Morgan Sindall’s annual scholarship programme has welcomed 18 new undergraduates. Developed by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Quest programme aims to encourage students studying Civil Engineering to choose a career in the industry. “We’re thrilled to welcome our latest Quest scholars to the business and provide them with a
Leading online trade supplier, IronmongeryDirect are celebrating the success of their graduate management scheme. The UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery have recruited two new graduates following the continued progression of the organisation’s previous intake of newly qualified students. One of the stand out performers is Dimitra Koutsochera. Dimitra joined IronmongeryDirect
MyJobQuote, a website that allows homeowners to easily source local tradespeople, has received more than 190,000 quotes this year, generating over £220 million worth of jobs for tradespeople. It connects homeowners looking for home improvement projects to qualified, local tradespeople who are right for the job. After the users enter the details
Acclaimed North East businessman, Gary Lumby has been appointed non-executive director by Newton Aycliffe firm BTS Facades & Fabrications, to assist the company in achieving its ambitious growth plans. The well-established firm, which has worked on projects including Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium, the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon site, and student
The approval of a horticulture/landscaper supervisor apprenticeship is the latest in a suite of new standards which are revolutionising careers for the future in arboriculture, forestry horticulture and landscape industries. The new apprenticeship, announced by the arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscape apprenticeship trailblazer group will provide the technical and supervisory
Develop Training Limited (DTL), a leading provider to the utilities and construction sector, believes that apprenticeships can meet many of the challenges thrown up by falling university numbers. Many commentators have blamed high tuition fees for a growing number of young people applying for university, raising fears of a lack
MIKE TYLER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT WSP, JOINS THE BOARD – After seeking a new national board member to fulfil the role of North West Regional Director, networking group the Forum for the Built Environment (FBE) have appointed Mike Tyler of global construction consultants WSP. Tyler returns to the FBE
The construction division of The Premier Group, specialists in retail forecourts and commercial fuel installations, has appointed a new director to its board, strengthening the company’s leadership with a dedicated staff member. Shane Fairburn, new director at the construction division of The Premier Group, has worked with the Swansea-based company
BE DESIGN, the multi-disciplinary architecture and engineering practice, is rounding off the year with a series of significant new appointments, announcing seven additional members to its team. The practice celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and works across a number of sectors – from retail and leisure to residential and
Going back to work after taking time off, for whatever reason, can often be daunting. Making the transition to your old professional self, which has been on hold for so long, can make anyone feel like an impostor. If you’re in a situation where you have to find a job
Morgan Sindall’s annual scholarship programme has welcomed 18 new undergraduates. Developed by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Quest programme aims to encourage students studying Civil Engineering to choose a career in the industry. “We’re thrilled to welcome our latest Quest scholars to the business and provide them with a head-start into the industry. After 10 years of being a part of this scheme, it’s fantastic to see how Quest scholars from previous years are continuing to develop their careers with us and I wish our latest cohort well as they join the Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure family,” said Simon Smith, Morgan Sindall’s Infrastructure managing director. Over the next four years, the scholars will undertake placements around the business, while being mentored by a member of the previous Quest cohort and a chartered supervising civil engineer. “I am incredibly proud of what these young people achieve. Our Quest scheme offers scholars the opportunity to work on some exciting high-profile and major civil engineering projects across all of our sectors. They undertake highly responsible roles from their first undergraduate placements and; when they graduate they progress quickly in their early careers. I’m pleased to say that in recent years we have seen an increase in women amongst our Quest cohort where we now typically have a 50/50 representation of men and women scholars,” commented Tony O’Donnell, the company’s engineering director. Freya Buchan, Quest Scholar, also talked about his excitement to start working with Morgan Sindall and learn about the industry and its prospects. “I have been impressed by how closely they work with their Quest scholars so I’m eager to get the best out of the experience.” Applications for the 2019 Quest Scholarship open in March.
Leading online trade supplier, IronmongeryDirect are celebrating the success of their graduate management scheme. The UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery have recruited two new graduates following the continued progression of the organisation’s previous intake of newly qualified students. One of the stand out performers is Dimitra Koutsochera. Dimitra joined IronmongeryDirect in 2013 after completing an MSc in Business Management and since starting as a graduate management trainee, has gone on to be promoted to Supply Chain and Inventory Planning Manager. Dimitra identified the diversity on offer in her role and the opportunities she was provided with to realise her best strengths as the major contributing factors for excelling in the scheme. Talking about the scheme, she said: “My university course gave me the tools and introduced me to the best frameworks for me to know what it takes to perform a job well. However, you are only going to learn if someone gives you the opportunity to apply this into practice, make mistakes, and learn from them. “This is the advantage of the IronmongeryDirect graduate scheme as you have the opportunity to work in various departments, build business acumen, earn further qualifications, and at the end of it all, identify what you really enjoy doing and start a career. You understand how each department links to each other and the impact that your decisions may have. Graduate schemes give you the flexibility to choose what is best for you and your future career, compared to going down another route.” IronmongeryDirect’s latest crop of graduates include Oliver Bull and Luke Scott. Oliver graduated from the University of Warwick having completed a Masters in MSc Biotechnology, Bioprocessing and Business Management and is already immersing himself in the new role: “I have just started my first three-month project, aimed at further enhancing customer experience. I have been welcomed and already feel valued and part of the team. “IronmongeryDirect offered the perfect opportunity for me to further expand my knowledge and experience in the field. It was clear the company invests time and effort into its employees, and despite its size, has maintained a family-like business environment, which in turn, has created a thriving workplace. A wide range of personal development opportunities are also available.” Luke, who graduated with a degree in Mathematics from Loughborough University also praised the wide-ranging nature of the graduate scheme: “The most attractive feature of the scheme was the fact that I would be working in lots of different departments throughout the programme, which meant I would be getting a full scope of how the business works. “There is a great work culture here; the whole team is friendly and always ready to lend a helping hand, with everyone, including the directors, available if you need a chat! I would definitely recommend IronmongeryDirect to somebody else.” Dimitra concluded with some final advice to any aspiring graduates: “Ask questions, loads of questions as this is your opportunity to learn. Also, take any feedback on board and do not hesitate to suggest ideas or solutions. Be proactive and take your own initiative to investigate and change things for the good of the department. It’s your time to shine and give your career strong foundations so make the most of it!” IronmongeryDirect is the UK’s largest specialist ironmongery supplier, with over 16,500 products in stock, available for next day delivery.
MyJobQuote, a website that allows homeowners to easily source local tradespeople, has received more than 190,000 quotes this year, generating over £220 million worth of jobs for tradespeople. It connects homeowners looking for home improvement projects to qualified, local tradespeople who are right for the job. After the users enter the details of the job, the platform matches the customer with the right local tradesperson across 32 categories, 200 sub categories and more than 13,000 verified trades, who will then get in touch in order to complete the job. The 32 categories and 200 sub categories include, but are not limited to: bathroom, builders, carpenters & joiners, cleaners, electricians, heating engineers, kitchen, plasterers and plumbers. The platform offers complete transparency and lets homeowners find a tradesman without having to search for hours online and in the telephone book. Once trades are sourced by the site, the user is able to choose the tradesperson that is right for them. Likewise, for tradespeople and businesses, the site allows them to connect with homeowners without the need for any marketing experience. Trades are able to sign up for the site on either a pay-as-you-go basis, or through a subscription. This year alone, over 190,000 quotes have gone through the site, generating more than £220 million worth of jobs for UK-based tradespeople. Since inception, £491 million worth of jobs have been generated through the platform, £220 million of which was generated throughout 2018. “It has always been our aim to offer a service that is both transparent and useful, both for trades and homeowners, and it’s what we have achieved from all of our hard work. We’re delighted to have been able to generate over £220 million worth of jobs for trades, whilst solving so many consumers’ problems,” said Carl Meredith, spokesperson for www.MyJobQuote.co.uk. There are currently more than 13,000 verified trades signed up to the site in total. What’s more, customers are able to submit feedback following a job to help others find the right person for the job, and the average review score given to trades is 4.2/5. The site itself has an average review of ‘excellent’ on trustpilot and reviews.co.uk. Since beginning operations in 2014, MyJobQuote has received more than 471,000 quotes of Britons wanting to find a tradesman for jobs of all sizes within their home and businesses.
Acclaimed North East businessman, Gary Lumby has been appointed non-executive director by Newton Aycliffe firm BTS Facades & Fabrications, to assist the company in achieving its ambitious growth plans. The well-established firm, which has worked on projects including Tottenham Hotspurs’ new stadium, the Jaguar Land Rover Gaydon site, and student accommodation in Wembley and Coventry, met Gary at its recent open day and believed that his unique skills could offer considerable benefits. Gary works with 22 other clients across the North East and Yorkshire, adding value to the businesses and contributing to growth. His role at BTS will encompass coaching, strategic planning, and advice and he is joining the firm to help oversee plans to automate its production process and sustain its impressive growth. He said: “BTS is a fabulous company that is growing fast already and is investing heavily in automation and people. The development of its rainwater screening and facade business is fuelling that growth and I am excited to be working with the company to accelerate it even further.” BTS, which employs 49 people, has seen turnover grow from £5.3million to a forecasted £7million over the past 12 months. The company has also invested in low voltage intelligent LED lighting throughout its factory and offices, and a biomass heating system to help reduce its carbon footprint. Phil Atkinson, managing director at BTS, said: “Gary’s appointment is a real triumph for us; my mission for the business is to be one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of rainscreen systems and metal fabrications, I’d like to see turnover reach £10million in the next three to four years and I believe Gary will help us achieve that. “I’m truly passionate about BTS and I am so proud of how far we have come in such a short time. While I enjoy all aspects of my job, I think my favourite part is seeing completed jobs being installed and photos coming back. I also enjoy watching staff excel and come through the ranks. We have a great family feel within the company and it is my pleasure to be part of it and watch it grow.” For more information on BTS Facades & Fabrications, see https://btsfabrications.co.uk/ Twitter: @btsfabs
The approval of a horticulture/landscaper supervisor apprenticeship is the latest in a suite of new standards which are revolutionising careers for the future in arboriculture, forestry horticulture and landscape industries. The new apprenticeship, announced by the arboriculture, forestry, horticulture and landscape apprenticeship trailblazer group will provide the technical and supervisory skills for those who are maintaining and installing parks, gardens and commercial landscapes. This apprenticeship joins the arborist, forest operative and horticulture / landscape operative apprenticeship standards that were approved in the summer of 2017. Designed by employers working together as the trailblazer group, they contain the skills, knowledge and behaviours that will provide the industry with highly-qualified workers. All these apprenticeships contain the key practical skills required for workers in their respective roles – from tree climbing, planting and felling to soil cultivation and hard landscaping. Successful candidates must pass rigorous end tests that demonstrates they have not only reached the standards required by employers, but also that they can put their skills and knowledge together and do the job effectively. In their first year of being available for delivery, 127 candidates registered on the arborist and 507 on the horticulture / landscape operative apprenticeships. This represents a solid start for these new programmes and the trailblazer group is committed to working with training and assessment providers to make these programmes successful. The employers in the trailblazer group are now discussing future applications for further apprenticeship standards, based on the findings of a recent survey of relevant businesses. Bartlett Tree Experts has stepped down as the lead employer for the trailblazer group and we would like to thank them for their tireless leadership throughout the project. They remain Chair of the arboriculture sub-group and are succeeded by Ground Control Ltd, who have been Chairing the horticulture sub-group since the start in 2014. This work would not have been possible without the hard work, investment and persistence of employers and trade organisations from the industries concerned, which shows how important it is that we work together to ensure the supply of skilled and motivated new entrants to our respective sectors.
Develop Training Limited (DTL), a leading provider to the utilities and construction sector, believes that apprenticeships can meet many of the challenges thrown up by falling university numbers. Many commentators have blamed high tuition fees for a growing number of young people applying for university, raising fears of a lack of social mobility. But DTL points out that school leavers give other reasons too, including that they don’t enjoy studying or don’t think they have the necessary academic skills for university. The training company says that apprenticeships have the capability, not just to provide an alternative to university but also to address the wider issues. “Instead of racking up student debt, apprentices earn while they learn, and apprenticeships provide other ways of learning for those who aren’t suited to academia. At DTL, we specialise in practical training for high earning roles in utilities and construction. Yes, there is an element of classroom learning but for most of our apprenticeships, the focus is on learning through well-supervised, genuine on-the-job experience,” said Operations Director, John Kerr. Mr Kerr argued that apprenticeships can also generate social mobility, even beyond what might be expected from gaining a practical qualification and a well-paid job. “As an organisation that believes in providing a holistic educational experience, we support many young people who have fallen behind with academic learning,” he explained. Crucially, he points out, that includes ensuring that apprentices attain satisfactory levels of literacy and numeracy. Ensuring students attain a set level of literacy and numeracy is a requirement made of apprenticeship providers by the educational watchdog Ofsted, and DTL has invested in technology and teaching to ensure that apprentices reach the levels they need, not just to attain their qualification but also to equip them for life. “Clearly, people who have poor literacy or numeracy, or both, are going to be disadvantaged. This is a significant step in giving them social mobility,” said Mr Kerr. With these crucial core skills and the confidence of having completed an apprenticeship, they might well go on to get a university degree or similar-level qualification, he points out. “For us at DTL, this is much more than a question of meeting the requirements of the regulator. You can see this in our response to another Ofsted instruction. We have pioneered the introduction of safeguarding, ensuring that young people are safe in the workplace and the training environment,” he added. DTL’s latest Industry Skills Forum on the subject brought together leading figures in HR in the utilities and construction sector, to discuss safeguarding and the government’s Prevent initiative, which requires education providers to play their part in ensuring young people aren’t recruited into extremism. As an approved provider under the apprenticeship levy scheme, DTL says its customers expect it to deliver well-trained individuals, capable of carrying out their roles effectively and safely. This is particularly important when those roles are often in potentially hazardous environments in the gas, electricity, water and construction industries. “Our first duty is to the apprentices themselves, and we believe that ensuring their safety is paramount. By also ensuring they have those core literacy and numeracy skills, we add value to the opportunities created by their apprenticeship,” John Kerr concluded.
MIKE TYLER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT WSP, JOINS THE BOARD – After seeking a new national board member to fulfil the role of North West Regional Director, networking group the Forum for the Built Environment (FBE) have appointed Mike Tyler of global construction consultants WSP. Tyler returns to the FBE following a brief spell away to focus on his family commitments. He was previously involved with the FBE Manchester group, utilising his extensive experience of dealing with the Public Sector. As Regional Director, Tyler will be supporting and advising the Lancashire, Liverpool and Manchester FBE branches, as well as giving North West members a voice on the larger, national stage by feeding back to the wider group. One of his key aims will be to engage with potential speakers, and drive attendance to the FBE’s fantastic range of events in the North West. Of his appointment, Tyler said: “I am thrilled to be asked to join the board, particularly at such an exciting time for the region with businesses thriving and expanding in the North West. I can’t wait to work alongside the existing board members to help the FBE keep moving forward and cement our status as the go-to national networking group for the construction industry.” David Jones, National Chairman of the FBE, added: “Mike is a fantastic addition to the FBE Board. His experience in the sector as well as his knowledge of Manchester and the North West made him an obvious choice for the appointment.” The Liverpool and Manchester branches are already collaborating on upcoming events, including a breakfast celebrating the achievements of the whole North West region to be held in Chester on the 9th January.
The construction division of The Premier Group, specialists in retail forecourts and commercial fuel installations, has appointed a new director to its board, strengthening the company’s leadership with a dedicated staff member. Shane Fairburn, new director at the construction division of The Premier Group, has worked with the Swansea-based company since June 2014. He has undertaken various roles during his time with the company including project manager, head of major works and most recently, head of contracts. Fairburn’s promotion to director has been in recognition of the integral part he plays within the business. His outstanding enthusiasm, contribution and commitment to his role will be invaluable to the company’s board. His dedication to The Premier Group will also enable the company to capture and implement the vision of the next generation into the future strategy of the business. One of The Premier Group’s core values is ‘people’, which enables the business to focus on recognising, rewarding and promoting its employees. Fairburn’s invitation to become a director is testament to this, showing the company’s commitment to recognising and rewarding its employees for their hard work and dedication to the company. Steve Evans, managing director of the construction division of The Premier Group, said: “Shane’s appointment to the board is recognition of his hard work and commitment to the business and I am personally thankful for the support he has given me over the last few years. I have worked with Shane since he first joined the business and have seen first-hand his development into his role. He has been a huge inspiration to others through leading and developing his own team. It has been a true pleasure to witness Shane’s progress and I look forward to him being a valuable member of the board.” Shane Fairburn, director at the construction division of The Premier Group, added: “I am thrilled to have been invited to join the board of The Premier Group and am thankful to the team for all their support and guidance over the years. The company has always been incredibly supportive of each employee’s development and this promotion just shows how hard work is recognised and rewarded. I am keen to begin my journey as a director and contribute beneficial insights to our strategy going forward.” The Premier Group is a leading UK independent fuel engineering company that operates as two main divisions: construction and maintenance. The company works with many major national brands, including BP, Esso, Shell, MFG, MRH, Rontec, Asda and Tesco.
BE DESIGN, the multi-disciplinary architecture and engineering practice, is rounding off the year with a series of significant new appointments, announcing seven additional members to its team. The practice celebrated its fifth anniversary this year and works across a number of sectors – from retail and leisure to residential and industrial – designing projects across the UK and throughout Europe. A number of appointments have been made to the technical team, including Adam Hancocks, who brings 12 years’ experience to his new role as principal engineer. He will be working on the development of Grantham Designer Outlet Village and various international projects. Speaking of his new role, Adam said; “Having worked in the industry in the East Midlands since graduating, I’m really pleased to be staying in the region and joining the BE Design family. I’m looking forward to getting to know my clients, understanding their projects and applying my technical skills to solve problems and deliver high-quality buildings with a variety of end uses. “One thing that really drew me to the company was the friendly environment and focus on training and development, and I’m looking forward to furthering not only my own development, but that of other team members through mentoring.” Joining Adam will be: Tim Wallis, senior engineering BIM technician; Sam Johnson, engineering BIM technician; Sophie Hayes and Will Turner, junior BIM technicians and Su Ford, administration assistant. Katie Barnes also joins the team as an architectural placement student from Newcastle University. Stephen Oakden, director at BE Design said: “At BE Design, we know that the people in our practice are the key to our success as a business. With their passion, and the support of our development programmes, we work together as a close-knit team to ensure that our clients receive service that exceeds their expectations every time. “We recently announced a raft of internal promotions, and we’re thrilled to be following that with this boost of new staff throughout the technical and support teams. Myself and the wider team look forward to working alongside this talented influx of new staff and wish them all the best in their new roles.” Find out more about BE Design at www.bedesign.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter @B_E_Design.
Going back to work after taking time off, for whatever reason, can often be daunting. Making the transition to your old professional self, which has been on hold for so long, can make anyone feel like an impostor. If you’re in a situation where you have to find a job first, then it’s even more difficult as the inevitable worry of how to explain the long break surfaces. Whatever the circumstances surrounding your absence from work, there are some steps you can take to make the transition easier. Below we have created some helpful points to consider before returning to work. Reconnect with Your Professional Self Working, even part time, usually comes with a routine but taking a break from this can mean slipping into late nights and even later wake up times. Start by building up a routine again, rising at the same time every day and getting dressed in comfortable but smart clothing. If you need to find a job then treat this as your main activity, dedicate morning hours, broken up with a lunch hour, before completing the search in the afternoon. Update you CV and take a look at your LinkedIn profile, ensuring that it’s looking good. Reconnecting with some former colleagues is also a good idea whether you’re searching for employment or getting ready to make a return to work. You’ll ease yourself, get some helpful information and open yourself up to professional opportunities. Manage Expectations Once you’re back at work, it’s important to manage your manager’s and your own expectation regarding how fast you’ll be able to catch up. Ask for a meeting with your manager and have an honest conversation about what you need to get back into the swing of things. Doing so will ease a lot of the anxiety surrounding being at work and feeling out of the loop. Perhaps it may be useful for you to shadow a colleague, spending a week taking notes and acclimatising to the office. Don’t be afraid to be honest (though always professional), it will demonstrate good judgement and your ability to prioritise, coupled with a willingness to be a great employee. Be Prepared to Explain Your Career Break People are naturally curious; whether you’re returning to your previous office or joining a new one, be prepared to get a lot of questions about your break and previous jobs. You don’t have to disclose anything you’re not comfortable with – take a few moments to think of what you might reply with, so you’re not caught out without anything to say. It can even be a polite ‘I hope you’ll understand but I don’t feel comfortable discussing this’ alongside a smile and people will leave you alone. Otherwise, keep your answers brief to start until you establish more of a connection with your colleagues. It’s natural to feel anxious about returning to work following a career break. Remember, there are multiple resources out there available to help you make the transition. One great place to visit if Randstad’s Returning to Work hub, featuring stories and advice from people who have done it before.
