Business : Training & Skills News

Oceanair Appoints New Managing Director

Oceanair Marine Ltd has appointed Justine Heeley as the new Managing Director starting from the 18th of June 2018. Justine brings with her a vast experience of handling executive positions within the Marine Industry. She was formerly CEO of Orolio UK (part of the McMurdo Group), prior to this she

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New Appointment at Higgs & Sons

Rachael Hobbis, who worked with national law firm Shakespeare Martineau for ten years, has been appointed by Brierley Hill-based solicitor Higgs & Sons as its specialist construction Partner. This move is part of the firm’s plan to unite its commercial and residential property teams under a single umbrella, creating one

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The Construction Skills Fund Has Been Launched

The latest attempt to ease the construction industry’s skills shortages saw the launch of a £22 million boost for on-site construction training. First unveiled during Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Spring Statement in March, The Construction Skills Fund will help fund 20 ‘skills villages’ where training hubs are set-up alongside live construction

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Milestone for PlanBEE Training Scheme

The first students to graduate from PlanBEE scheme, an innovative training programme designed to tackle construction skills shortage, have all secured full-time positions in the industry. They received offers from some of the sector’s leading companies, such as Bowmer & Kirkland, 3E Consulting, Sir Robert McAlpine, Ryder Architecture, Patrick Parsons,

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R G Carter Offers Valuable Experience to Students

R G Carter, a construction firm, will be holding a series of site visits for the construction students from the University of Bedfordshire so that they can gain further insight into the industry. Currently, the company is building a new four-storey STEM teaching space at the University’s Luton campus, which

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Business : Training & Skills News

Leonard Design Architects Starts Partnership with University of Nottingham

Leonard Design Architects and the University of Nottingham (UoN) have started a new partnership to improve research and development in the architectural sector. The initiative is a first of its kind and it will allow students at the UoN’s school of architecture to work directly with local firms to produce cutting edge industry-based research. As part of the Collaborative Practice Part 2 course at the University, students Jessica Tyson and Laura Cushnie will be employed by Leonard Design Architects over the next year to produce a piece of critical research that will help with the development of the business and its relationships with its clients. “We are extremely excited to launch our very own research team at Leonard Design. This is a long-term relationship that we see only strengthening over the years as students at the University of Nottingham will be able to undertake practice-based research that benefits both Leonard Design and the wider sector. By working directly with our clients, Laura and Jess will have the opportunity to produce innovative industry-led research as demand for more R&D in the sector grows,” said John Morgan, director of Leonard Design Architects. The research that both students explore will influence live industry projects – this could include anything from the impact of temporary spaces such as pop up shops and street food on public realm to the growth of the retail experience and how retailers are merging online and offline. This is an exciting opportunity to continue working with an award-winning global architectural practice. I will work out of the Nottingham office for two and a half days per week for the first year of the two-year course allowing me to gain hands-on experience and produce a piece of independent research for the company that will count towards university credits,” said Jess Tyson, an architect assistant at Leonard Design Architects and University of Nottingham student. “This is a completely new route into industry. Jess and I hope to make a real difference to the business and wider sector with our research and this new way of studying will allow us to continue working on-site and directly with clients gaining valuable experience. It really helps that the senior management team at Leonard Design are forward-thinking and extremely supportive,” said Laura Cushnie, also an architect assistant at Leonard Design Architects who will be undertaking the Collaborative Practice Part 2 course at the University of Nottingham.

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Oceanair Appoints New Managing Director

Oceanair Marine Ltd has appointed Justine Heeley as the new Managing Director starting from the 18th of June 2018. Justine brings with her a vast experience of handling executive positions within the Marine Industry. She was formerly CEO of Orolio UK (part of the McMurdo Group), prior to this she was Managing Director of Drew Marine Signal & Safety and formerly Managing Director of Chemring Marine. “I have always admired Oceanair as a company that continues to show solid growth and pushes the boundaries of design and manufacturing. As part of Dometic, I am looking forward to taking the business to the next level, delivering quality, value and prosperity to our customers, shareholders and staff,” commented Justine on her appointment. Justine is the successor of Andy FitzGerald – the founder of Ocean Marine Ltd. During its 28 years of existence, Oceanair has always strived to deliver high-end customer satisfaction by designing and manufacturing elegant solutions to the world’s leading production boat builders, superyachts, luxury properties, commercial and RV market. “The appointment of Justine is an exciting next chapter for Oceanair, we are all looking forward to working with her. We will benefit from the knowledge and expertise she has gained throughout her career; this will be pivotal in ensuring we continue our journey of growth and expansion,” said Donna Wearn, Group Human Resources Director. Founded in 1990, Oceanair Marine Limited continues to be the world’s leading supplier of blinds, shades, screens, and soft furnishings in the marine market. A sustained commitment to excellence has been recognised with no less than three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International trade. Oceanair products are exported to over 37 countries, supplying internationally renowned brands. 25 years on, the company now supplies Leisure marine, Superyacht, Residential, Commercial and RV sectors. The Oceanair range includes systems for windows, hatches, portlights and doors. In addition, a range of soft furnishing products (curtains, cushions, upholstery, bedspreads and throws) are available for any interior. Oceanair products are designed and manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in Selsey, UK or in the United States office, manufacturing and distribution facility.

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Tradespeople shake off stereotypes by choosing work over World Cup

For years, tradespeople have been unfairly tarnished with the reputation for prioritising football over work. Many members of the public see them as being a bit too eager to down tools and head to the nearest big screen. Nearly 20 million viewers tuned in to watch England in their first world cup match on Monday 18th June, however, it is the daytime games that will put loyalties to the test in a clash of the World Cup vs work. However, recent research shows that 75% of tradespeople, including builders, carpenters and joiners, will always choose work over football if the two ever conflicted.  According to a poll of more than 1,000 IronmongeryDirect customers, the vast majority of tradespeople claimed they would never consider skipping work to watch their team or the World Cup. Many poll participants are planning when and where they will be watching their team – but outside of work. If they were to ‘pull a sickie’ to watch their team play during the day, tradespeople offered some of the best excuses they would give, with the more elaborate ones including: “I’ve been called up as a late replacement by Gareth Southgate” “My boyfriend’s in labour.” “I’ve got soap in my eyes and can’t find a towel.” “I’ve been delayed at the airport on holiday…in Scarborough.” “My Auntie’s Gerbil is about to give birth and I’m the nominated birthing partner.” Some of the more convincing examples included: “I have a dentist appointment.” “The children are poorly.” “I’ve got the flu.” Employers are recognising that the World Cup is important to many of their staff. Many responded to the polls saying they would be more than happy to be flexible by offering them time off. One respondent stated: “As the boss, I always give my team the time off. It also saves them giving me the daft excuses!”. The research also revealed ongoing optimism among tradespeople, with more than half believing England will make it to the Quarter Finals. Also, half of those polled (49%) said they would give up alcohol for good to see England win the tournament. The UK’s leading online trade supplier, IronmongeryDirect, ran a series of polls to find out more about tradespeople’s attitude to work during the World Cup in June. Andy Wood, football enthusiast and Marketing Director of IronmongeryDirect, said: “The World Cup is an exciting time for many of us – tradespeople are no exception. We wanted to find out how our customers were preparing for the year’s biggest sporting event. The research was carried out in the name of fun, but it was great to see results challenging the outdated stereotype of contractors and other trades professionals neglecting their jobs for football! Tradespeople in Britain work hard, and we hope they enjoy watching World Cup 2018.”

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New Appointment at Higgs & Sons

Rachael Hobbis, who worked with national law firm Shakespeare Martineau for ten years, has been appointed by Brierley Hill-based solicitor Higgs & Sons as its specialist construction Partner. This move is part of the firm’s plan to unite its commercial and residential property teams under a single umbrella, creating one of the largest specialist teams in the region. “I am looking forward to being part of the Higgs team as it continues to grow,” said about her appointment Ms Hobbis. “I will be able to support my colleagues throughout the firm and the needs of clients across all sectors in the region and beyond, utilising my extensive commercial experience of working in the construction industry and expertise to achieve clients’ goals.” Rachael has earned her experience by working in a wide range of construction projects, including residential and commercial development, healthcare, education, leisure, retail and infrastructure projects. She is capable of assisting the client team at various stages of a project, from advising to the procurement of a project, including the form of build contract, consultants’ appointments and collateral warranties, as well as working alongside the professional team during the delivery of the project or providing support and advice when issues arise on site. “Rachael has significant experience in working with a wide spectrum of property professionals across a range of sectors,” said Cherry Elliott, Head of Property Services at Higgs & Sons. “The newly unified practice group at Higgs offers expertise in all aspects of commercial and residential property. Rachael’s appointment has bolstered particularly the residential and commercial development that we can now provide.” “Our development team can assist clients on all aspects of their deal throughout the lifecycle of the project. Providing advice across sectors including manufacturing, construction, retail, leisure and healthcare, Rachael will be a significant addition to our team,” he concluded.  

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The Construction Skills Fund Has Been Launched

The latest attempt to ease the construction industry’s skills shortages saw the launch of a £22 million boost for on-site construction training. First unveiled during Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Spring Statement in March, The Construction Skills Fund will help fund 20 ‘skills villages’ where training hubs are set-up alongside live construction sites. The 18-month scheme is funded by the Department for Education and will be administered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). “On-site training will be hugely beneficial for employers and trainees, as it will help bridge the gap between training and working in the industry, meaning trainees are site-ready sooner,” said Skills Minister Anne Milton. Employers, housing associations and other interested bodies, such as LEPs and local authorities are encouraged by the CITB to submit expressions of interest. These can be from both existing and prospective on-site learning hubs. “Having training on or near to major projects will reveal what an exciting sector this can be, while also putting new talent in the shop window,” said Steve Radkey, Policy Director at CITB. “We want all interested organisations to submit Expressions of Interest that are innovative, collaborative and with training at their heart. We will support applicants through the process and provide expert guidance to apply to the fund.” Training organisations wishing to benefit from the fund can sign up and apply here: https://www.citb.co.uk/funding/types-of-funding/structured-fund/construction-skills-fund/. The successful bids will be awarded in the autumn. CITB is the Industry Training Board and a partner in the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry in England, Scotland and Wales. Its job is to work with the industry to encourage training, which helps build a safe, professional and fully qualified workforce. It also provides support and funding to help companies improve skills, increase their competitiveness and respond to challenges such as the low carbon agenda, reducing costs on site and recruiting the best talent for their sector.  

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Milestone for PlanBEE Training Scheme

The first students to graduate from PlanBEE scheme, an innovative training programme designed to tackle construction skills shortage, have all secured full-time positions in the industry. They received offers from some of the sector’s leading companies, such as Bowmer & Kirkland, 3E Consulting, Sir Robert McAlpine, Ryder Architecture, Patrick Parsons, Tolent and Brims and will be employed in various roles, including surveying, civil engineering, design, and project management. Launched in September 2016, PlanBEE is an alliance between Gateshead College, Ryder Architects and a network of architects, designers, contractors and engineering specialists. Together they developed a unique, flexible training programme designed to attract and retain the brightest new talent in the region, plug skills gaps, and create a more flexible workforce capable of working across various disciplines in the construction and built environment sectors.   The first group to have ever enrolled onto the programme has just completed it and a second group of students embarked on it last September. The plan is to enrol a new group every year so that construction firms can continually recruit people equipped with the skills they need. “I always wanted to go into construction but I didn’t want to specialise in any particular discipline. That’s why PlanBEE was so appealing; it allowed me to learn about several different elements of the industry,” said Madeleine Lees from Teeside, who landed her dream job as an assistant structural engineer at full-service consultancy Patrick Parsons. “While on the programme I completed work placements at 3D Consulting, Ryder and Tolent – a consultancy, an architect and a civil engineering specialist – so I got to work on all sorts of projects. This is really important because in my new role at Patrick Parsons many projects cover more than one discipline.”    Rather than following a traditional training model where students complete their qualifications while working in one company, PlanBEE gives trainees the chance to work across several companies and therefore gain a more rounded understanding of the built environment industry. “It’s well known that the sector has suffered from serious long-term skills shortages. This makes it even more important that companies have access to a skilled pool of talent that enables them to become more productive and competitive, both now and in the long run,” said Chris Toon, deputy principal at Gateshead College. A report by the Construction Skills Network said an extra 179,000 UK construction jobs will need to be filled from 2017-2021 to meet rapid growth in demand for infrastructure and housebuilding across the country.

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Urgent review of Apprenticeship Levy required to reverse decline in apprenticeships, says FMB

The 28% fall in construction apprenticeship starts between August 2017 and March 2018 compared with the same period the previous academic year suggests the Government needs to look again at the way the Apprenticeship Levy is working, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Commenting on statistics published today by the Department for Education (DfE), Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The Government’s own statistics show a 28% per cent plunge in apprenticeship starts over the current academic year so far. The Apprenticeship Levy was introduced in April 2017 to boost apprenticeship training across all business sectors but so far it seems to be having the opposite effect. Some reforms are obvious and need to be looked at more urgently now. The Government should allow large companies to pass more of their Levy vouchers down through their supply chains if the company itself is not in a position to train apprentices. Currently large firms are only permitted to pass 10% of their Levy funds down to their sub-contractors and others in their supply chain. There needs to be much greater flexibility than this. In the construction sector, larger firms often do not directly employ on-site tradespeople or directly train apprentices and so there is a real danger this industry and others will continue to fail to take advantage of the Apprenticeship Levy if we can’t change this.” Berry concluded: “These figures have been published shortly after the FMB’s latest research which shows that small construction firms are experiencing record highs in terms of skills shortages. In the long term, the only way we will be able to address the chronic skills crisis is by recruiting and training more new entrants. We know that 58% of builders are struggling to hire bricklayers and 55% are having difficulties finding carpenters and joiners. We need to iron out the flaws in the Apprenticeship Levy and reverse this decline in apprenticeships to give us the best chance of tackling these skills shortages.”

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R G Carter Offers Valuable Experience to Students

R G Carter, a construction firm, will be holding a series of site visits for the construction students from the University of Bedfordshire so that they can gain further insight into the industry. Currently, the company is building a new four-storey STEM teaching space at the University’s Luton campus, which makes for the perfect opportunity to observe and learn about the project in action. “We are proud to provide the next generation with the opportunity to visit a live construction site. It gives them a taste of what happens in real-time which is crucial to their understanding of practice in the construction industry,” said Doug Stephen, Project Manager at R G Carter. The initiative was organised by the site team, together with university lecturer Dr James Bishop, who made sure the visits were aligned with the curriculum and students could see the various stages of the construction, from demolition right through to the mainframe taking shape. This approach has supported the students’ learning to help them understand the different methods and phases of a large construction development. “It is great to get out of the classroom and be on-site to see all the different aspects of working on a project of this scale, from the foundations up to the concrete structure. The visits have brought to life my studies, helping me visualise elements when writing assignments,” said Hayden Bartram, a student from the university. The STEM building is due to open in September 2019 and will include teaching and laboratory spaces, as well as a new Science and Engineering Outreach Centre. This will allow the University to offer a wide range of new science courses including Pharmacy, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Geology and Mechanical Engineering. R G Carter has been a family owned and run business for over 95 years, putting people and communities at the heart of what they do. Through its network of regional offices, the firm offers full-service construction solutions, such as design, build, refurbishment and repairs, across a wide range of sectors.

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It’s a woman’s world ~ How STEM industries can attract more females into the sector

The recent Why not physics? – a snapshot of females uptake at A-level report foreword from Professor Dame Julia Higgins, claims that “an ill-judged quip that girls ‘can’t’ do maths, or physics is ‘too hard’, can lead to girls making life-changing decisions that alter the subject they study or the career they pursue.” In anticipation of International Women in Engineering Day on June 23, 2018, Lucy Speed, HR advisor at engineering solutions provider Boulting Ltd, explores what employers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries can do to attract more females into the sector.   Engineering contributes 26 per cent of the UK’s GDP every year, yet reports suggest that the industry is facing an unprecedented skills shortage. But what can employers realistically do to encourage the next generation of female graduates to consider STEM as a viable career option?   Role models and mentors Adopting a mentorship or simple ‘buddy’ system can help women that are joining the workplace feel like they aren’t alone in a disproportionate sector. Pairing employees up to share experience and knowledge helps to create an inclusive environment and can be beneficial in terms of retaining staff that thrive with social stimulation, particularly women.   According to the Women Engineering Society (WES), who set up its own mentorship program to specifically support women in STEM roles, those who participated in the scheme benefited from increased confidence, improved listening and coaching skills as well as employment progression. At Boulting, we support our staff with dedicated mentors who support employees to achieve their goals across all levels of the organisation.   Flexibility is key Providing a work environment that accommodates flexibility for different personal needs can also be beneficial in attracting female employees. Having an understanding for an individual’s needs, whether that be childcare requirements or being able to schedule time off work around holidays will allow your team members to reaffirm their work-life balance.   Natalie Pancheri, HR policy advisor at the London School of Economics also says that “embedding a culture of flexibility begins to chip away at the types of issues that can prevent women from advancing in their careers.” It really can be win-win all round.   Young minds By capturing the minds of the next generation of female STEM graduates, we will begin to see an increase in the number of girls pursuing a career in the sector. However, a lot of the work to do this must start at school level.   Integrating STEM-style learning through dedicated activities or guest speaker sessions from those in the industry into classrooms, will begin to pave the way for students to consider their future paths. Working with and supporting teachers to understand what a STEM career can actually entail will also open up conversations with students about what is possible.   Additionally, organisations, like Boulting, that incorporate student reach-out or collaboration programmes to help harness the enthusiasm and talent from younger generations has the potential to lead to more interest in STEM education and apprenticeship opportunities.   At Boulting we have a longstanding and successful apprenticeship scheme that has been the springboard for many employees’ careers in the organisation. Our scheme offers the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and experience across a wide range of engineering sectors including chemical, pharmaceutical, petro-chemical and renewable energy markets.   While some progress has been made to encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM industries, women are still firmly in the minority. Particularly in UK engineering, where, according to the Women in Engineering Society (WES), the UK has the lowest percentage of female engineering professionals in Europe and only eleven per cent of the engineering workforce is female.   It’s important for organisations in the engineering sector to recognise the importance, and potential, of the future female workforce and secure any opportunity to help promote science, technology, engineering and maths as exciting and rewarding prospective career path.

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Emma Cygan from Pailton Engineering Quashes Misconceptions About Women in Engineering

Ahead of the International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2018, celebrated on the 23rd of June, Emma Cygan, design and development engineer at steering system supplier Pailton Engineering, has decided to crush a few misconceptions about women working as engineers.    ‘Women are only good at soft skills’ Due to stereotypical gender roles, some women reach adulthood and have a subconscious idea that they must find a career that uses their communication skills and empathy. However, interaction skills are not gender-exclusive and both men and women should strive for it. If you are particularly affluent in the soft skills department, do not suppress this quality, as they are highly sought by employers and they are often required to enable the harder, more technical skills.    ‘Women can’t reach top positions in engineering’ Women should be confident that they have the same potential for career progression as their male equivalents. “So far in my career, I have progressed from an apprentice, to my current role as a Design and Development engineer. In the future, it will continue to be my skills that determine how quickly I will move up the job ladder, not my gender,” said Emma. This point is also validated by the Women in Engineering annual Top 50 Women in Engineering under 35, in which many of the women featured are in senior and managerial roles and at a relatively young age. Statistically, there are more men at the top of the engineering industry, but that’s inevitable, providing there are more men at the bottom. However, initiatives such as INWED will change this and help more women see a career in engineering as a viable and rewarding option.    ‘Women aren’t supported by their employers’ At Pailton Engineering, Emma is currently receiving the right support to study for an engineering bachelor’s degree, while keeping her job. “If Pailton Engineering wasn’t invested in me, or didn’t see a future with me as a key decision maker in the company, then this investment wouldn’t have been made,” said Emma. While the INWED 2018 is raising the bar for women in engineering, there are still plenty of myths and misconceptions about working in the industry that must be quashed. “I hope I’ve raised the bar for other women to start an engineering career, even if I did use this bar to obliterate the myths that are currently circulating —someone had to do it,” concluded Emma.

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