Nottinghamshire and London-based landscape architect Influence has bolstered its team with the appointment of Olli Wheeler as senior landscape architect. Influence provides specialist landscape architecture, urban design, environment planning and expert witness – and alongside the Wildlife Trust – is the practice behind the bold green vision for Nottingham’s now
Students from Borders College paid a visit to the doctor’s recently, to learn more about how properties can be re-purposed and retrofitted with new technology, such as ground source heating systems, to significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint. The vacant medical centre in Yetholm, Scottish Borders, which is being converted
Today’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) 2021-2025 report from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) forecasts that the UK’s construction output will return to pre-Covid-19 levels in 2022, requiring the construction sector to recruit an extra 217,000 workers by 2025, or over 43,000 per year, in order to satisfy this level
Leading regeneration firm Urban Union has strengthened its Glasgow-based team with four new appointments, as it continues to transform communities across Scotland. Daniel MacDonald, Claire Ferris, Ashleigh Donnelly and Chloe Paterson will join Urban Union’s head office in Glasgow across the firm’s technical, commercial, finance and customer service departments respectively.
A new academy for training engineers and leaders of today and tomorrow has been delivered using cutting-edge modular building methods. Integra Buildings, one of the UK’s leading modular construction specialists, has completed the development for Severn Trent Water, which serves eight million people across the Midlands. Staff from both companies
Operator training can save on costs, increase productivity and maximise site safety, all for less than one per cent of the cost of the equipment. So, how do you find out what training is available so that you can choose the right course? Here Ian Barnes, Head of Business at
Marco Verdonkschot, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “Over the last few months, there have been small signs of recovery for the construction industry, but the latest ONS data is the strongest indication yet that the sector is truly getting back on its feet. “The number of employed construction workers rose by
Award-winning Yorkshire housebuilder Ilke Homes has partnered with national training provider Code for a major apprenticeship programme to develop its workforce. Ilke Homes is expanding its Knaresborough-based operation with the addition of 30 apprentices, and the company is currently recruiting for its next intake of production team members. The firm,
Eddie Higgins joins to manage major speculative logistics development scheme at Bellshill. Knight Property Group has expanded its project management team with the appointment of Eddie Higgins as Construction Project Manager. Eddie brings around 26 years site engineering and project management experience with leading companies within the Scottish construction sector,
Bermondsey residents were invited to learn more about free construction training opportunities at an Open Day on the site of the former Thorowgoods department store on Southwark Park Road. Local people who may have recently been made redundant, are looking to retrain, return to work following furlough or just an
Nottinghamshire and London-based landscape architect Influence has bolstered its team with the appointment of Olli Wheeler as senior landscape architect. Influence provides specialist landscape architecture, urban design, environment planning and expert witness – and alongside the Wildlife Trust – is the practice behind the bold green vision for Nottingham’s now redundant Broadmarsh which was shared last year and achieved national acclaim. A chartered member of the Landscape Institute, Olli will work alongside the established team delivering landscape planning and design projects at the Newark practice and will undertake Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA) and produce technical planning reports. Previously based at a large multi-disciplinary environmental planning consultancy, Olli brings seven years of industry experience to Influence, having started as a landscape designer in Sydney, Australia. Since then, he has completed an MA in Landscape Architecture, gained professional Chartership (CMLI) status and worked for several respected firms in the industry. At Influence, Olli will be delivering a wide range of projects from strategic land developments through to single dwellings in the countryside. Olli will increase Influence’s ability to deliver projects from pre-planning right through to construction and maintenance. On his new appointment, Olli said: “I’m really pleased to start my new role at Influence and have the opportunity to continue my career at such a well-respected and popular practice. “Its strong reputation locally and nationally appealed to me greatly and its healthy mix of public and private work was of interest as I enjoy the variety. “I look forward to bringing both my planning and design skillset to this very friendly, and skilled team and gain more experience within the Midlands.” Sara Boland, managing director at Influence, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Olli to our team. His unique expertise and specialised knowledge make him a great asset to our practice. “Olli joins us at an exciting time and will work alongside myself and the senior team on landscape design and planning projects here in Nottinghamshire and around the country.” Influence covers a wide scope of services including tall building assessment work in London and has recently worked alongside teams of highly experienced industry professionals to bring about the Boston Barrier tidal flood risk management project in Lincolnshire and provide landscape and concept design services to the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone.
Students from Borders College paid a visit to the doctor’s recently, to learn more about how properties can be re-purposed and retrofitted with new technology, such as ground source heating systems, to significantly reduce a building’s carbon footprint. The vacant medical centre in Yetholm, Scottish Borders, which is being converted into a residential property, is owned by local housing association, the Eildon Group. The conversion is an example of the type of project the organisation is working on to develop a low carbon property portfolio. Commenting on the need to lower the carbon footprint within housing, Chief Executive Officer of the Eildon Group, Nile Istephan, said “Building new homes and adapting our existing homes to meet carbon reduction targets is a major challenge, but also a massive opportunity. By working together across the Scottish Borders with partner organisations, not only can we play our part in slowing the impact of climate change, we can also make great strides towards a zero carbon economy” The Eildon Group, in partnership with Borders College and Scottish Borders Council, recently hosted a Sustainability Summit where a variety of public and third sector organisations were joined by private sector businesses, to discuss how to better work together to achieve net zero targets within the housing sector. The aim of the Summit was to use the affordable housing sector as a catalyst to reshape the supply chain and the workforce response, to low carbon across the board within housing. The Sustainability Summit included keynote presentations by representatives from Northern Powerhomes and Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, both of whom covered examples of sustainable work in practice and future development opportunities. Identifying and addressing the skills gap in sustainable new builds and retrofitting existing stock to become low carbon, was discussed at the Summit. Borders College, who recently launched their Sustainability Strategy, confirmed their commitment to continue to develop and deliver the skills that address the needs of the construction industry, and ensure there is an adequate workforce pipeline to meet the demand now, and in the future. Angela Cox, Principal of Borders College said: “Borders College have been at the forefront in responding to the training needs of the construction sector. Our investment in sustainability technologies, hosted in our Hawick STEM and Passive House facility, and in the development of programmes designed to upskill the current and future workforce, mean that we are ready to build on the valuable partnerships we already have with Eildon Housing, other RSLs and Scottish Borders Council in response to the collective challenge we have in achieving net zero.” Councillor Sandy Aitchison, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Sustainable Development, said: “The future of the Scottish Borders truly depends on us all making strides towards reaching net zero and many job and economic opportunities will be connected to this. “The Council will shortly set out it’s Climate Change Route Map which will outline various milestones and actions emphasising that we will all need play our part in to tackle the climate emergency.” An outcome of the Summit was acknowledgement of the positive work being carried out across the South of Scotland, and the clear focus by many organisations to place achieving net zero at the forefront of their future plans. Further events are planned in order to consolidate the work, with the three partners taking a ‘stronger together’ approach in dealing with the climate emergency.
Today’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) 2021-2025 report from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) forecasts that the UK’s construction output will return to pre-Covid-19 levels in 2022, requiring the construction sector to recruit an extra 217,000 workers by 2025, or over 43,000 per year, in order to satisfy this level of demand. According to the report, most English regions will experience an increase in demand for construction workers by 2025, with East Midlands (1.7 per cent) and West Midlands (1.4 per cent) set to lead demand. The most in-demand trades are forecast to be in wood trades and fit-out, with 5,500 roles needed per year. Other construction professionals and technical staff require around 5,150 roles a year and construction managers are also in demand, needing 3,600 a year. The CSN report highlights a pattern of stronger workforce growth in professional occupations compared with the trades in recent years, suggesting that this is set to continue as modernisation and automation becomes the norm. Additionally, the report predicts a growth in repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) work, as calls increase for the retrofitting of the existing building stock to form a key part of the UK’s framework to reach net zero. Commenting on the findings, Hew Edgar, Associate Director of Policy at CIOB, said: “Early on in the Covid-19 pandemic, we witnessed significant growth in online learning and new entrants keen to gain professional accreditation, with an 18 per cent increase on the previous year of 1,712 new members. However, as the industry has returned to work in larger numbers, we have noted that members have instead focused on traditional training and CPD in topics such as cost management, project management and health and safety. Our training figures also support the CSN’s findings around growth in sustainability and RMI, with many CIOB members preparing for a surge in work in energy efficiency.” The CSN report can be accessed here.
Leading regeneration firm Urban Union has strengthened its Glasgow-based team with four new appointments, as it continues to transform communities across Scotland. Daniel MacDonald, Claire Ferris, Ashleigh Donnelly and Chloe Paterson will join Urban Union’s head office in Glasgow across the firm’s technical, commercial, finance and customer service departments respectively. Daniel MacDonald has joined the company as a design engineer. He has close to 10 years’ experience in civil engineering, having previously worked in a similar role for Robertson Partnership Homes. Claire Ferris, who previously worked for Allan Waters Developments and CALA Homes East, has taken up the position of quantity surveyor. Ashleigh Donnelly has taken on the role of finance manager, bringing with her over 10 years’ experience. Chloe Paterson, who is also a qualified plumber and gas engineer, has joined the customer care team as customer care advisor. Speaking of the new appointments, Neil McKay, managing director, Urban Union said: “We are pleased to welcome Daniel, Claire, Ashleigh and Chloe to the business at a time when Urban Union is at a key stage in our development. “They bring with them strong experience and skills, and as we are a business with a bright future, we’re confident that their expertise will play a significant role in our continued growth.” Urban Union currently has three active developments in Scotland: Laurieston Living and Pollokshaws Living in Glasgow and Pennywell Living in Edinburgh. For more information visit: https://www.urbanunionltd.co.uk/
A new academy for training engineers and leaders of today and tomorrow has been delivered using cutting-edge modular building methods. Integra Buildings, one of the UK’s leading modular construction specialists, has completed the development for Severn Trent Water, which serves eight million people across the Midlands. Staff from both companies came together for a celebratory event to mark the launch of the Severn Trent Academy, which was officially opened by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month. It provides a purpose-built centre of excellence for technical training on a new flagship campus in Coventry, as part of Severn Trent’s wider £10m investment in skills and training. The versatile facilities provide a variety of traditional and experimental training environments, from hands-on areas designed to replicate Severn Trent’s working environments, to use of the latest technologies in virtual reality and “network simulation” computer modelling. The energy-efficient building, which will meet Severn Trent’s present and future training needs, also houses an extensive suite of stylish rooms and breakout areas for hosting conferences and educational events. It will offer a wide range of development opportunities for Severn Trent’s 7,000 staff, including apprentices, as well as members of the wider community, who will have a chance to gain valuable employability skills and training. The facilities will also benefit 500 young people to be employed by Severn Trent over the next year under the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, which creates six-month paid work placements for 16-24-year-olds at risk of long-term unemployment. East Yorkshire-based Integra completed the development in just 12 months from the design stage to handing over the keys, despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic. The building is a prime example of how modern modular techniques are transforming the construction sector by delivering major projects faster and more efficiently than traditional methods, without compromising on quality. The Prime Minister took a tour of the new building and described Severn Trent’s training programme as “world class”. He added: “This brilliant academy will support thousands of people in the West Midlands to gain the skills they need to secure long-term jobs and to take a step towards brighter futures.” Integra Managing Director Gary Parker said: “We’re delighted that the Prime Minister has praised the new academy, which looks superb inside and out. Working closely with Severn Trent, our team has delivered a first-class training environment with cutting-edge facilities. “It’s a great example of how our innovative approach to bespoke modular building allows us to meet even the most challenging design briefs while delivering faster and more cost-effective results for the client. “To do that while dealing with the challenges of Covid, especially during the uncertainty of the first lockdown, represents an outstanding achievement by our team, partners and suppliers.” Severn Trent Construction Project Manager Zoe McPhilbin said: “It was great to work with Integra in helping us create our new academy that will be so valuable in providing skills and opportunities for our people and communities. “The design aspirations for our academy have been met in full, which clearly demonstrates how Integra shared the same values and ambitions as ourselves on delivering such an amazing space in which to learn.” East Yorkshire-based Integra designed and manufactured the building, which has a floorspace of 22,600 sq ft (2,100 sq m), at its site near Hull. The facility is made up of 45 modular units, which were transported by articulated lorry to Coventry, before being assembled on Severn Trent’s site on the outskirts of the city. Integra has developed a nationwide reputation for excellence in the design, construction and fit-out of modular buildings for a wide range of uses, including education, sport, leisure, healthcare and commercial operations.
Operator training can save on costs, increase productivity and maximise site safety, all for less than one per cent of the cost of the equipment. So, how do you find out what training is available so that you can choose the right course? Here Ian Barnes, Head of Business at SITECH UK & Ireland, explains how site managers can get the most from their equipment by training their workforce. To get the maximum return on investment, it is important for construction companies to select the right equipment for the job and for machine operators to understand how to use it in the most efficient way. If operators have the necessary training behind them, they will be able to understand the equipment’s benefits and limitations, work safely and achieve the desired results more quickly and with minimal errors. Investing in the correct initial training allows site managers to lay a solid foundation of knowledge across the entire workforce. Operators can look to industry experts for training support to gradually build employee’s skills and help unlock the full operating potential of the machinery. As well as better use of equipment, training can help employees pick up new digital and software skills. Choosing your training Understanding the needs of operators and their roles can help site managers plan employee training sessions. For example, if the site manager becomes aware that the team is not using an excavator’s in-built technology to its full potential, they can bring experts into the company to train the staff the specific issue, whether this is to engage automatic functions, or how to calibrate the machine for different types of material. Training provides operators with more experience using guidance software, such as Trimble® Earthworks, to control the excavator boom, stick and bucket in a smooth and efficient motion. Therefore, they can apply this knowledge to accurately achieve a consistent grade in much less time than beforehand, increasing productivity and boosting the business’s return on investment. The future of training Looking ahead, it is important that essential workers get hands-on training safely, so they can get to grips with any new equipment they are required to use. As restrictions lift, we will see training group sizes slowly increase, but we also predict a longer-term shift in how businesses want training delivered. Some construction businesses prefer the convenience of instructors going to their sites or offices to train their employees, rather than sending them to dedicated centres. However, many businesses enjoy the enhanced experience of attending a training facility, such as SITECH’s new venue in Norton Canes. Centres like this offer different training systems, such as the Tenstar simulation, which allows operators to see and feel how the excavation equipment works in a classroom environment before they set foot in an expensive piece of equipment. The best training approach depends on the technology, application and team. However, in future, training companies may have to be more flexible in their offering to meet the preferences of individual customers. As more companies begin to use advanced technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) cameras and automated mapping, we can also expect to see a host of new training techniques emerge. Being fully trained to use digital technology can give operators a better understanding of the work in-hand, while enabling them to benefit from improved communication between the site and office. Ensuring that operators are fully trained and can use their construction technology and equipment to its full potential will enable site managers to boost project productivity and get the most out of their equipment. SITECH has many experienced Trimble certified trainers with an expert level of product knowledge in Earthworks and GCS900. SITECH can tailor any course to suit the specific requirements of the learner and business, so get in touch to tell us about your specific training needs https://www.sitechukandireland.com/sitech-academy.
Marco Verdonkschot, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “Over the last few months, there have been small signs of recovery for the construction industry, but the latest ONS data is the strongest indication yet that the sector is truly getting back on its feet. “The number of employed construction workers rose by 15,000 between January and March to 2.155 million and this is the first time the industry has seen an increase since the equivalent period two years ago in 2019. “This was mainly driven by a staggering 9% increase in the number of women employed in UK construction, with the number rising to 309,000. “Accordingly, the number of unemployed construction workers fell by 10,000 over the quarter to 62,000, which is the lowest figure since May-July 2020. This is still higher than pre-Covid levels, but things are certainly going in the right direction. “For those who are working, job security and stability seem to be improving too. Redundancies fell by over 20% to just 7,000 – the lowest amount since April-June last year – and the average number of hours worked each week increased by two to 34.3. While still down year-on-year, this is the highest average in four months. “This uplift has led to an increase in earnings. Average weekly income for construction workers grew by £34 to £676 in March, which is the single biggest monthly increase in two years, since March 2019. “It would be naive to say that the industry is back to normal, with many of the figures yet to return to the levels we saw before the pandemic, but the data shows that in many areas, things are looking up for UK construction, and long may that continue.” For more information on IronmongeryDirect, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/
Award-winning Yorkshire housebuilder Ilke Homes has partnered with national training provider Code for a major apprenticeship programme to develop its workforce. Ilke Homes is expanding its Knaresborough-based operation with the addition of 30 apprentices, and the company is currently recruiting for its next intake of production team members. The firm, which builds zero-carbon modular houses and apartments, has teamed up with Code, a national digital skills training academy based in Sunderland, which delivers apprenticeship schemes for a range of employers. It specialises in training solutions around digital skills, such as digital support technicians, cyber security technologists, software developers and network engineers. With monthly starts available from May through to July, successful applicants for the Ilke Homes scheme will be enrolled upon a 12-month recognised training and development programme. Once training is completed, apprentices can expect a permanent position with a salary of around £22,000-per-year, plus associated benefits. Code works with companies of all sizes based throughout England to upskill their staff, supporting firms to find the best way to use their Apprenticeship Levy – a government scheme introduced in 2017. Employers can benefit from current government incentives of £3,000 per new apprentice start, and will have access to funding available to offset the costs associated with training their apprentices through recognised training provider Code. Code is the apprenticeships division of Rebuyer, which works with companies across the UK to recycle their old IT equipment to protect the environment and support families who don’t have access to laptops, tablets or PCs. Simon Howatson, chief executive of Code digital skills academy, said: “Companies are increasingly recognising the value of apprenticeship programmes to upskill their workforces. “Apprenticeships are a great way for people to learn vital new skills, and they are rewarding for businesses – leading to greater productivity and allowing firms to expand their operations. “As an employer, you can also get funding from the government to help pay for apprenticeship training. “We’re proud to have partnered with Ilke Homes and look forward to helping equip their workforce with the skills of the future.” Julia Norton, head of human resources at Ilke Homes, said: “We here at Ilke Homes are delighted to partner with Code in order to bring our current recruitment drive to life. “We see apprenticeships as an integral component of our expansion plan for 2021, starting with the introduction of apprentices to our core roles within the production and manufacturing team. “We are proud of both our product and our people; with our homes being built to the highest quality and specification. “I am confident that our apprentices will bring with them a wide range of skills and behaviours needed to drive the business, and operation, forward into the future – being efficient, effective and strengthening our already industry award-winning processes.”
Eddie Higgins joins to manage major speculative logistics development scheme at Bellshill. Knight Property Group has expanded its project management team with the appointment of Eddie Higgins as Construction Project Manager. Eddie brings around 26 years site engineering and project management experience with leading companies within the Scottish construction sector, including Ogilvie Construction and Stewart Milne. He will operate from the firm’s Edinburgh office and manage developments in the central belt of Scotland with initial focus being the development of Belgrave Logistics Park, the 14-acre former Devro site in Bellshill, which was acquired by Knight at the start of this year. His role will involve overseeing and managing the entire flagship 250,000 sq ft speculative development project, working closely with the design team and principal contractor. Site preparation is currently ongoing, with planning being submitted in June. Site works are scheduled to commence in September with completion in Spring 2020. Howard Crawshaw, Director of Knight Property Group said: “Eddie is a valuable addition to our experienced project management team and brings with him a wealth of experience in the construction sector. He is well respected and will add another dimension to our existing team given his background and many years of engineering expertise. He will manage the Bellshill project from the front-end to completion, bringing a specialism that will add real value and foster collaboration between the members of that team.” Eddie Higgins added: “I’m excited to be joining Knight and was impressed by the positive ambition of the company, along with the supportive and refreshing ethos. Belgrave Logistics Park is a major development project and my contracting background will be of benefit in ensuring that we deliver a successful project to bring to the Scottish logistics and industrial market next year.” The 47-year old is married with two children and lives in Perth.
Bermondsey residents were invited to learn more about free construction training opportunities at an Open Day on the site of the former Thorowgoods department store on Southwark Park Road. Local people who may have recently been made redundant, are looking to retrain, return to work following furlough or just an extended work break were invited to come along to find out about the training available. Up to 500 Bermondsey residents were offered free construction and digital skills training at the Southwark Construction Skills Centre for the coming months, thanks to a partnership between The Skills Centre, The Blue Bermondsey, Big Local Works and Southwark Council. Those taking part in the training will have direct access to job opportunities at the £500 million redevelopment of the former Peek Frean biscuit factory, as well as at ongoing works at Canada Water and Old Kent Road developments. “Here at SCSC, we have trained hundreds of people from all over London since opening in 2016, and have helped them start their new careers in construction,” said John White MBE, Director of Southwark Construction Skills Centre (SCSC). “With so many big construction projects going on in and around Southwark at the moment, we think it’s important that the local community benefits from these job opportunities as much as possible and so we are looking to help secure local training and jobs, for local people. The range of opportunities in construction may surprise some people – come along to find out. No previous experience is required as we have a programme of pre-employability training to get people started on their new career in construction.” The Southwark Construction Skills Centre also includes a community digital classroom at the site of former high street department store Thorowgoods on Southwark Park Road. This facility will be open to all Southwark residents and offer digital skills training, again to help those who might find themselves out of work because of the pandemic, or in need of digital refresher courses.
