Jon Howlin, CEO, The Skills Centre: “While we welcome the government’s plans to accelerate the replacement of dangerous cladding, it’s crucial to ensure that the work is carried out by fully trained professionals. The scale of the challenge is significant, with only 30% of buildings with unsafe cladding fully remediated to date. “Many cladding specialists are already supporting efforts to meet this growing skills gap. Our collaborative strategy is delivering specialist cladding bootcamps at Build East, helping to upskill existing workers and bring new entrants into the sector. These initiatives are vital for ensuring that remediation work meets the highest safety and quality standards. “By investing in workforce development, we can not only tackle the immediate issue but also strengthen the industry for the future, helping to create safer homes and buildings for communities across the UK. “This is a huge opportunity, not only for those interested in joining the construction sector, but for those in the sector to build valuable and in-demand skills, and individuals can apply via our website here: Introduction to Cladding Occupations | The Skills Centre “We also invite cladding companies seeking to expand their teams to collaborate with us. Together, we can ensure the workforce is ready to deliver this critical work safely and efficiently. For more information contact info@theskillscentre.co.uk” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

AS part of the initiative “to get Britain building again”, the Labour government has just announced a £140 million investment to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeships per year in England. The announcement lands at a critical moment for the built environment, as it continues to battle with a severe skills shortage. With plans to build 1.5 million homes and boost infrastructure over the next five years, an estimated 50,300 more workers are needed annually to meet the demand. Lee Parkinson, chief executive of EN:Able Futures, part of Efficiency North Holdings, operates a leading flexi-job apprenticeship service with more than a decade of experience in creating pathways for young people in construction. Lee shared his thoughts on the announcement. He said: “We welcome the Labour government’s ambitions and drive to advance the country’s housebuilding mission. At EN:Able Futures, we have been championing apprenticeships for more than ten years, and this new investment is a step forward in providing more young people with a foot on the career ladder. We know first-hand just how effective apprenticeships are for both the apprentice and employer and a skilled workforce will bring us back on track to meeting these wider ambitious targets. “However, central government must seek guidance from organisations with expertise in this field as they know how best to support the talent of tomorrow and ensure the government’s investment provides the missing link. Without the steer from those already working successfully in this area, we could see this worthwhile investment not delivered as effectively as possible and ultimately fall short of the expectations.         “Flexi-job apprenticeships are a key part of the solution, especially for SMEs. These employers often serve as the backbone of the industry, and flexi-job models provide apprentices with access to high-quality training, valuable skills, and recognised qualifications, all while offering host businesses the ability to have an apprentice for only part of their training – safeguarding the business’ through turbulent times. By focusing on this approach, we can secure the future of both our workforce and the industry, maintaining the quality and integrity of apprenticeships in construction. “Overall, it’s fantastic to see the focus on apprenticeships as a tool to deliver much-needed housing nationwide. But, the government must look at how this is already being delivered successfully and consult with the experts, to ensure it’s as impactful as possible.” To find out more about EN:Able Futures, please visit: https://www.efficiencynorth.org/en-able-futures/.       Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry Group is celebrating the launch of a new construction skills academy at its Fairways residential development in Salford, further building on its commitment to inspiring the next generation of tradespeople and addressing the industry’s skills shortfall. The Brackley Village Skills Academy has been opened in collaboration with local education and training providers to introduce learners of all ages to the skills needed to thrive in a construction career. Based within a custom-built facility at Vistry’s Fairways development in Little Hulton, the Skills Academy is expected to inspire hundreds of learners as work continues on construction of new homes on the former Brackley Golf Club site over the next two years. The Fairways will feature 345 homes: 138 available for rent and managed by Sigma, 41 will be affordable and managed by Great Places, while the remaining 166 will be marketed for sale by Countryside Homes, part of Vistry Group. The Brackley Village Skills Academy launch was attended by local dignitaries and representatives of the training and education organisations collaborating with Vistry on the initiative, including the Salford Skills and Work Board, Ionic Community Connections and Frameworks Social Enterprise CIC. According to the UK Trade Skills Index 2024, 1.3 million new recruits and 350,000 apprentices are needed in the construction sector over the next decade if it is going to keep up with targets for new homes and reach net zero targets. It is hoped that the Brackley Village Skills Academy can provide inspiration to people of all ages who are not currently in education, employment or training, or who are considering a career change. In particular, those attending the launch heard that the academy could inspire young people who missed out on periods of classroom education during the global Covid 19 pandemic. Many have found it more difficult than previous generations to set their sights on a specific career path. Officially opening Brackley Village Skills Academy, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford City Council, Cllr Tanya Burch, said it was vitally important that people seeking skills and employment can share in the opportunities presented by construction of new homes in the city. Cllr Tanya Burch, Ceremonial Mayor, Salford City Council, said: “The Brackley Village Skills Academy is a fantastic initiative that reflects the strong partnership between local education providers and the construction industry here in Salford. This academy opens doors to exciting career opportunities, ensuring that people of all ages in our city can gain the skills and confidence they need to build a brighter future for themselves and for Salford.” Joe Turner, Managing Director, Vistry Manchester and Cheshire East, said: “The Brackley Village Skills Academy can play a vital role in inspiring local people to consider a career in construction, opening the door to incredibly rewarding career opportunities and helping to alleviate the talent shortage facing the construction sector. We are incredibly grateful to the training and education partners who have been working hard with Vistry Group to make this possible.” First launched by Vistry in 2017, the Vistry Skills Academy initiative is an innovative training programme designed to encourage more people to enter construction while combating the skills shortage affecting the sector. Delivered nationwide, each Academy provides onsite training, mentoring, and skills development, creating opportunities for local people to gain work experience and vocational qualifications. Each Academy is delivered in partnership with local authorities, schools, colleges, and the local supply chain. The combined Brackley Golf Club site, which encompasses a further 345 homes to be delivered by Bellway, is poised to significantly contribute to Salford City Council’s housing targets. As well as enhanced transport connections and education provision, Vistry is investing in Amblecote playing fields – including building a new changing room facility. Furthermore, Vistry aims to enhance the public realm and contribute to off-site open spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Don’t miss out on your chance to watch the country’s top construction talent go head-to-head at the SkillBuild National Final 2024, the largest and longest-running multi-trade skills competition in the UK. The free event, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is taking place at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, from 20 – 21 November and brings to life the excitement and variety that a career in construction provides.   A total of 78 students will demonstrate their skills in ten different construction trades, including bricklaying, carpentry, and roof slating and tiling. The competitors will be expected to construct a project within an 18-hour period.  An expert panel of judges will assess them on several aspects – including technical ability, time management, problem solving, skills working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements. A winner will be crowned from each of the ten construction trades on display at the SkillBuild National Final.  Alongside the competition is the Construction Showcase, an experience hub filled with activities and demonstrations for children and young people. Brands such as Crown Paints, British Gypsum and STEMPOINT will also be delivering sessions.   Previous winners of SkillBuild and construction influencers will deliver a series of TED talks to visitors sharing their journeys and inspiring others to join construction. Attendees include Luke Mabbott, a former Love Island contestant and owner of Brotherhood Properties, a construction company which buys and renovates houses, and Charlie Collison, two-time winner of Super Trowel, a speed skimming and bricklaying competition, and construction business owner.  Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, said: “We’re really looking forward to the upcoming SkillBuild final. With CITB’s forecast indicating a need for over 250,000 new construction workers by 2028, SkillBuild is more important than ever in spotlighting the sector and the wide array of roles available within it.  “This is a critical time for skills development in construction. SkillBuild motivates newcomers, showing the immense value that trainees and apprentices bring to the industry. It’s a unique opportunity for young people to see first-hand skills in the construction industry and discover how exceptional a career in construction is. It’s also a great opportunity for those with an interest in any of the featured trades to come along, support, and learn from some of the best in the industry. I also hope the quality of work on show inspires employers to invest in apprenticeships and trainees within their own teams.  “To all our National Final competitors, we wish you the best of luck, and we look forward to celebrating your success in two weeks’ time!”  CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors and supporters of this year’s SkillBuild competition: Albion Stone, BAL Adhesives, Band of Builders, Brick Development Association, British Gypsum, Careers Wales, CITB NI, Clivedon Conservation, Crown Paints, Felder Group, Festool, FIS, Hambleside Danelaw Building Products, Institute of Carpenters, Marley, N&C Nicobond, NFRC, NSITG, Saint Gobain, Schluter, SIG Roofing, SPAX, Stone Restoration Services, TARMAC, The Tile Association, Tilgear, Weber, Wienerberger, The Worshipful Company of Masons, and The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers.  The SkillBuild National Finalists for 2024 are available here.   Tickets for the SkillBuild National Final 2024 (20-21 November 2024) are available here. The competition will be open to visitors on Wednesday 20 November 2024 and Thursday 21 November 2024 from 9am.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The government’s new plans to restrict levy funding of level 7 apprenticeships will widen the skills gap, hinder the economy and have a significant financial impact on construction firms needing to develop future managers, business leaders or fill specialist roles.  The warning comes from the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC) which has produced a new national report in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University to explore the critical purpose of training apprentices of all ages to deliver jobs of the future. The report also explores the importance of older apprentices to employers in a shifting labour market and the impact higher and degree apprenticeships, such as those at level 7, have on firms from a growth, employee retention, skills and productivity perspective. Dr. Mandy Crawford-Lee, chief executive for UVAC commented: “The government’s policy aims to reduce levy funding of level 7 apprenticeships is a major blow to construction employers, the wider economy and the skills development of both senior level staff and those in specialist roles such as technology. “It will largely affect those businesses with apprentices aged over 25 that rely on the current financial support to meet the cost of upskilling employees to be effective managers, business leaders or occupy more technical roles via level 7 and master’s degree apprenticeships. “Given this government’s current focus is economic growth and addressing social mobility, it makes no sense to introduce policy that could undermine it. Degree apprenticeships at level 7 are proven to enhance social mobility, by giving individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to follow a pathway into the professions, gain access to higher education and also achieve higher-paid, senior-level positions further in their career. Many people from underserved communities could now not realise their full earning potential as a result and miss out on opportunities to become highly skilled in their chosen profession.” Findings from the National Foundation of Educational Research reveal that 90% of roles within firms across sectors such as construction will require higher-level skills by 2035, highlighting how the wider economy and more employers than ever will be dependent on degree apprenticeships at levels 6 and 7, rather than just those at lower levels. Charlynne Pullen, principal research fellow at Sheffield Hallam University, who has just produced the ‘Apprenticeships – a system built for Adults’ report, commented: “The current apprenticeship system has significant benefits for adults and their employers, at all levels and all stages of a career. Young people, and those with less work experience, need additional support, and new foundation apprenticeships are a welcome recognition of that. But we should not lose sight of the support needed for adults to progress, to upskill, to reskill, and to learn new skills at a range of points in their career.” Dr. Mandy Crawford-Lee added: “We welcome any attempts to engage more young people with apprenticeships through the government’s plans to introduce paid ‘foundation’ apprenticeships, but this should not be at the expense of level 7 and the essential levy funding support needed by construction employers. The government needs to prioritise the career and skills progression of employees at every stage of their working life.” The ‘Apprenticeships – a system built for adults’ report is now freely available to view online at www.uvac.ac.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals