educators. Adam Taylor, chair of BESA’s Indoor Air Quality group, has already completed several engagement projects with schools focused on the topic of air quality. He said the adults working with the children also gained valuable, and sometimes surprising, insights. “The children were clearly engaged and had a lot of fun building the air filter boxes we used as a practical exercise,” said Taylor who is CEO of ARM Environments. “The exercise ended up being one third educational (about air quality), one third just having fun building the boxes, and the other third was all about demonstrating you can do this kind of thing for a living and make a difference to people’s lives. “As an example of how to engage school children in activities with a building services connection, it shows the importance of giving them something visual and interesting to work with,” said Taylor. Sign up for the free BESA School Engagement and Engineering Discovery (SEED) Programme and become part of this major new initiative to inspire future generations of building services engineers and secure your skills pipeline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hot on the heels of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, a young engineer from the UK is aiming to fly the flag at this month’s “Skills Olympics’’ in France, with continued backing from Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK. Luke Haile, a refrigeration technician from Lightfoot Defence, will represent the UK at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon (10-15 September) on equipment supplied by Fujitsu in France, having completed his training on similar kit donated by Fujitsu in the UK. The former apprentice, from Hampshire, won the WorldSkills UK-RACHPSkills UK gold medal in 2022, when Fujitsu was headline sponsor of the event. That victory earned him the right to compete at WorldSkills 2024, known as the “Skills Olympics’’. In keeping with their efforts to help develop the next generation of engineers, Fujitsu has maintained its relationship with Haile and continued to offer support by providing equipment for him to train on, under the guidance of Mark Forsyth, a WorldSkills UK training manager and owner of Coriolis International. Haile said: “Fujitsu General Air Conditioning has supported my WorldSkills journey from the very beginning. Its sponsorship during the early stages encouraged not only myself but other young and up-and-coming engineers. “Fujitsu’s backing extended far beyond sponsorship; offering me access to their technical experts and a wide range of advanced equipment to train on, as well as onsite visits. This invaluable support has not only sharpened my skills but also shaped me into becoming a better engineer. I am deeply grateful and am certain the friendships forged will extend beyond the WorldSkills final.’’ Martyn Ives, Commercial Director, Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK, said: “Fujitsu is extremely proud of its efforts to help improve standards across the air conditioning and heat pump sectors. We have formed partnerships with a number of colleges across the UK and we are delighted to have been able to help Luke on his way to Lyon. “We donated a wall mounted split system for Luke to train on and hopefully that training will help him to prove his worth against the best young engineers from around the world.’’ Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “We are extremely grateful for the continued support from Fujitsu towards Luke’s training programme for WorldSkills Lyon 2024 and for our National Finals which will take place in Greater Manchester in November. “We couldn’t be prouder of Luke and Team UK; they are fantastic role models. We will use their participation at WorldSkills to boost the prestige of technical and vocational education, inspiring many more young people to take up technical and vocational training across the UK.” WorldSkills UK, a four-nation partnership between education, industry and UK governments, is responsible for selecting, mentoring and training Team UK for WorldSkills Lyon 2024. Pearson, the world’s leading learning company is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Lyon 2024. WorldSkills Lyon 2024 will host over 1500 young people from 65 countries, who will compete in 62 different skill disciplines. To discover more about the Fujitsu product range, visit https://www.fujitsu-general.com/uk/ or email sales@fgac.fujitsu-general.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
