Retrofit skills lagging, say industry body A new study from the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) has found that retrofit training gaps are stalling Net-Zero progress in UK construction. The research surveyed 500 construction professionals and revealed that there is a low sector-wide understanding of retrofit technologies and approaches, creating a potential bottleneck in the UK’s plans to decarbonise. Four in ten professionals stated that the level of training available to them was insufficient and that industry knowledge and understanding of retrofit techniques are currently ‘lacking’. However, many professionals see retrofitting existing buildings as a more effective path to reducing carbon emissions compared to constructing new. Nearly two in three (62%) believe retrofit projects provide greater benefits for achieving net zero than new-build homes. Another area of the study examined how professionals measure the impact of applied retrofit measures. Just two in five professionals (43%) measure building performance after envelope changes, highlighting a concerning ‘do-it-and-dash’ trend that skips energy, carbon, and comfort evaluation. An approach that can lead to suboptimal results. These findings come at an important time for the UK’s decarbonisation efforts. Back in July, the Climate Change Committee warned that the UK could be at risk of missing Net-Zero targets. In early November, ministers also put £30 million more into a grant scheme to encourage the uptake of heat pumps. The research also revealed surprising doubts about the value of large-scale retrofit measures, with one in four professionals unconvinced of their long-term effectiveness over the next 20 years. This was particularly true for sole traders and those in the repair sector – just half (55% and 56%, respectively) thought retrofit measures were worth the investment. This could suggest a need for more advanced training on the performance benefits of retrofit technologies. The study also flagged an interesting area of debate – what constitutes ‘comfort’ within Net-Zero spaces. Professionals remain divided – two in five identified it as air quality and ventilation, while just over half (52%) said thermal comfort was the most important factor. Natural lighting closely followed (50%) and then acoustic comfort (40%). In context, these stats show variations in which retrofit measures take precedence. It also highlights a growing need in the industry to define a standardised approach to retrofit assessments, such as the new BS 40104 standard. Tom Garrigan, Technical Director at BSRIA said: “The results of this study show a snapshot of the industry’s approach to retrofitting. There’s a clear need for detailed pre- and post-retrofit assessments. Understanding a building’s condition, possible defects, and energy performance is an essential step but one that appears to be lacking. Without high-quality testing, building owners will never know the true value of retrofit investments.” Lisa Ashworth, CEO at BSRIA said: “Retrofitting 29 million homes by 2050 is an ambitious goal for the UK. To achieve it, we must upskill the construction workforce on the value of retrofitting and the need for a meticulous approach to every property. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t test what you don’t measure’—a mindset the entire industry must embrace.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The partnership behind the housing led regeneration of 10 sites across Gateshead, has launched a new construction skills academy. The new facility, located at the Gateshead Regeneration Partnership’s (GRP) Freight Village development, just off St James Road, will offer construction skills training courses and educational opportunities for hundreds of children, young people and unemployed residents over the next three years. Funded and established by the GRP’s delivery partner, Vistry North East – part of Vistry Group – The Sanderson Skills Academy has been named in honour of former employee, Ross Sanderson. He sadly passed away aged 30, in 2019, due to complications associated with a rare primary immune deficiency known as CVID. Ross started his career as a trainee, and his parents Graham and Julie Sanderson, joined GRP representatives – from partners Gateshead Council, Vistry and registered housing provider Home Group – to speak with young people already using the resource to enhance their own learning. Julie said: “The naming of this fantastic skills academy in Ross’ memory means so much to us. We are continually humbled by the regard in which his former colleagues hold him and that his memory remains strong. It is clear he made a big impression on so many people. “Ross would really have approved of this. Before he joined Vistry North East – as a trainee himself – Ross was involved in performing arts and was a tutor and mentor to younger performers. He said at the time that tutoring was one of the most rewarding things he had done as he was able to help young people develop confidence and skills they could take forward and use in their future. Although in a very different industry, I’m sure that the Sanderson Skills Academy will achieve just this.” Courses available will include a ‘Step into Construction’ programme, a retrofit qualification, a construction multi-skills course and a net zero themed ‘Step into Green Skills’ programme. They will be delivered by Gateshead Council Learning and Skills and training providers, Optimum Skills and TRN. Although the students won’t actually be working on the new Freight Village homes, they will benefit from learning on site, gaining experience from industry professionals and course leaders – and working with real materials and equipment. Sean Egan, managing director with Vistry North East, said: “We are delighted to be opening the Sanderson Skills Academy, named in memory of our much-loved colleague Ross. I’m sure that this excellent resource will inspire a new generation of people looking to make their own way in the construction sector – just as Ross did when he joined us as a trainee back in 2014. “Vistry Group has seen great outcomes on similar academies across the UK – with a view to addressing skills shortages – and I’m confident our first North East based project will be no different. Working with our GRP partners to widen the courses available, further highlights the benefits of partnership working. It’s not just about delivering houses; it’s about enhancing communities and providing opportunities.” Councillor Adams, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Chair of governors at LearningSkills at Gateshead Council, said: “We’re delighted to bring together Gateshead Council, Optimum and TRN, to provide training opportunities for local people at the Sanderson Skills Academy. We want all residents to be able to access opportunities to enable them to thrive and learn new skills and we need to ensure the construction skills are there to deliver more homes in Gateshead.” Andy Hall, North East Regional Director of Operations at Home Group, added: We’re delighted to be involved in the Sanderson Skills Academy, especially as it is delivering courses that are so important to the housing sector and beyond. A big challenge for housing associations is retrofitting our homes and meeting our targets for net zero. So, it is great to see retrofit and green skills programmes on the curriculum.” GRP has so far delivered 570 homes across 10 sites within the borough. These include a mix of properties for affordable rent, shared ownership and open market sale. The partnership is also providing job and training opportunities – a minimum of 25% of which go to local people – and commits to spend a quarter of the supply budget with businesses within the borough. The partnership has plans to build a further 169 homes over the next 12 months and is currently working at Trilogy III, in Bensham; The Cedars, in Birtley and the former Hookergate School site, in High Spen – as well as at the Freight Village development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Altrad RMD Kwikform proudly celebrated the official launch of its new Training Academy on Tuesday, 26th November 2024. The event, held at the company’s Peel Road premises in Skelmersdale, brought together key stakeholders and special guests for a day of celebration, learning, and networking. The new Training Academy, unveiled by Managing Director Mark Pickard, is a dedicated space where Altrad RMD Kwikform employees’ skills will be enhanced and their knowledge deepened through both hands-on and theoretical training, to develop industry-leading talent. The facility has been designed to empower the team to become true experts in Altrad RMD Kwikform systems, setting a new standard of excellence across projects to meet the evolving demands of the construction sector. What’s more, valued customers will soon be invited for product appreciation sessions and live demonstrations. This academy is the first of two planned facilities, with works on a second location well underway at the company’s Head Office in Aldridge, Midlands. This is scheduled to open in early 2025. The day commenced with a warm welcome to attendees, who enjoyed a guided tour of the academy, including its dedicated Demo Area. Guests had the opportunity to explore the facilities and engage with hands-on demonstrations of the latest construction solutions and equipment. At the heart of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Mark Pickard, who highlighted the importance of continuous training, innovation and safety within the industry. The company also presented a cheque donation to the Lighthouse Construction Charity, which supports the physical, mental, and financial well-being of construction workers and their families. Special guests included representatives from Wigan & Leigh College, who praised the Academy’s vision and its role in bridging the skills gap in construction engineering. The event concluded with a networking buffet lunch, where attendees shared insights and experiences, promoting a collaborative environment. Ian Burnett, General Manager at CONSTRUCT Concrete Structures Group, commented: “CONSTRUCT is proud to be associated with our supplier member Altrad RMD Kwikform and its commitment to developing industry skills through dedicated training facilities. “The academy will directly support the goals of CONSTRUCT as a trade association by providing high-quality training in above and below ground temporary works and construction skills, addressing the industry’s skills gap, and promoting career development opportunities. “Altrad RMD Kwikform is helping to ensure that the UK construction sector has access to a well-trained and competent workforce, aligned with the standards and values that CONSTRUCT advocates. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the training centre will have on our industry and the wider community.” Mark Pickard, Managing Director at Altrad RMD Kwikform, added: “The launch of this academy is a milestone for Altrad RMD Kwikform and reflects our dedication to investing in people. By creating a space where our employees can learn, collaborate, and innovate, we are helping to shape the future of construction. “We’d like to thank all who attended and contributed to the success of the event. The Training Academy is now officially open, and we look forward to welcoming construction students and professionals to the facility soon. With Aldridge on the horizon, our commitment to industry-leading training continues to grow.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Jon Howlin, CEO, The Skills Centre: “While we welcome the government’s plans to accelerate the replacement of dangerous cladding, it’s crucial to ensure that the work is carried out by fully trained professionals. The scale of the challenge is significant, with only 30% of buildings with unsafe cladding fully remediated to date. “Many cladding specialists are already supporting efforts to meet this growing skills gap. Our collaborative strategy is delivering specialist cladding bootcamps at Build East, helping to upskill existing workers and bring new entrants into the sector. These initiatives are vital for ensuring that remediation work meets the highest safety and quality standards. “By investing in workforce development, we can not only tackle the immediate issue but also strengthen the industry for the future, helping to create safer homes and buildings for communities across the UK. “This is a huge opportunity, not only for those interested in joining the construction sector, but for those in the sector to build valuable and in-demand skills, and individuals can apply via our website here: Introduction to Cladding Occupations | The Skills Centre “We also invite cladding companies seeking to expand their teams to collaborate with us. Together, we can ensure the workforce is ready to deliver this critical work safely and efficiently. For more information contact info@theskillscentre.co.uk” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

AS part of the initiative “to get Britain building again”, the Labour government has just announced a £140 million investment to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeships per year in England. The announcement lands at a critical moment for the built environment, as it continues to battle with a severe skills shortage. With plans to build 1.5 million homes and boost infrastructure over the next five years, an estimated 50,300 more workers are needed annually to meet the demand. Lee Parkinson, chief executive of EN:Able Futures, part of Efficiency North Holdings, operates a leading flexi-job apprenticeship service with more than a decade of experience in creating pathways for young people in construction. Lee shared his thoughts on the announcement. He said: “We welcome the Labour government’s ambitions and drive to advance the country’s housebuilding mission. At EN:Able Futures, we have been championing apprenticeships for more than ten years, and this new investment is a step forward in providing more young people with a foot on the career ladder. We know first-hand just how effective apprenticeships are for both the apprentice and employer and a skilled workforce will bring us back on track to meeting these wider ambitious targets. “However, central government must seek guidance from organisations with expertise in this field as they know how best to support the talent of tomorrow and ensure the government’s investment provides the missing link. Without the steer from those already working successfully in this area, we could see this worthwhile investment not delivered as effectively as possible and ultimately fall short of the expectations.         “Flexi-job apprenticeships are a key part of the solution, especially for SMEs. These employers often serve as the backbone of the industry, and flexi-job models provide apprentices with access to high-quality training, valuable skills, and recognised qualifications, all while offering host businesses the ability to have an apprentice for only part of their training – safeguarding the business’ through turbulent times. By focusing on this approach, we can secure the future of both our workforce and the industry, maintaining the quality and integrity of apprenticeships in construction. “Overall, it’s fantastic to see the focus on apprenticeships as a tool to deliver much-needed housing nationwide. But, the government must look at how this is already being delivered successfully and consult with the experts, to ensure it’s as impactful as possible.” To find out more about EN:Able Futures, please visit: https://www.efficiencynorth.org/en-able-futures/.       Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry Group is celebrating the launch of a new construction skills academy at its Fairways residential development in Salford, further building on its commitment to inspiring the next generation of tradespeople and addressing the industry’s skills shortfall. The Brackley Village Skills Academy has been opened in collaboration with local education and training providers to introduce learners of all ages to the skills needed to thrive in a construction career. Based within a custom-built facility at Vistry’s Fairways development in Little Hulton, the Skills Academy is expected to inspire hundreds of learners as work continues on construction of new homes on the former Brackley Golf Club site over the next two years. The Fairways will feature 345 homes: 138 available for rent and managed by Sigma, 41 will be affordable and managed by Great Places, while the remaining 166 will be marketed for sale by Countryside Homes, part of Vistry Group. The Brackley Village Skills Academy launch was attended by local dignitaries and representatives of the training and education organisations collaborating with Vistry on the initiative, including the Salford Skills and Work Board, Ionic Community Connections and Frameworks Social Enterprise CIC. According to the UK Trade Skills Index 2024, 1.3 million new recruits and 350,000 apprentices are needed in the construction sector over the next decade if it is going to keep up with targets for new homes and reach net zero targets. It is hoped that the Brackley Village Skills Academy can provide inspiration to people of all ages who are not currently in education, employment or training, or who are considering a career change. In particular, those attending the launch heard that the academy could inspire young people who missed out on periods of classroom education during the global Covid 19 pandemic. Many have found it more difficult than previous generations to set their sights on a specific career path. Officially opening Brackley Village Skills Academy, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford City Council, Cllr Tanya Burch, said it was vitally important that people seeking skills and employment can share in the opportunities presented by construction of new homes in the city. Cllr Tanya Burch, Ceremonial Mayor, Salford City Council, said: “The Brackley Village Skills Academy is a fantastic initiative that reflects the strong partnership between local education providers and the construction industry here in Salford. This academy opens doors to exciting career opportunities, ensuring that people of all ages in our city can gain the skills and confidence they need to build a brighter future for themselves and for Salford.” Joe Turner, Managing Director, Vistry Manchester and Cheshire East, said: “The Brackley Village Skills Academy can play a vital role in inspiring local people to consider a career in construction, opening the door to incredibly rewarding career opportunities and helping to alleviate the talent shortage facing the construction sector. We are incredibly grateful to the training and education partners who have been working hard with Vistry Group to make this possible.” First launched by Vistry in 2017, the Vistry Skills Academy initiative is an innovative training programme designed to encourage more people to enter construction while combating the skills shortage affecting the sector. Delivered nationwide, each Academy provides onsite training, mentoring, and skills development, creating opportunities for local people to gain work experience and vocational qualifications. Each Academy is delivered in partnership with local authorities, schools, colleges, and the local supply chain. The combined Brackley Golf Club site, which encompasses a further 345 homes to be delivered by Bellway, is poised to significantly contribute to Salford City Council’s housing targets. As well as enhanced transport connections and education provision, Vistry is investing in Amblecote playing fields – including building a new changing room facility. Furthermore, Vistry aims to enhance the public realm and contribute to off-site open spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Don’t miss out on your chance to watch the country’s top construction talent go head-to-head at the SkillBuild National Final 2024, the largest and longest-running multi-trade skills competition in the UK. The free event, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is taking place at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, from 20 – 21 November and brings to life the excitement and variety that a career in construction provides.   A total of 78 students will demonstrate their skills in ten different construction trades, including bricklaying, carpentry, and roof slating and tiling. The competitors will be expected to construct a project within an 18-hour period.  An expert panel of judges will assess them on several aspects – including technical ability, time management, problem solving, skills working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements. A winner will be crowned from each of the ten construction trades on display at the SkillBuild National Final.  Alongside the competition is the Construction Showcase, an experience hub filled with activities and demonstrations for children and young people. Brands such as Crown Paints, British Gypsum and STEMPOINT will also be delivering sessions.   Previous winners of SkillBuild and construction influencers will deliver a series of TED talks to visitors sharing their journeys and inspiring others to join construction. Attendees include Luke Mabbott, a former Love Island contestant and owner of Brotherhood Properties, a construction company which buys and renovates houses, and Charlie Collison, two-time winner of Super Trowel, a speed skimming and bricklaying competition, and construction business owner.  Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, said: “We’re really looking forward to the upcoming SkillBuild final. With CITB’s forecast indicating a need for over 250,000 new construction workers by 2028, SkillBuild is more important than ever in spotlighting the sector and the wide array of roles available within it.  “This is a critical time for skills development in construction. SkillBuild motivates newcomers, showing the immense value that trainees and apprentices bring to the industry. It’s a unique opportunity for young people to see first-hand skills in the construction industry and discover how exceptional a career in construction is. It’s also a great opportunity for those with an interest in any of the featured trades to come along, support, and learn from some of the best in the industry. I also hope the quality of work on show inspires employers to invest in apprenticeships and trainees within their own teams.  “To all our National Final competitors, we wish you the best of luck, and we look forward to celebrating your success in two weeks’ time!”  CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors and supporters of this year’s SkillBuild competition: Albion Stone, BAL Adhesives, Band of Builders, Brick Development Association, British Gypsum, Careers Wales, CITB NI, Clivedon Conservation, Crown Paints, Felder Group, Festool, FIS, Hambleside Danelaw Building Products, Institute of Carpenters, Marley, N&C Nicobond, NFRC, NSITG, Saint Gobain, Schluter, SIG Roofing, SPAX, Stone Restoration Services, TARMAC, The Tile Association, Tilgear, Weber, Wienerberger, The Worshipful Company of Masons, and The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers.  The SkillBuild National Finalists for 2024 are available here.   Tickets for the SkillBuild National Final 2024 (20-21 November 2024) are available here. The competition will be open to visitors on Wednesday 20 November 2024 and Thursday 21 November 2024 from 9am.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals