Free training is available for Tees Valley SMEs, as a further £1 million of funding has been made accessible.The fund, accessible through the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) project and co-financed by the European Social Fund, will give SMEs the opportunity to offer their employees professional training across a range of skills and sectors. “The project has already made a significant impact in the region, having helped over 400 businesses and 1,000 employees gain new skills over the last 18 months,” explained Sue Dawson, regional development manager of the SSW project in Tees Valley. “Securing an additional £1 million funding means we will be able to extend that reach and support even more businesses, helping them to achieve their growth plans by offering them the opportunity to upskill employees through free training and improved productivity,” she added. The SSW project works in partnership with the Tees Valley Combined Authority to close the area’s skills gaps. It offers courses in employability skills, as well as specific courses across the Combined Authority’s priority sectors – advanced manufacturing/engineering, business and professional services, digital and creative, energy, culture and leisure, health and biologics, chemical processing, low carbon, and logistics. “We know employers across our key sectors need problematic skills gaps to be filled so they can overcome the biggest barrier to business growth,” said Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Combined Authority Cabinet Lead for Education, Employment and Skills. “Skills Support for the Workforce is a valuable resource to help inspire and support the region’s workers to learn the new talents that will help our companies succeed. By targeting our priority sectors, this programme is shoring up the fields that need it most and I welcome this extra funding to assist even more in-need businesses,” he continued. Co-financed by the European Union’s European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, the project is available for SMEs seeking non-compulsory work-based training to support their business growth plans. Its course are delivered by a network of local training providers in partnership with Calderdale College.

Martin Pease has been appointed by WATG, one of the world’s leading integrated architectural design firms, as Managing Director of the firm’s practice in London. Pease brings 25 years of design and commercial business experience to WATG, with deep expertise across the United Kingdom, United States and the Middle East. “I am delighted to welcome Martin to the firm. His commercial savvy, design talent and leadership skills will enable WATG to significantly scale our UK operations with a continued focus on delighting our clients and delivering excellent design. His experience with large-scale project delivery will bring a unique perspective to our London operations and our global team at large,” commented Anthony Mallows, President and CEO. Martin’s previous role was as Head of Architecture and Building Engineering at Atkins North America, where he stayed from 2014 until 2018. During his time there he grew the firm’s business by 40% across six offices. Prior to his tenure with Atkins North America, Pease was Head of Architecture for Dubai-based Damac, the largest privately-owned property developer in the Middle East. “I have always admired WATG’s reputation for design excellence and the firm’s incredible portfolio of work from the past 70+ years. I’m incredibly excited to contribute to the firm’s vision for growth and honoured to join such a highly talented and passionate design team,” said Martin Pease. Throughout his career, Pease has acquired a vast portfolio of work, including large scale mixed use projects alongside work in aviation, rail, residential, commercial and public architecture. Notable projects include the Getty Centre in Los Angeles, the Glyndebourne Opera House in the UK, the Navy Museum in Washington D.C., Glasgow College in Scotland, a new terminal at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and the Trump Golf Course Clubhouse in Dubai. Originally from the UK, Pease worked there for several notable firms, such as Richard Meier, Michael Hopkins, Stride Treglown Architects and Atkins UK. At the moment, Martin is writing a book on ‘How to Present’ for architects, done in conjunction with the University of the West of England.

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.  

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.