Developer Crest Nicholson has launched a new dedicated training scheme for former members of the Armed Forces, agreeing to offer army veterans the opportunity to build a career in the housebuilding sector with its new scheme. “As a nation, we owe a great deal to our Armed Forces and it
Hull-based TLJ Security Systems’ electrical engineering apprentice, Lewis Wankiewicz, has won two awards at the Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) Awards 2018. The event, held at Hull’s Guildhall on 9th November, was a celebration of the achievements of apprentices, learners and businesses across the Hull and East Yorkshire region.
A new construction skills course funded by developer Berkeley Homes will provide practical experience of working in construction to a group of Year 10 students from Bay House School’ Enterprise Academy. By funding this new innovative course, Berkeley Homes hopes not only to provide a valuable opportunity to the students
THE MOST transformational office development scheme to happen in the East Midlands in more than a decade has been submitted to Nottingham City Council, creating thousands of jobs – and setting a ‘cornerstone’ for the city’s Southern Gateway. Developers Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates have lodged a planning application to
Keeping young people safe at work was top of the agenda at the latest Industry Skills Forum hosted by Develop Training Limited (DTL). The event attracted senior apprenticeship and HR managers from major construction, infrastructure and utilities companies. Safeguarding to prevent abuse and harm is a hot topic, as large
An innovative scheme designed to attract new talent into the built environment industry has secured the backing of three high-profile firms that have won work across the globe. Black & White Engineering (B&W), s h e d and James Christopher Consulting are the latest companies to become sponsors of PlanBEE
Unispace has made a senior hire to its project Delivery team, appointing Jason Cissell as Principal, Delivery for projects spanning the United Kingdom, based in its London studio. With more than 15 years’ experience across the construction sector, Jason brings real depth of knowledge to Unispace. In his new role,
A report by Open University showed that the UK skills gap is a major and well-publicised crisis that costs the country more than £2 billion a year. Further findings have stated 97% of organisations working in STEM and 96% of financial organisations have had difficulty hiring skilled employees over the
Develop Training Ltd (DTL), a leading training provider to the construction sector, is working with Ridgewood Environmental Ltd to stress the need to prepare workers against the threat posed by asbestos in the ground. Ridgewood Environmental Ltd and third-party provider, DTL, have recently been approved by UKATA to deliver a
A purpose-built construction academy, one of the first of its kind in the UK, has been launched by Berkeley and West London College. The West London Construction Academy has officially opened in Southall Waterside and it aims the tackle the U’s construction skills crisis and address the exodus of talent
Developer Crest Nicholson has launched a new dedicated training scheme for former members of the Armed Forces, agreeing to offer army veterans the opportunity to build a career in the housebuilding sector with its new scheme. “As a nation, we owe a great deal to our Armed Forces and it is particularly pertinent at this time of year to reaffirm our commitment to them,” said Patrick Bergin, CEO of Crest Nicholson. “Currently, we have a number of employees across our business who have been involved with, or touched by, the Armed Forces. They bring a wealth of transferable skills, experience and values to their roles thanks to the world-class training they have received during their time with the military and we recognise the valuable contribution they can make to our business. It gives me great pride to sign the Armed Forces Covenant today and to formalise our ongoing commitment to supporting these men and women.” The agreement was signed by Patrick Bergin and Lt Col Paddy Baines MBE, who signed it on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Crest Nicholson hosted the signing event at its Arborfield Green development, which is being delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Defence on the site of the former Arborfield Garrison. “The Armed Forces Covenant relies on the people, communities, and businesses of the UK to actively support it and make a difference. Clearly Crest Nicholson PLC already recognise the benefits of engaging with defence particularly in the employment of skilled service leavers and we look forward to furthering our mutually beneficial relationship,” added Lieutenant Colonel Baines. Crest Nicholson has been building new homes for over 50 years and is firmly established as a leading developer with a passion for not just building homes, but creating vibrant sustainable communities. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities, both now and in the future, by providing better homes, workplaces, retail and leisure spaces.
Hull-based TLJ Security Systems’ electrical engineering apprentice, Lewis Wankiewicz, has won two awards at the Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) Awards 2018. The event, held at Hull’s Guildhall on 9th November, was a celebration of the achievements of apprentices, learners and businesses across the Hull and East Yorkshire region. Born out of the successful partnership HTAE has with local employers and partners each winner had an inspiring story to tell, making them true ambassadors in their field. The awards themselves were sponsored by local companies who are all passionate about providing apprenticeship and work placements to local people. TLJ are delighted to announce that Lewis, 19, won two headline awards at the event: The Engineering Centre Apprentice of the Year and the HTAE Learner of the Year prize. A distinguished panel of judges, including local employers, past apprenticeship award winners and partners chose Lewis for his dedication and commitment to the business, as well as his exceptional professional, technical and personal development. Claire Martin, TLJ’s Head of Human Resources, said: “We are so proud of Lewis! He has visibly grown in confidence and stature during the time of his apprenticeship with us but was, frankly, a little overwhelmed by his double win. But it was fully deserved: despite being a naturally shy person, Lewis has grown into a strong team player and demonstrates an active focus on site safety. He has not only become technically skilled within the area of access control but also developed the ‘soft’ skills required when dealing with customers. Lewis’ success confirms our belief that even smaller companies can benefit from employing apprentices.” Sharon Gamble, Assistant City Manager with Hull City Council, said: “We truly believe that good education and work-based training plays a crucial role in building a bright future for our learners. It’s great that, through the HTAE awards scheme, we get the chance to celebrate the achievements of our apprentices, employers, trainers and partners. It’s great for the commercial future of our city, and the wider economy of the country.” TLJ were also category sponsors for The Engineering Centre Mike Brown Award for Outstanding Achievement. For more information contact Sean Wilson, TLJ Marketing Manager, 01482 830334, s.wilson@tljlimited.com
A new construction skills course funded by developer Berkeley Homes will provide practical experience of working in construction to a group of Year 10 students from Bay House School’ Enterprise Academy. By funding this new innovative course, Berkeley Homes hopes not only to provide a valuable opportunity to the students taking part, but also to inspire more young people to consider a career in construction related industries. Initially twelve students will take part in the 30-week course, which starts this month and will run through the school year, resulting in a BTEC Level 1 Extended Certificate in Construction. This will involve attending Highbury College in Portsmouth once a week to undertake modules in topics such as carpentry, plastering and bricklaying, as well as health and safety. The teenagers will gain hands-on experience of working at Berkeley’s nearby Royal Clarence Marina development in Gosport. Regular visits will give students a chance to set foot on a live construction site, watch The Bridge House develop, and meet the Project Team. “We are pleased to welcome the students to this unique programme that offers a wide range of practical and employability skills that we hope they will find positively engaging. The construction industry is crying out for more young people to take an interest in jobs in this sector, so we want to give them a taster of some vocational skills that could lead to stable employment. For students that find traditional academia challenging, school can be a disillusioning place so it is great to be able to provide a different kind of opportunity to those young people,” said Chris Gilbert, Managing Director of Berkeley Homes (Southern). Bay House School’s Enterprise Academy, based on Military Road, is a facility designed for young people that need extra support and who can find it more challenging to work in a classroom environment. As well as doing core GCSEs in English, mathematics, science and ICT, they work towards accredited qualifications in vocational and business skills. This course is delivered in partnership with Highbury College in Portsmouth, which is experienced in providing pre-16 courses and has excellent construction course facilities.
THE MOST transformational office development scheme to happen in the East Midlands in more than a decade has been submitted to Nottingham City Council, creating thousands of jobs – and setting a ‘cornerstone’ for the city’s Southern Gateway. Developers Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates have lodged a planning application to bring 62,022 sq m of Grade A office space to Unity Square, the 1.14 hectare site in Queensbridge Road, opposite Nottingham Train Station. The eagerly anticipated scheme will advance the £250 million Southern Gateway regeneration project – creating a new business district within an area of the city desperately in need of redevelopment. The planning application encompasses two office buildings – the first being ten storeys and the second being 13 storeys high. The build will be in two phases with landscaping and an attractive urban space connecting Unity Square and the station, creating a stunning entrance to this part of the city. The height and scale of the office buildings, along with urban spaces is set to create a brand new city landscape. Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates purchased Unity Square in 2015 and demolished the derelict car park buildings last year. Unity Square is seen as a crucial area of redevelopment with huge potential – and a cornerstone of Nottingham City Council’s vision for the city’s Southern Gateway, said Ralph Jones, MD of Peveril Securities. Today’s planning application hails the next step of the Unity Square story – and development is likely to commence early in 2019. The contractor is Bowmer & Kirkland. Jones said: “There is significant long-term investment in this area of the city. Nottingham Train Station was the catalyst and coming up is intu Broadmarsh’s forthcoming redevelopment along with other significant schemes expected over the next couple of years. “It is an exciting time for Nottingham with many significant schemes on the horizon and cranes expected on the Unity Square site in the next 12 months. “Looking ahead, the occupiers of Unity Square will be at the heart of this regenerated area of Nottingham, allowing them to take advantage of the multitude of local facilities and excellent transport links.” “The city council has been proactive in supporting the scheme which has generated strong interest from a number of office occupiers. Now that the existing buildings on site have been demolished, it is possible to see the huge potential for not just this site, but for the city as a whole,” said Nick Sladen, Sladen Estates’ chief executive “Unity Square is a major piece in the Southern Gateway jigsaw. “Unfortunately, Nottingham has struggled to provide Grade A office space over the last few years. Unity Square will help to bridge that gap. “With hundreds of people working in offices in Unity Square, we see ourselves as helping bring forward an entirely new business community – breathing new life into the southern gateway – and boosting the Nottingham economy. “There will be significant job creation up to and during the build programme, and once complete local eateries and shops will benefit from the hundreds of people working there. “Unity Square will benefit from Nottingham’s superb transport links – bus, train and tram -and it will create a magnificent backdrop for commuters arriving from Nottingham Station – providing the sort of dynamic surroundings you’d expect to see as you step from the train in one of the UK’s Core Cities. “We have strong occupier interest in the site, which is why we’ve submitted a planning application. Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates have an in-depth knowledge of the local market and national development, along with contracting expertise, and has the scale, expertise and resources to bring this scheme to fruition,” Sladen added. Lorraine Baggs, head of investment at Invest in Nottingham, said: “Unity Square is a prominent high quality development in this significant part of Nottingham – already seeing a massive resurgence in attracting multi-million pound regeneration. “The scheme indicates the growing confidence in Nottingham as a city which is ripe for both occupiers and developers and we anticipate other substantial interest over the months to come. 2019 is gearing up to be a momentous year not just for Nottingham’s regeneration plans as a whole, but for this area of the city to considerably advance its landscape.” Based in the East Midlands, and headquartered in Derbyshire, Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates have an established background in the regional commercial property market. They have a track record of delivering large-scale developments across the UK. Over the last 20 years, they have jointly completed projects worth more than £500 million in sectors including office, industrial, leisure and student accommodation. Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates have a portfolio with a development end value of around £750 million. Peveril Securities and Sladen Estates bought the Unity Square site from Peel Land and Property Group in 2015 for an undisclosed sum. The site came with planning approval for a mixed use scheme of office, hotel, retail and leisure. This new planning submission will supersede the previous application.
Keeping young people safe at work was top of the agenda at the latest Industry Skills Forum hosted by Develop Training Limited (DTL). The event attracted senior apprenticeship and HR managers from major construction, infrastructure and utilities companies. Safeguarding to prevent abuse and harm is a hot topic, as large firms look to take on more young apprentices under the government’s levy scheme. The round table event also highlighted Prevent, the government’s initiative to avoid radicalisation of young people. Tanya Parkin, DTL’s HR Manager and safeguarding lead, outlined how the company is tackling the safeguarding issue as an approved apprenticeship provider. The presentation, co-hosted by Andy Holmes, DTL’s Head of Audit and Quality, raised key discussion points around the shared responsibilities of the training provider and its corporate customers. Describing DTL’s journey since becoming an approved apprenticeship provider under the levy, Tanya said: “We have implemented a safeguarding and prevent strategy in the business. Our board of directors is really engaged with the subject, which has allowed us to roll out the strategy in our processes and training documentation.” “Safeguarding in the workplace is focused on under 18s but not confined to that age group,” she explained. DTL relies on the government’s document Safeguarding: Keeping Children Safe in Education for its policies on keeping apprentices safe. The guidelines outline processes for recruitment and training of teaching staff and others working with young people, as well as the duties of designated responsible persons. A second presentation by an expert in extremism outlined the risks posed by radicalisation and how the Prevent initiative operates to combat the threat. Providers such as DTL have a duty to refer young people who appear to be at risk of radicalisation to a specialist panel as well as to incorporate British values into the learning process. To find out more about DTL and to download a range of useful resources visit www.developtraining.co.uk/safeguarding www.developtraining.co.uk
An innovative scheme designed to attract new talent into the built environment industry has secured the backing of three high-profile firms that have won work across the globe. Black & White Engineering (B&W), s h e d and James Christopher Consulting are the latest companies to become sponsors of PlanBEE (Built Environment Education), 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 construction disciplines. The scheme was launched in 2016 when Gateshead College and Ryder Architecture formed a powerful alliance with a network of architects, designers, contractors and engineering specialists. Rather than follow 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. Students will now benefit from a wider range of expertise with B&W, Shed and James Christopher Consulting on board. Launched in the United Arab Emirates in 2007, B&W is a pioneering mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design consultancy with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Baku, Manila, London and Newcastle. The company offers design and consultancy services to the construction industry worldwide and has worked on numerous large-scale iconic projects including high-rise towers, data centres, hotels, shopping malls and airports. Steven Horn, director, in B&W’s Newcastle office said: “We need to see more young people coming into our industry with knowledge of different areas of the built environment. The way PlanBEE is structured allows us to achieve this. The programme is ideal preparation for how we want to develop our staff, which is to give them opportunities to experience different ways of working on various projects around the world.” Newcastle-based s h e d is a structural and civil engineering design consultancy that specialises in complex engineering design and Building Information Modelling (BIM), an approach that helps firms risk-assess projects at an early stage by generating intelligent 3D models of buildings before construction takes place. Marc Horn of s h e d said: “Our expertise in BIM requires us to recruit staff with a rounded understanding of the built environment sector. PlanBEE enables us to achieve this because it moves away from traditional off-the-shelf training schemes that shoehorn professionals into narrowly defined roles in a single company.” James Christopher Consulting, an established engineering practice in Gateshead, offers design services to the built environment sector and works on a wide range of projects, from small-scale specialist structures to large-scale commercial developments including land reclamation and drainage works. Technical director Craig Higgins said: “We were delighted to get involved with PlanBEE and were impressed with this novel approach to recruiting, training and developing staff. There’s a strong emphasis on the application of digital technologies to different types of construction projects and we want our workforce to be at the forefront of this revolution.” Working with Gateshead College, the PlanBEE group has created a bespoke higher-level skills programme that provides budding professionals with study and off-the-job training at the college’s construction facility on Team Valley, along with a job working with some of the region’s leading companies. It has been tailored specifically for and by the North East construction sector, providing students with a starting salary of £10,700 per year, a professional qualification and a guaranteed job opportunity on graduation. Established by Ryder Architecture, the scheme has already attracted some high-profile names, including Brims Construction, NBS, Desco (Design & Consultancy), BIM Academy, Sir Robert McAlpine, Xsite Architecture, Robertson, 3e Consulting, Cundall, Arup, FaulknerBrowns, Sadler Brown Architecture and Tolent. Chris Toon, deputy principal at Gateshead College, said: “It’s great to have three additional sponsors on board. The industry has called for employees to be skilled in a greater range of disciplines, such as surveying, landscaping, architecture and planning, and PlanBEE addresses this fundamental need. “We proud to be at the forefront of an industry-led initiative that’s becoming a national exemplar for the recruitment and development of construction employees.” Mark Thompson, managing partner at Ryder Architecture, added: It’s fantastic to see the positive impact the programme is making on the students and sponsoring businesses, and we’re delighted to be welcoming the new sponsors to our third cohort.” For more information about the programme, or to get involved, visit http://www.gateshead.ac.uk/planbee/ or contact Helen Craddock at Ryder on 0191 269 5454.
Unispace has made a senior hire to its project Delivery team, appointing Jason Cissell as Principal, Delivery for projects spanning the United Kingdom, based in its London studio. With more than 15 years’ experience across the construction sector, Jason brings real depth of knowledge to Unispace. In his new role, he will be leading the project management team in the UK from Unispace’s studio in Southwark, working across projects such as Amazon, Cummins, Herbert Smith Freehills, and Sisk Healthcare. Barry Anderson, Regional Principal, Delivery, EMEA at Unispace, said: “It has been our strategy to hire leaders to the business, further enhancing Unispace’s regional footprint but also ensuring that our clients have the best advice from senior industry figures. Jason brings an excellent track record and significant experience with industry-leading clients to the Unispace project delivery team. We are very pleased to have him on board. “We are continuously working to ensure that we are elevating our delivery product and Jason will help us achieve that goal. He is passionate about quality, HSE, best practice site experience and alignment with brand.” Jason brings extensive industry experience having worked across projects such as the £45m Fujitsu’s Data Centre and Offices in Stevenage, an Aviation Framework and the London Luton Airport development. “Unispace’s unique model really sets it apart in the industry and created a very compelling reason to join the team. Unispace has developed in response to this new market and the brand’s growth in a short period of time is testament to its resonance with clients”, explained Jason Cissell, Principal, Delivery at Unispace. “This new role in the London studio is a chance to combine my experience across multiple sectors for Unispace’s client base and work with its world class local, European and Global teams
A report by Open University showed that the UK skills gap is a major and well-publicised crisis that costs the country more than £2 billion a year. Further findings have stated 97% of organisations working in STEM and 96% of financial organisations have had difficulty hiring skilled employees over the last 12 months. The research team at Bidwells has decided to find out more and compared industry vacancies against undergraduate enrolments in 2017 to uncover which areas have the most significant shortages. They found that a combination of valuable economic skills and high-level technical education is critical to meet the UK’s skills needs, yet despite growing student enrolment in fields like computer science and tech, new jobs in these high-growth sectors still outweigh the number of skilled workers to fill them. The analysis of the university enrolments demonstrates the mismatch between market demand for skills and the future supply of talent is particularly acute in knowledge-based industries. This suggests current vacancies in professional and scientific tech positions are three times higher than the total number of university enrolments in these subjects. Science and tech jobs are predicted to grow twice as fast as other occupations, with 142,000 new jobs in science, research, engineering and tech anticipated by 2023. Looking further ahead, The London Datastore projects the information and communication sector will be the second highest growing sector over the coming decade in the UK, with an estimated 45% increase in employment growth by 2050. According to the Industrial Strategy, these sectors are the most significant to the UK’s economic future, but the shortages of suitably qualified, high-skilled labour will present a brake on the UK economy unless addressed. Will Heighman, Lead Partner for Science and Technology at Bidwells, suggested the solution would be investing in local and foreign talent. “The UK urgently needs to put in place measures to both deliver homegrown talent for the future as well as ease the process for attracting the best in class globally,” he concluded.
Develop Training Ltd (DTL), a leading training provider to the construction sector, is working with Ridgewood Environmental Ltd to stress the need to prepare workers against the threat posed by asbestos in the ground. Ridgewood Environmental Ltd and third-party provider, DTL, have recently been approved by UKATA to deliver a brand new Asbestos in Soils training course. In order to launch the training they are inviting employers to attend one of two free seminars on Thursday 8th November at DTL’s Derby centre. The seminars will allow employers to view some of the course content, meet the training team and ultimately find out if the training is suitable for their employees. Several external speakers will also be in attendance, including representatives from Tanglewood Environment and Dyne Solicitors who will be discussing legislation and duty of care for asbestos contaminated soil. Jim Donnelly, a training delivery manager at DTL, said: “The menace from asbestos in buildings is well known but it can also be hazardous when disturbed in the soil. Finding it beforehand is a challenge for construction site managers. The substance may be present as fragments of insulation materials visible to the naked eye or as micro fibres requiring scientific tests to confirm their presence.” He added: “People need the skills to conduct proper risk assessment and to implement a range of other steps depending on the nature and scale of the problem.” Those steps could include ensuring licensed personnel carry out remediation work, informing the Health and Safety Executive of the incident and providing protective equipment including respirators. Disposing of waste and decontaminating operatives may also be required, and air monitoring might be set up on site or near to neighbouring homes. At the seminars, representatives from Ridgewood Environmental and DTL will unveil their latest training course, UKATA Asbestos in Soils. The course, delivered by third-party provider DTL, is tailored towards supervisors, managers and CDM duty holders who may work on sites where asbestos is present. Attendees will be able to see course content first-hand, and ask questions of DTL’s expert trainers and delivery team. Date: Thursday 8th November 2018 Location: Develop Training, Derby Training Centre, Ascot Drive, DE24 8GW Seminar 1: 9:30 – 12:00 Seminar 2: 13:00 – 15:30 Both seminars will contain the same content. The seminars have already attracted attention from DTL’s existing high profile customer list that includes leading construction and utility firms, private companies and public sector organisations, with the morning session already almost fully booked. To book a free space, go to http://resources.developtraining.co.uk/asbestos_in_soils_seminars_nov2018
A purpose-built construction academy, one of the first of its kind in the UK, has been launched by Berkeley and West London College. The West London Construction Academy has officially opened in Southall Waterside and it aims the tackle the U’s construction skills crisis and address the exodus of talent from the industry. More people are leaving the construction industry than joining it, threatening productivity and growth, according to recent figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. With a shortage of homes, it is vital that the sector tackles the skills crisis head on. If it does not the workforce will decrease by 20–25% in the next decade. “The West London Construction Academy aims to address the industry’s skills gap for the long term by inspiring the next generation and preparing them for the world of work, including giving them the best chance of securing a placement at the end of their apprenticeships,” said Berkeley Group Chief Executive Rob Perrins. Berkeley Group, together with West London College and trade partners, have designed a new ‘By Industry, For Industry’ curriculum. Apprentices will gain on-the-job experience alongside classroom and online learning, bridging the skills gap for the long term and allowing students to earn as they learn. The courses available are services vital to the industry, such as bricklaying, plastering, dry-lining and carpentry and are open to anyone aged 16 and above. All apprentices will benefit from individual support from business champions and mentors. Apprentices graduating from the academy will be given the best chance of securing employment at the end of their courses – putting their skills to use straight away. A number of positions will be available with Berkeley and its supply chain at Southall Waterside itself. “West London has a number of major projects either planned or underway, from Southall Waterside and HS2, to Crossrail and Old Oak Common; training local people will be integral to the success and timely delivery of these projects – and will be an incredible opportunity to build experience and establish desirable skills. West London College is thrilled to be in the position to offer such an incredible facility to the industry,” said Karen Redhead, Chief Executive at West London College.