Construction employers are being encouraged to rethink how they attract their workforce as competition for skilled workers gets more intense. The industry faces a tough challenge to meet its recruitment needs in a labour market that is running hot and with new CITB research showing that just two per cent of those
Chris Johns And Gaynor Carpenter Appointed As Directors Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has announced the expansion of its Board with the appointment of two new directors, Chris Johns and Gaynor Carpenter. The new appointments come as Keyland prepares for
NOTTINGHAM’S city within a city, The Island Quarter development, has strengthened its project delivery team with the appointment of Steve Thornton as project manager. Bringing more than 35 years’ experience in the construction industry with him, Steve is set to add impetus to the development team, ensuring each phase is
GMI Construction Group PLC has announced the key appointment of Andrew Hurcomb as Divisional Managing Director (DMD) for Yorkshire. He succeeds Lee Powell, recently promoted to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer, who is tasked with delivering sustained growth across its four core regions of Yorkshire, the North
William Hanson, the UK’s leading etiquette coach and expert, gives guidance to young installers on how to make the perfect first impression as part of the Future Talent Initiative from Worcester Bosch… Worcester Bosch is delighted to announce their partnership with etiquette expert, William Hanson, to help educate young installers
Actis regional sales director and Women in Construction ambassador Jemma Harris has been inspiring young women to reject stereotypes and follow their dreams of a career in a male-dominated profession. Jemma, who is responsible for sales growth in the UK Northern region, was speaking to year 11 students at a
Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, is spearheading a new industry initiative aimed at reversing the crisis level shortage of skilled fitters. On January 17, 2022, the company took on its first cohort of 10, 16 to 18-year-old apprentices under a new block release training scheme launched as a
A new Construction T Level qualification is now open for applications at the UK’s only specialist further education construction college. Leeds College of Building is one of a select number of education providers across England chosen to deliver a T Level programme in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction from September 2022.
A new Construction T Level qualification is now open for applications at the UK’s only specialist further education construction college. Leeds College of Building is one of a select number of education providers across England chosen to deliver a T Level programme in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction from
Appointment central to realising its long-term vision for sustainable growth GMI Construction Group PLC has appointed Lee Powell to the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer to realise its vision of long-term sustainable growth. One of the UK’s largest independent construction companies in the North of England and The
Construction employers are being encouraged to rethink how they attract their workforce as competition for skilled workers gets more intense. The industry faces a tough challenge to meet its recruitment needs in a labour market that is running hot and with new CITB research showing that just two per cent of those outside construction see it as their preferred industry to work in. Yet the research also shows that construction could be more successful if it aligned its recruitment approach to values where it scores highly. These include stability & security, the variety of work, the opportunity to have a positive impact and the chance to specialise and become an expert The industry also needs to widen its net to recruit the tens of thousands of new workers it needs. Currently, women only make up 14% of the workforce and workers from ethnic minorities just 6%. Fixing this isn’t just about changing the culture, it’s about making the opportunities much more visible and accessible. The Rethinking Recruitment research shows that people outside or who have little contact with the industry often have limited knowledge of what construction can offer, while negative perceptions and misconceptions surrounding culture and behaviours persist. The report also found only three-in-ten (30%) outsiders feel construction is ‘for someone like them’. However, the Rethinking Recruitment research shows construction has the chance to address these perceptions and appeal to a much wider group. The industry is described by those inside as somewhere that offers generous pay, opportunities for progression and a varied working environment. “‘There will always be opportunities in construction, and that is quite a reassuring thing to have” Female, 22, white, Professional Insiders also report it to be diverse, flexible and aligned to their values, but many outside industry are unaware that construction can offer them this. Steve Radley, CITB’s Strategy and Policy Director said: “This report is aimed at helping the industry take a fresh look at how it attracts its future workforce. Construction has massive strengths such as the ability to make a positive impact, including its contribution to Net Zero. And it scores highly on the variety of work and the opportunity to specialise, become an expert and progress your career. “Construction’s challenge is to bring the knowledge and understanding of insiders to those outside of the industry and to celebrate what is good about it. We need to fire up their enthusiasm and make it the career of choice for thousands more potential new workers. “ Informal and word-of-mouth recruitment used by the bulk of construction employers is affecting the industry’s opportunity for creating a more diverse workplace If workers without the right personal contacts don’t get a chance to apply, industry misses their talent. The research pointed to the benefit from employers highlighting, in recruitment advertising, the values important to them to help candidates identify common ground. Other points include using key strengths as identified by insiders in recruitment material, such as the stability of the job and job satisfaction from creating something – making a difference to other people’s lives by building homes – and career progression through training. Steve added: “There are some useful conclusions in the report and we hope with the widening skills gap that employers will benefit from these suggestions. “Construction has a lot to offer but the message isn’t as yet getting out to those who are looking for a career change or where to start with their career and that needs to change.” Other suggestions to improve recruitment outcomes and fix incorrect stereotypes include companies making more of ambassadors – presenting role models from their own workforce and offering site taster days and easier to access work experience. Firms are encouraged to link up with CITB’s onsite training hubs and to get in touch with their regional engagement office to take up training opportunities for staff. You can read the Rethinking Recruitment report here.
Chris Johns And Gaynor Carpenter Appointed As Directors Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has announced the expansion of its Board with the appointment of two new directors, Chris Johns and Gaynor Carpenter. The new appointments come as Keyland prepares for a busy year ahead following the launch of its UK-first Valuation Tool and its innovative Six Capitals approach to development, which aims to change the way that developments are delivered across the Yorkshire region with sustainability at its core. Chris Johns joins the Board alongside his current role as Chief Financial Officer at Yorkshire Water. Chris joined Yorkshire Water in 2021 from his former role as Finance Director of Northumbrian Water Limited. Also strengthening the Board is Gaynor Carpenter who joins alongside her current role as Head of Land & Property at Yorkshire Water. Chris and Gaynor will sit alongside existing members Liz Barber, who is Chair and Chief Executive of Kelda Group, Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland and Luke Axe, who took his place on the Board last year following his promotion to Land and Planning Director for Keyland. Liz Barber said; “We are delighted to welcome Chris and Gaynor to the Board, who both bring a wide amount of experience with them in their roles providing strategic and practical leadership to a number of businesses. These latest appointments are designed to strengthen the Keyland Board as we look to expand the business beyond our traditional residential and industrial sectors and build on our Six Capitals approach to development, which now sees us promoting more than 9,000 residential units and 4.5 million square feet of commercial development.”
NOTTINGHAM’S city within a city, The Island Quarter development, has strengthened its project delivery team with the appointment of Steve Thornton as project manager. Bringing more than 35 years’ experience in the construction industry with him, Steve is set to add impetus to the development team, ensuring each phase is completed on schedule. Steve stepped into the role in October 2021 and is responsible for assisting the wider team with the planning for each phase of the development. Having worked in the industry since 1987, he has been brought on to The Island Quarter due to his extensive build experience and additional involvement in civils projects. Steve said: “I’m delighted to be a part of the team delivering The Island Quarter to Nottingham. Developments of this scale and significance don’t come along very often so it’s a once in a career opportunity. For me, it is particularly remarkable to play a role in bringing it to fruition as I’ve lived in Nottingham for almost 30 years, it’s the place I call home, and I’m excited to create a space the city will benefit from for generations to come.” Prior to this role, Steve worked on a range of developments across the country, from the Canary Wharf Project in London to his recent work on the local Lace Market Point. Steve pairs his strong built environment knowledge with his further experience in civils, which lends itself to the demands of the The Island Quarter site, where a mixture of both is required. Robert Ware, chief executive of the Conygar Investment Company, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Steve’s expertise to The Island Quarter. He’s already making an impact on the efficient running of the site, having hit the ground running earlier this year. As work on site is rapidly progressing, and phase 1A is set to open in Spring 2022, Steve will play a pivotal role in pushing the plans forward, on time, working with the relevant parties to do so. “We are continuing to develop our plans for the later stages of the site, at the same time as delivering the initial ones. Steve’s role will ensure the pre-construction procedures are in place and that progress is monitored once work begins, a position that will be vital as we advance through to completion at each phase.” The Island Quarter will open its doors to Canal Turn, the first phase, in spring 2022. Meanwhile, planning approval is expected within the next few weeks for phase 1B, which includes a hotel, 247 apartments and extensive food and beverage outlets. To find out more about The Island Quarter and Canal Turn, please visit: theislandquarter.com
GMI Construction Group PLC has announced the key appointment of Andrew Hurcomb as Divisional Managing Director (DMD) for Yorkshire. He succeeds Lee Powell, recently promoted to the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer, who is tasked with delivering sustained growth across its four core regions of Yorkshire, the North West, Midlands and North East. Hurcomb’s arrival represents a real coup for GMI, given his outstanding track record at Willmott Dixon where he spent five years as Operations Director. There he oversaw the company’s growth across Yorkshire and the North and was responsible for delivering several high-profile projects. With more than 30 years’ experience within the construction industry, he has gained skills and practical experience at every level. Originally from Dewsbury, he studied at Huddersfield Technical College, Leeds College of Building, and Leeds Becket University. He began his career in 1984 with M.Harrison & Co before moving to Miller Construction in Yorkshire in 1989, gaining experience in a variety of roles from Site Engineer to Senior Project Manager before progressing to Regional Technical Director for the North of England. When Galliford Try acquired Miller in 2014 Andrew took up the position of Operations Director for Yorkshire, before moving to Willmott Dixon in 2017. Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group PLC, said: “Following my appointment as CEO, we required someone with the right skills, dedication and drive to fulfil this key role within the business. “His knowledge and experience of the Yorkshire construction market is second to none. He is highly respected in the region, making him an exceptional appointment and someone who can build upon GMI’s first rate reputation and its success in delivering major developments across three decades. “He has GMI values at heart and the business acumen to make a real impact by taking our Yorkshire business portfolio to an even greater level. I’m delighted to welcome him onboard.” Andrew Hurcomb, Divisional Managing Director – Yorkshire, said: “I’m extremely proud to join a forward-thinking company like GMI, which is a business that is going places. It’s my intention to continue the excellent work Lee has already achieved as DMD in the region. “I will spearhead GMI Construction Group’s ongoing expansion in Yorkshire as part of its UK strategy to levelling up in key regions. This follows several high-profile projects wins this year and next. “We are onsite currently with a workbook of 11 live projects across Yorkshire, with a further 4 projects due to commence in Q1 2022 with a combined total value of more than £250M, and we’re looking to expand that significantly in the coming 12 months. I’m relishing the opportunity and the hard work starts now.” One of the UK’s largest independent construction companies in the North of England and The Midlands, with offices in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and Teesside, GMI Construction Group PLC is forecasting an annual turnover in excess of £350m for 2022 and has already secured £300m worth of opportunities.
William Hanson, the UK’s leading etiquette coach and expert, gives guidance to young installers on how to make the perfect first impression as part of the Future Talent Initiative from Worcester Bosch… Worcester Bosch is delighted to announce their partnership with etiquette expert, William Hanson, to help educate young installers on how to make the perfect first impression when entering customers’ homes, as part of the ongoing Future Talent Initiative (FTI). The Future Talent Initiative was launched back in September 2021 and aims to help young installers, apprentices and those new to the sector navigate the start of their careers by providing them with advice spanning many different topics. The most recent is led by William Hanson a leading etiquette expert, who has developed a bespoke resource to give young installers advice on how to make a strong first impression when interacting with customers in their homes. The video can be viewed below: As a leading expert in etiquette and CEO of the English Manner, the UK’s most established etiquette and protocol consultancy, William has the right skills and expertise to help young professionals develop their confidence and build strong relationships with their customers. William commented, “It has been a privilege to work with Worcester Bosch on this Initiative. It is true to say that first impressions do count, so I’m hoping young installers find my advice useful and are able to apply it to their working life.” Conor Evans, Head of Future Talent at Worcester Bosch, adds, “It has been great to have William onboard for our Future Talent Initiative. General etiquette are invaluable skills that are not necessarily taught at school, so we hope this can help young installers feel prepared when entering a customers’ home for the first time.” If you are a young installer, an apprentice, or just new to the industry, visit the Worcester Bosch YouTube here to access the Future Talent Initiative series.
Actis regional sales director and Women in Construction ambassador Jemma Harris has been inspiring young women to reject stereotypes and follow their dreams of a career in a male-dominated profession. Jemma, who is responsible for sales growth in the UK Northern region, was speaking to year 11 students at a school in Hull, and shared her own career path working in two very traditionally ‘macho’ environments – the Royal Navy, where she worked as a weapons engineer, and construction. She talked about the additional obstacles she, along with many women, faced to get to the top of the career tree – with advice on how to overcome them. She added that a depressing Gender Gap Index report report stated that it would take 108 years for society to close the global gender gap. She told them: “It sounds pretty boring selling insulation, but there’s actually a lot more to it than that. You get involved with the whole design and build process in construction and the eco side of things – saving the planet. “However, I have had to put the hard work in and overcome many obstacles, particularly as a woman in the industry that I currently work in and during my service in the Royal Navy. “I had to work that bit harder than the boys, particularly on board a ship. I was promoted later than others because I was a girl. I was overlooked for certain positions. These obstacles didn’t deter me from my goals. They made me more determined to succeed and prove myself to be just as good.” Her naval career also saw her receiving a medal for her role in the Gulf War, play football and win a physical fitness award. The talk inspired the young women to rethink their pre-conceived notions of the world of work, with 87.5% of them interested in pursuing a career in sales or business, as a result of what Jemma told them. Responses included: “Jemma’s talk gave us a chance to show young women that they can do anything that they actually want to do and that they don’t have to do the stereotypical ‘girl jobs’ and that girls are just as good as boys and that everything should be equal.” Another attendee said: “It helped open young minds that they shouldn’t listen to people who tell them that they can’t so something because they are a girl and that this is a ‘guy job.’”Jemma added: “Diversity and inclusion are always something industries should strive for. I’d like to think that, along with other women in the industry, we are making an impact and difference in inspiring the next female generation to get involved in construction.”
Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, is spearheading a new industry initiative aimed at reversing the crisis level shortage of skilled fitters. On January 17, 2022, the company took on its first cohort of 10, 16 to 18-year-old apprentices under a new block release training scheme launched as a joint venture between FITA (Flooring Industry Training Association) and Webs Training Ltd. The apprentices, based around the UK, will attend the FITA training centre in Loughborough for practical training for one week in every eight. In between – over the course of the three-year apprenticeship scheme – they will train with one of Designer Contracts’ employed or sub-contract fitters FITA is also creating a bespoke Designer Contracts’ training standard so the company can assess and further develop its trained, employed fitters. The move follows a growing labour gap and skills crisis over the past two to three years which has seen the emergence of a ‘bidding war’ for the shrinking pool of available fitters. Said Louise Walters, commercial director for Designer Contracts: “The decision to take on 10 apprentices – with plans for a further 10 in 2023 – represents a significant moment for us as a company as well as the new industry training initiative. “Apprenticeships and further training are one way in which we can tackle the chronic skills shortage. As a company we have also been recruiting and directly employing more fitters rather than relying solely on contractors. Over the past two years we have taken on more than 25 fitters, many of them in the past 12 months – and going forward our plan is to directly employ even more. “We still have around 300 contract fitters on our books but as many in the industry will know, accessing this pool of trades people has become increasingly difficult over the past three years. “The CFA has been leading this drive for more training and, through FITA, started delivery of apprenticeships in Loughborough in May 2021 with its first intake of 20 apprentices “We are delighted to be supporting this industry initiative with the largest single intake of apprentices by any one company in the country. It represents a real investment in and commitment to the future of the industry and, as a CFA director and committee member, we are fully behind this scheme.”
A new Construction T Level qualification is now open for applications at the UK’s only specialist further education construction college. Leeds College of Building is one of a select number of education providers across England chosen to deliver a T Level programme in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction from September 2022. At the heart of the course, a 45-day industry placement opens opportunities for the brightest talent entering the market. T Levels are a new, two-year qualification for 16- to 19-year-olds. Designed with employers, each T Level is equivalent to three A levels and has been developed to meet industry needs and prepare students for work. To gain approved provider status, the College applied to the Department for Education demonstrating a positive commitment from local employers and detailing the specialist equipment and expertise offered. This application was backed by the College’s Good Ofsted rating in 2019. Leeds College of Building is one of only a handful of providers in Yorkshire to offer the Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction T Level, and the only specialist further education construction college to offer this in the UK. The T Level will use industry-standard equipment at both its North Street and South Bank Campuses, delivered by expert staff from the construction industry. According to the Department for Education, T Levels give students the skills to progress and help rebuild the economy following the Coronavirus pandemic. Typical employment on completion might include technician roles in architecture, building services, civil engineering, surveying or town planning. “Leeds College of Building is the UK’s only general Further Education college specialising in Construction and the Built Environment. As such, we are perfectly placed to work with our established network of regional and national employers to enhance T Level opportunities for students,” said Nikki Davis, Vice Principal at Leeds College of Building. “T Level students at Leeds College of Building will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and specialist teaching expertise. Students also benefit from established progression opportunities within higher and degree-level apprenticeships at the College and employment opportunities through our construction partners. “Leeds College of Building is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This new qualification will help us to better serve the region’s young people and workforce, opening up even more opportunities into high paying, skilled jobs.” Time is split between 80% classroom learning and 20% industry placement lasting approximately seven weeks. All students will develop a general understanding of construction, including accurate and appropriate measurements, construction methods and building regulations, digital engineering techniques, design principles and processes, mathematical problem solving, and sustainability and environmental impact. In addition to the core content, students at Leeds College of Building will specialise in surveying and design for construction and the built environment. They will also study laser scanning – a land surveying method that can accurately measure and collect data from buildings and landscapes.
A new Construction T Level qualification is now open for applications at the UK’s only specialist further education construction college. Leeds College of Building is one of a select number of education providers across England chosen to deliver a T Level programme in Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction from September 2022. At the heart of the course, a 45-day industry placement opens opportunities for the brightest talent entering the market. T Levels are a new, two-year qualification for 16- to 19-year-olds. Designed with employers, each T Level is equivalent to three A levels and has been developed to meet industry needs and prepare students for work. To gain approved provider status, the College applied to the Department for Education demonstrating a positive commitment from local employers and detailing the specialist equipment and expertise offered. This application was backed by the College’s Good Ofsted rating in 2019. Leeds College of Building is one of only a handful of providers in Yorkshire to offer the Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction T Level, and the only specialist further education construction college to offer this in the UK. The T Level will use industry-standard equipment at both its North Street and South Bank Campuses, delivered by expert staff from the construction industry. According to the Department for Education, T Levels give students the skills to progress and help rebuild the economy following the Coronavirus pandemic. Typical employment on completion might include technician roles in architecture, building services, civil engineering, surveying or town planning. Nikki Davis, Vice Principal at Leeds College of Building, said: “Leeds College of Building is the UK’s only general Further Education college specialising in Construction and the Built Environment. As such, we are perfectly placed to work with our established network of regional and national employers to enhance T Level opportunities for students. “T Level students at Leeds College of Building will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and specialist teaching expertise. Students also benefit from established progression opportunities within higher and degree-level apprenticeships at the College and employment opportunities through our construction partners. “Leeds College of Building is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This new qualification will help us to better serve the region’s young people and workforce, opening up even more opportunities into high paying, skilled jobs.” Caddick Construction Limited is one of the employers offering Leeds College of Building T Level students work placements. Debbie Watson, Social Value Manager (Yorkshire) at Caddick Construction Ltd., said: “The new T Levels are a great alternative to entry-level qualifications as they help students gain valuable ‘on the job’ experience whilst undertaking their qualification, which will give them a great advantage going forward in their career. It will also help employers gain an early insight into the latest talent pool, helping with recruitment and social value benefits. It also helps us to develop the knowledge, attitude, and skills of the students entering the built environment. “Whilst working with us, students will spend time in each department at both our offices and on our sites to understand the workings of the main contractor. Students will also spend time with our consultants, such as the Architect, to understand how projects get to site, as well as spending time with subcontractors on our projects learning more about life on site.” Time is split between 80% classroom learning and 20% industry placement lasting approximately seven weeks. All students will develop a general understanding of construction, including accurate and appropriate measurements, construction methods and building regulations, digital engineering techniques, design principles and processes, mathematical problem solving, and sustainability and environmental impact. In addition to the core content, students at Leeds College of Building will specialise in surveying and design for construction and the built environment. They will also study laser scanning – a land surveying method that can accurately measure and collect data from buildings and landscapes. For more course information and entry requirements, visit www.lcb.ac.uk or email admissions@lcb.ac.uk. Alternatively, if you are a business owner who could support students through T Level work placements, please email epearson@lcb.ac.uk and find out more about the business benefits and financial incentives available.
Appointment central to realising its long-term vision for sustainable growth GMI Construction Group PLC has appointed Lee Powell to the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer to realise its vision of long-term sustainable growth. One of the UK’s largest independent construction companies in the North of England and The Midlands, it is preparing to expand into other regions and sectors and the new CEO will implement a strategy of achieving constant and controlled growth while maintaining its debt free status. The company, which has offices in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Teesside, is forecasting an annual turnover in excess of £350m for 2022 and has already secured £300m worth of opportunities. Lee, previously the company’s Divisional Managing Director for Yorkshire, has already overseen exceptional growth in Yorkshire, together with its recent expansion into the North East region – establishing an office in Stockton-on-Tees, with a dedicated team of local professionals headed by a newly appointed Operations Director. GMI Construction Group, which provides specialist design and build capabilities spanning multiple sectors, is currently involved in a range of high-profile projects, including: £200M development to create a train manufacturing plant, infrastructure and rail supply chain village for Siemens Mobility in Goole, East Yorkshire £30M office building at Thorpe Park, Leeds 437,000 sq. ft fulfilment centre for an online fashion retailer at Fradley Park in Lichfield, Staffordshire A new-build residential block comprising 259 apartments over 11 storeys, forming part of the £200M Becketwell regeneration scheme in Derby £30M extension to a helicopter manufacturing facility It already counts major companies and significant brands such as Tritax Symmetry, St Modwen, Scarborough Group, Graftongate, St James Securities, The Alumno Group, Opus North, HBD, Peel Land & Property, Muse, Legal & General, and Evans Property Group among its clients. David Shann, Chief Executive of GMI’s parent company Highgrove Group PLC, said: “Lee’s appointment to this newly-created CEO role underlines our commitment to strengthen and grow our presence in the regions where we already operate, as well as looking towards developing new opportunities. “As CEO, we believe Lee has the experience, energy and ability to take GMI to the next level. Equally at home on site or in the boardroom, he has already proven to be a major driver within the business and is responsible for helping create our enviable reputation for delivering quality developments on time and within budget.” Lee Powell, CEO of GMI Construction Group, said: “I’m enormously proud to become CEO of GMI Construction Group, a role which is focused on growing our presence in our operating regions and facilitating growth of the business in a controlled and sustainable manner. “As the UK continues to level up across all of its key regions, I want to ensure GMI is right at the heart of that growth and powering forward with our expert team of industry leading professionals who continue to deliver excellence on project after project. “I am however consciously aware that GMI needs to implement that growth byretaining those values that has delivered success to this company and our clients. These include using local suppliers and sub-contractors whenever possible, as well as creating educational opportunities, to bring maximum economic benefit to the communities we are operating in.”
