Balfour Beatty VINCI, HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, is offering a paid placement scheme this summer that will boost career prospects for university students. Thirty two students from 12 universities – including the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Aston University and Coventry University – have secured places
Representatives from 25 North East businesses support culmination of award-winning employability programme. More than 300 students from schools across the North East and Tees Valley attended the Building My Skills Mock Interview Day at the home of Newcastle Eagles, Vertu Motors Arena on July 11th. The Mock Interview Day is
Carrier has officially opened a new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot. The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Carrier’s dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians while helping to address the skills gap in the HVAC sector. Carrier is part of Carrier Global
Construction students from EKC Sheppey College in Sheerness got valuable insight into what it’s like to work on a construction site when Jones Homes invited them to its Shurland Park development. The eight students visited the site – where Jones Homes Southern is currently building 171 new properties off Larch
Fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have forged a new partnership with the Nottingham Skills Academy to offer work engagement for young people. To help invest in the futures of aspiring tradespeople and construction workers, Injecta Fire Barrier has partnered with the Nottingham
Facilities management provider OCS plans to offer apprenticeship pathways across each of its service lines to nurture future talent and support career progression. The company has committed to increasing its number of apprenticeship placements in the UK and Ireland to over 1,000 within the next 12 months. This initiative aligns
Wales will need an additional 11,000 construction workers to support its growing economy, the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, tells a Construction Summit in Llandudno Junction. Speaking to delegates from the North Wales construction sector, Jeremy Miles emphasised the importance of the private and public sectors
A new survey from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), The Environmental Services Association (ESA), Groundwork, and ESS Expo (Environmental Services and Solutions Expo), has revealed a significant green skills gap, with 58% of respondents feeling UK businesses are unprepared for the transition to a sustainable future. Findings from
CIBSE is excited to announce the launch of the CIBSE Flush Challenge, a unique educational game designed to engage pupils aged 9 to 11 in the fascinating world of building services engineering. The CIBSE Flush Challenge is part of CIBSE’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and addressing
New data released today shows the number of people in work has dropped. The number of people unemployed in the UK rose by 138,000 in the three months to April amid growing signs of a weaker jobs market and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Rosalind Gill, Head of Policy
Balfour Beatty VINCI, HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, is offering a paid placement scheme this summer that will boost career prospects for university students. Thirty two students from 12 universities – including the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Aston University and Coventry University – have secured places on the eight-week programme, supporting the construction of Britain’s new high-speed railway. Now in its third year, the Balfour Beatty VINCI undergraduate summer scheme gives students who live or study in the West Midlands the chance to earn and gain valuable work experience in a specialist subject area during the holidays. The 2024 programme includes a series of placement opportunities at Balfour Beatty VINCI construction sites and offices across south Staffordshire, Birmingham and Warwickshire. Places have been secured by students studying a broad range of subjects, including civil engineering, quantity surveying and design engineering. With the programme extended to those who permanently live in the Midlands, undergraduates studying at universities in Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham and Cardiff are also taking part in this year’s scheme. Naomi Bates, Skills, Education and Employment Business Partner at Balfour Beatty VINCI who leads the programme said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming our next cohort of students this summer, who are joining us on an eight-week placement to learn new skills and get some invaluable work experience during the holidays. “This paid programme is now in its third year and has been extremely successful in supporting university students either living or studying locally. It’s a great pathway for students who want to progress onto graduate programmes with Balfour Beatty and VINCI, once they’ve completed their studies.” Julie Venn-Morton, HS2’s Senior Legacy Manager for the region, said: “At HS2, we’re committed to upskilling Britain by creating new jobs and boosting career prospects for people right across the country, including here in the West Midlands. “For these students, a summer job working on HS2 is a perfect opportunity to earn while being part of a world-leading infrastructure project. We are thrilled to welcome them all and look forward to hearing about their experience at the end of programme.” This year’s cohort also includes students studying finance, IT and environmental sustainability – demonstrating the broad range of careers that transport infrastructure projects encompass. Catherine Purcell, 21 and from Kings Norton, is studying Civil Engineering at the University of Nottingham, said: “I’m really excited to join Balfour Beatty VINCI’s summer placement programme and learn as much as I can during the next eight weeks. It’s a huge opportunity to learn how BBV is helping to build HS2 in the Midlands.” Andreas Edwards, 26 and from Stourbridge, is studying Quantity Surveying at Aston University. He said: “I was previously unemployed before joining BBV on a pre-employment training programme. My short time with BBV inspired me to pursue a career in the construction industry and I haven’t looked back since. “I’m now studying at university to become a qualified quantity surveyor and this placement will help me to deepen my understanding of the role in a real-life environment.” As construction continues at pace between the West Midlands and London, HS2 is now supporting more than 31,000 jobs – including through apprenticeships, graduate opportunities and by helping people into employment. When complete, HS2 will improve connections between London and the West Midlands, with trains running further north on existing lines. This new high-speed railway will create quicker and far more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while crucially freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line. For more information about the wide variety of career and employment opportunities available with HS2 and its supply chain partners, visit hs2.org.uk/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Representatives from 25 North East businesses support culmination of award-winning employability programme. More than 300 students from schools across the North East and Tees Valley attended the Building My Skills Mock Interview Day at the home of Newcastle Eagles, Vertu Motors Arena on July 11th. The Mock Interview Day is the culmination of the multi award-winning programme – coordinated by Esh Group on behalf of the region’s businesses and schools – which aims to raise students’ career aspirations by providing them with an introduction to the world of work, and an insight into sectors and jobs they may not otherwise have been aware of. Over 30 businesses from sectors such as legal, housing and banking took part in 2024’s Building My Skills and between them delivered a total of 94 sessions. The programme launched in January and saw more than 4,500 students from seven secondary schools and sixth form colleges take part in four workshops each. After each workshop, students completed an online ‘checkpoint’ that will assist them when mapping out their own career aspirations, with topics including standing out from the competition and presenting yourself online, on paper, and in person. 25 businesses from the programme attended the Mock Interview Day where they hosted a panel of interviews for students aged between 13 and 18-year-old. The event gives students first-hand experience of what an interview is like in a professional environment, as well as an opportunity to explore their aspirational career further through one-to-one discussions with business role models. Corporate Affairs Director at Esh Group, Darush Dodds, has celebrated the success of mock interview day, commenting: “The mock interview day is always a worthwhile event. It provides valuable interview experiences but can open the door to second interviews for businesses who have opportunities available, such as apprenticeships, traineeships or paid placements. “Building My Skills is the personification of business-education collaboration. Throughout the year, connections between schools and businesses have been formed that may never have existed before this programme took place. More importantly, we have given over 4,500 students the platform to become employable once they leave school. Six months ago, when they started Building My Skills, they may not have known where their career path would lead them; hopefully, we have given them the boost they may have needed to decide their next steps.” John Green, Assistant Head Teacher at St Robert of Newminster Catholic School, said: “We have been involved with Building My Skills for many years now and it always provides really good opportunities for our students. The Mock Interview Day is their first chance to engage and communicate with an employer on a one to one basis. It helps them think about how they can develop their employability skills and how they can prepare themselves for when they leave school, and they get a real job interview.” Karen Marshall, Apprentice, Education and Engagement Lead at Accenture, said the programme provided a great opportunity to the region’s young people. She added: “Accenture have been involved with the delivery of Building My Skills since 2015 and have found it an invaluable programme, helping us reach thousands of school students across the North East. “It has an excellent structure, enabling employers to support the development of transferrable skills including interview skills, with students over an entire academic year. It gives Accenture the opportunity to showcase the Digital Sector in the North East and to highlight fantastic career opportunities to a wide audience of young people and teachers, many of whom may not have realised the pathways to rewarding and highly paid careers open to them on their doorstep. “It’s very well organised, the team at Esh make it very easy for businesses to participate, I’d encourage all employers to take part.” Among the panellists was Esh’s project manager from the Tyne Bridge scheme who gave real life insight to budding engineers of what it is like to work on the restoration of a North East icon. Planning has already started for the 2025 programme which will be launched later this year. If you would be interested in getting involved, contact Esh Group by visiting www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Carrier has officially opened a new training academy at its Bracknell service and rentals depot. The new state-of-the-art facility reinforces Carrier’s dedication to training and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians while helping to address the skills gap in the HVAC sector. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. The training academy offers trainee engineers and technicians hands-on experience with Carrier’s commercial product portfolio, including heat pumps, chillers, and air handling units. To enhance their learning and understanding of total life cycle asset management, trainees can also gain skills in service repairs and upgrades, such as VFD (Variable Frequency Drives), refrigerant, compressor overhauls and controls, as well as modernisation and preventative and predictive maintenance. Opening the academy is an important step towards Carrier’s Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) goal to support its customers’ shift towards sustainable solutions and avoid more than 1 gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions from their carbon footprint by 2030. “The grand opening of our new training academy marks a significant milestone for Carrier and stands as a testament to our commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of leading the way in intelligent climate and energy solutions,” said Andrew Paddock, Managing Director Carrier Commercial HVAC UK and Nordics. “We recognise that a future without new talent and continual skill enhancement makes it difficult to fully embrace the electrification of heating systems and to meet net zero targets.” During the grand opening, guests were able to tour the new facilities and see learning come to life with equipment demonstrations. Attendees also celebrated the achievements of its graduating apprentices who have progressed through Carrier’s Apprenticeship programme. Shortly after, guests then heard more about how Carrier is actively growing its apprenticeship programme with the recent appointment of a dedicated apprenticeship programme leader, Adele Watson, along with plans to recruit 20 new apprentices in the coming months. “With the skills gap growing and the industry at risk of losing a wealth of knowledge when our experienced technicians retire, it is crucial that we invest in training new talent,” said Adele Watson, Apprenticeship Programme Lead UK. “Our apprenticeship programme, supported by our new training academy, is designed to help young people master skills for the future so we can achieve sustainability and decarbonisation goals.” Over the coming months, Carrier will develop a training programme focused on educating its engineers about the adoption of new refrigerants, including R290, and invite customers and contract partners to experience exclusive training days at the new facility, further enhancing their awareness and understanding of Carrier’s HVAC solutions. Additionally, the training academy will also be utilised for Carrier’s CIBSE-approved CPD training courses to support HVAC professional’s ongoing professional growth. For more information, visit www.carrier.com/commercial/en/uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction students from EKC Sheppey College in Sheerness got valuable insight into what it’s like to work on a construction site when Jones Homes invited them to its Shurland Park development. The eight students visited the site – where Jones Homes Southern is currently building 171 new properties off Larch End in Minster on Sea – on Friday 14 June. The group, who are studying for their Level 2 qualification in Bricklaying and Construction, were shown different stages of build at the development including the show home, finished houses, piling, brickwork, scaffolding, and plots at the second fix stage of construction. Nicole Fitzpatrick, Head of Building Services at EKC Sheppey College which is part of East Kent Colleges Group, said: “We would like to thank Jones Homes for this opportunity and are looking forward to developing this relationship further in the future. “These links are vital in supporting our learners’ development and, as well as supporting tutor delivery, will allow them an invaluable insight into the latest developments within industry. “Learning from professionals via these links will help support with the transition into their chosen vocational fields and hopefully spur their passion for this industry further.” The students, who were all supplied with hi-vis vests and hard hats to wear during the visit, met Sales and Marketing Manager Sophie Steel, Construction Director Terry Brown, and Site Manager David Yeo. They spoke to the students about a range of topics including health and safety, the importance of communication, hitting targets, quality control, and the process of building a home from start to finish. Terry said: “Pursuing a career in construction is a great choice for young people as there are so many opportunities to learn, develop and progress. So, we were very happy to host the students from Sheppey College and give them a real insight into the work we are doing here and give them an understanding of what the industry is like. “These students are already making great strides by studying for their Level 2 qualifications and I hope that their visit to Shurland Park inspired them even further and has shown them what the possibilities are.” To find out more about Jones Homes’ Shurland Park development, visit jones-homes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fire safety specialist and leading installer of passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have forged a new partnership with the Nottingham Skills Academy to offer work engagement for young people. To help invest in the futures of aspiring tradespeople and construction workers, Injecta Fire Barrier has partnered with the Nottingham Skills Academy to provide work experience and training opportunities for individuals kickstarting their career. Having supported over 8,200 learners in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire with fully-funded courses and training, the Skills Academy is expanding their service with help from Injecta Fire Barrier. “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with the Nottingham Skills Academy! We’re always looking for ways to support the next generation, and by helping provide work placements we hope to give young people of Nottingham the tools they need to succeed” says Shaun. Skills Academy is a training centre run by the Skills People Group that offers high-quality teaching and learning for construction, digital business administration and warehousing. Established in 2008, the Skills People Group is the country’s leading provider of construction-related qualifications and now has seven dedicated training centres, including the Nottingham Skills Academy. Their academies provide a first-class training environment to help young members of the local community to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours. “Gaining work experience can be a challenge for young people and we’re hopeful our partnership will give eager individuals a practical opportunity which helps boost their employability. As well as helping others, we also plan to utilise their courses to develop our own Injecta Fire Barrier team” adds Shaun. Currently, Skills Academy works with some of the UK’s biggest construction companies and offer a series of courses for bricklaying, joinery, painting, labouring, CSCS card, Skills Bootcamps in construction and much more. Now partnering with Injecta Fire Barrier, the Nottingham Skills Academy will be increasing their support materials with new opportunities for ambitious individuals to learn, develop and prosper in the fire safety industry. “We see that Skill Academy has the location, knowledge and attributes to make a change and we can’t wait to help contribute towards a brighter future for Nottingham residents!” concludes Shaun. Injecta Fire Barrier are the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system. With years of experience in passive fire protection, the company can help property managers and building owners seamlessly install cost-effective cavity fire barriers that protect their buildings and occupants. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Facilities management provider OCS plans to offer apprenticeship pathways across each of its service lines to nurture future talent and support career progression. The company has committed to increasing its number of apprenticeship placements in the UK and Ireland to over 1,000 within the next 12 months. This initiative aligns with its growth ambitions and includes substantial investments in its funded learning programme. With the recent announcement of its vision to optimise people and places as part of its brand strategy, this move underscores OCS’s dedication to social mobility and impact. It aims to drive social value initiatives, such as apprenticeship schemes and funded learning, to enhance sustainable employment by offering empowering careers and embracing diversity. OCS reports a 140 per cent increase in the uptake of its apprenticeships over the past year and aims to maintain this growth by providing opportunities in each of its service lines: facilities management, security, pest control, cleaning, catering and hospitality, and hard services. Ipswich-based OCS currently offers 12 professional pathways and 39 programmes to support its business units. In addition to service lines, these opportunities include management and leadership, coaching and mentoring, and customer service and sales. By focusing on investing in the development and upskilling of its internal colleagues, these pathways and programmes are available to both employees and external candidates. Apprenticeship pathways will be available at entry level (level 2) and for management (level 3), and OCS is currently revising its higher apprenticeship pathway (level 4) in collaboration with the Institute for Apprentices and Technical Education. Toni Marie-Vaughan, Head of Social Mobility at OCS UK and Ireland, commented: “While it’s important that we continue to open up more opportunities for people looking to develop, our priority will always remain on the quality of programmes delivered. We are working with a number of partners to achieve this. “Additionally, we have invested further in our online training modules, delivered through the OCS Academy. Learners can access a variety of programmes in addition to the structured training around their chosen pathway. Along with e-learning and on-the-job training, learners can expect regular line management meetings and coaching conversations, dedicated study time away from practical training, and progress reports.” Daniel Dickson, Chief Executive Officer at OCS UK and Ireland, said: “It’s exciting that we operate in an industry that can provide opportunities for further development within many different career paths. Our apprenticeship scheme and funded learning pathways are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, background, level of education, or experience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wales will need an additional 11,000 construction workers to support its growing economy, the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, tells a Construction Summit in Llandudno Junction. Speaking to delegates from the North Wales construction sector, Jeremy Miles emphasised the importance of the private and public sectors working together to meet this demand. He set out his vision to ensure rapid growth and improvement, including: Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates, also addressed the event and emphasised there are many opportunities for the construction sector in North Wales. Jeremy Miles said: “The construction industry has a huge impact on our economy and society. It creates jobs, drives economic growth, and offers solutions to social, climate, and energy challenges. We are already doing a lot of things right in Wales, with many countries looking at our efforts to transition to a prosperous, sustainable future with fair work at its heart. “That is not to say we do not acknowledge the challenges construction employers face, the creation of a future talent pipeline, the identification of key projects and the need to support innovation are issues that need further backing. My message to the sector in North Wales is clear: whether through building vital infrastructure for a greener, more sustainable future or maximising opportunities presented by Free Ports and Investment Zones, the construction industry is crucial to shaping the Wales of tomorrow.” Ken Skates said: “I’m pleased this event is taking place in North Wales focussed on the construction sector in the region. “Part of my role as Cabinet Secretary for North Wales is to champion the interests of our communities, businesses and institutions. It’s about ensuring our policies reflect the circumstances, challenges and opportunities in the North. “We can achieve so much more by working together, and with exciting developments across the region, this is an exciting time for the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new survey from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), The Environmental Services Association (ESA), Groundwork, and ESS Expo (Environmental Services and Solutions Expo), has revealed a significant green skills gap, with 58% of respondents feeling UK businesses are unprepared for the transition to a sustainable future. Findings from the National Environmental Services Survey,[1] highlight that 58% of respondents feel there is or will be a green skills gap in UK businesses. When asked about what challenges they foresee in measuring and achieving biodiversity net-gain, the most cited answer was the [lack of] knowledge and skills gap. Meanwhile, 99.7% of respondents believe technology has a role to play in accelerating the path to net zero emissions. The latest findings show acute shortages underscoring the need for educational programmes to equip the workforce with the expertise needed. Leading the list, one in four (25.69%) respondents indicated a high demand for skills in waste management and the circular economy, followed by over one in 10 (12.33%) calling for expertise in resilience building and developing strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change. Other shortages revealed lie in sustainability and environmental management (11.41%), carbon management and offsetting (8.41%), and environmental law and policy (8.06%). The rise of roles such as the Chief Sustainability Officer – which saw more individuals hired in 2021 alone[2], compared to the previous five years combined – highlights an important shift towards organisations prioritising sustainability. However, the report data from ESS Expo suggests that many businesses are still struggling to find qualified candidates to fill these newly emerging positions. The research also touched on the path to net zero emissions, with a staggering 99.7% of respondents agreeing that technology has a role to play in accelerating the path towards carbon neutrality. Technology will likely offer numerous opportunities for bridging the green skills gap. For example, online learning platforms can deliver specialised green training skills to a wider audience, while virtual reality simulations can provide immersive training experiences for complex green technologies. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to personalise learning pathways and identify skill gaps within a workforce. By harnessing these technological advancements, organisations can equip the workforce with the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively navigate the green transition. Dr. Adam Read, Chief External Affairs and Sustainability Officer at SUEZ and member of the Government’s Green Skills Delivery Group, commented: “These results, while not unexpected, are concerning given recent efforts by CIWM and others to highlight the need for future skills. The resources and waste management sector will expand from 150,000 to nearly 450,000 staff in just under a decade and in order to prepare for this, the sector must continue improving its attractiveness and upskilling the current workforce to ensure staff retention. “There are immense opportunities to rethink engagement and form new partnerships with schools, colleges, universities, and professional bodies. Key skills in demand lie in technology, design, AI, communications, engineering, policy implementation, regulation, and data analysis, plus of course in recycling, reuse, repair, upcycling, and refurbishment. “Although the sector is feeling both policy and skills demand uncertainty right now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Together, if we work hard, we can make huge strides in our sector’s transformation and reinvention, delivering exciting new skilled jobs that underpin the fight against climate change.” Rob Mowat, Managing Director of ESS Expo, said: “The results of the survey make it abundantly clear that there is a green skills gap across the UK workforce. As we move forward, we are going to see more organisations increasingly chasing sustainability-related goals, driven in part by a younger generation that is passionate about environmental issues. However, these objectives will only be met if businesses are able to acquire the necessary green skills. This lack of preparedness could potentially hinder the UK’s ability to achieve its ambitious environmental targets and capitalise on the economic opportunities presented by the transition to a net-zero economy. “With this in mind, it’s crucial for businesses to invest in initiatives that bridge this gap, such as upskilling training programmes, nurturing apprenticeship schemes in green sectors, and fostering collaboration with educational institutions. By working together, we can ensure the UK workforce has the capabilities to deliver a sustainable future. “At ESS Expo, we’re using our platform to raise awareness and equip businesses with everything they need to navigate this transition. As part of our new series of educational webinars, we recently held our first session on green skills. The webinar was hugely well-attended and featured presentations and discussions on government initiatives, apprenticeship schemes, regional differences, and collaborations between UK universities and the industry. We look forward to continuing this focus at the upcoming event in September.” The survey gathered data from 1,498 professionals from across the environmental services industry from April-May 2024. Download the full report for free on the ESS Expo website here. To register to attend ESS Expo 2024 from 11-12 September at the NEC, Birmingham, visit the website here. [1] The survey gathered data from over 1,498 professionals from across the environmental survey industry from April – May 2024. https://www.ess-expo.co.uk/national-environmental-services-survey-insights-2024 [2] https://www.pwc.com/mt/en/publications/sustainability/the-rise-of-chief-sustainability-officers.html#:~:text=Yet%2C%20integrating%20sustainability%20across%20all,the%20previous%20five%20years%20combined. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CIBSE is excited to announce the launch of the CIBSE Flush Challenge, a unique educational game designed to engage pupils aged 9 to 11 in the fascinating world of building services engineering. The CIBSE Flush Challenge is part of CIBSE’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and addressing the skills gap in the industry. As part of this initiative, which is partly sponsored by CIBSE Patrons, CIBSE STEM Ambassadors will utilise this innovative game during their educational outreach activities at schools, aiming to spark interest and curiosity about building services engineering among young minds. Each participating team of pupils will receive a specially curated kit, featuring a 3D-printed model of toilet and pipes. The challenge involves assembling a functional flush system that efficiently uses water to flush a small raisin down the toilet. This engaging activity not only introduces children to the fundamental concepts of building services engineering but also instils the importance of water conservation and environmental responsibility. Key features of the CIBSE Flush Challenge: Dan Costelloe, CIBSE Chair of the Talent Pipeline and Apprenticeships Panel, expressed his enthusiasm about the CIBSE Flush Challenge, saying, “During the creation of the Flush Challenge we wanted to come up with an activity what would combine building services engineering, sustainability and teamwork. We believe that by making learning fun and interactive, we can capture the imagination of young individuals and show them the exciting possibilities within the world of building services engineering, maybe even inspiring some of them to become our engineers of the future. The CIBSE Flush Challenge not only nurtures essential skills but also infuses a sense of environmental responsibility.” CIBSE encourages schools and educators to participate in this initiative, providing students with a unique and enjoyable introduction to the world of engineering. For more information about the CIBSE Flush Challenge and how to get involved, visit CIBSE Flush Challenge. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New data released today shows the number of people in work has dropped. The number of people unemployed in the UK rose by 138,000 in the three months to April amid growing signs of a weaker jobs market and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Rosalind Gill, Head of Policy and Engagement at the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), “Today’s newly released labour market statistics paints a very worrying picture and hammers home the uphill battle that the new Government will face. New data reveals that 3.2 million people are out of work but want a job, and that the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%.” Gill concluded: “As the new government takes office, it’s vital that they implement a cohesive plan that involves educational institutions, businesses, and policymakers to equip our workforce with the skills needed for today’s economy. As technology quickly advances, the labour market is transforming at pace and the skills gaps will only become more acute. Failure to address these issues now risks further economic stagnation and missed opportunities for growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
