csic

Increasing Diversity of Construction has never been more CRITICAL

The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting its work on a National Equity and Inclusion Plan for the construction industry in Scotland which will drive increased inclusivity. Funded by Scottish Government this latest initiative is part of the wider plan for the industry to

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New Future Leaders’ Forum to transform skills in the built environment

Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is calling on early career professionals and students with drive, ambition and determination to join a new Built Environment Future Leaders’ Forum.  This ground breaking initiative will promote the development of new skills, competencies and opportunities in the sector to inspire the future workforce of

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Can you lead the charge for change in the world of construction?

Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is today calling on students with a passion for innovation and disruption to help lead the charge for change in the construction sector. CSIC is looking to galvanise forward-thinking attitudes by launching its Built Environment Innovation MSc Fund 2020-21, calling on prospective students who want

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Latest Issue

BDC 321 : Oct 2024

csic

Increasing Diversity of Construction has never been more CRITICAL

The Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting its work on a National Equity and Inclusion Plan for the construction industry in Scotland which will drive increased inclusivity. Funded by Scottish Government this latest initiative is part of the wider plan for the industry to develop a more diverse and inclusive workforce, giving the sector access to a wider talent pool to support growth and help to address labour shortages. In the construction industry in Scotland in 2020[1], 84.6% of workers were men and 15.4% were women. 1.6% of workers in the construction industry were from a minority ethnic background compared with 4.3% of minority ethnic workers in Scotland as a whole. The National Construction Equity and Inclusion Plan seeks to address these imbalances by mainstreaming equity and inclusion within the industry as part of the CLF’s Construction Recovery Plan. The goals of the plan are to assess the current situation, share information on impactful equity and inclusion initiatives and develop actions to drive the realisation of a workforce that is more representative of society. The plan is being delivered in partnership with industry by Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) on behalf of the CLF and is funded by the Scottish Government. The project is being supported by a steering group of experts who represent multiple aspects of the industry and have championed the cause of equity and inclusion throughout their careers. The strength of the steering group, combined with industry and Government support, will help ensure that the recommendations of the plan are moved to active implementation once it has been published. Emma Dickson, Technical Director at Arcadis and industry co-chair of CLF’s Skills and Workforce sub group issued a challenge to the sector to “Celebrate International Women’s Day by taking a meaningful step towards improving gender diversity in your workplace. What will you do?” She said: “The new Plan will focus on meaningful action, drawing from best practice and experience. It will be critical for industry to embrace and action the recommendations; our strong industry networks and leadership groups must take the lead. Skills shortages alongside the need for new green / digital skills in the industry mean that improving the diversity of our industry has never been so critical.” Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise and CLF chair Ivan McKee said: “It is really encouraging to see much needed progress towards creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive construction industry that is representative of the world we live in. I am delighted to see this work being promoted on International Women’s Day, when we can celebrate raising awareness against bias and taking action to advance equality.”    Lynsey Brydson, Head of Digital Programmes, CSIC said: “The collective objective we are aiming for is building a stronger, fairer and greener economic future for the construction industry and this investment is an important move in that direction. It is anticipated that the plan will be delivered in May”. Peter Reekie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Futures Trust and chair of the executive group of the CLF, said: “The CLF is embarked on a radical overhaul of the industry in Scotland and it is important to maintain momentum as the recovery gathers pace. “The data shows that our track record on diversity is poor. The industry is missing out on the talents of too many people, and too many people who could have rewarding careers in the industry are not seeing it as a place for them. Leaders at all levels must do better and I am proud to support the group putting in place our first National Equity and Inclusion Plan, which will help them to do just that.” [1] Annual Population Survey, Jan-Dec 2020

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New Future Leaders’ Forum to transform skills in the built environment

Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is calling on early career professionals and students with drive, ambition and determination to join a new Built Environment Future Leaders’ Forum.  This ground breaking initiative will promote the development of new skills, competencies and opportunities in the sector to inspire the future workforce of the construction industry in a way that will benefit the sector for years to come. CSIC is looking for early career professionals and students who are already active in the industry and have a passion about our built environment, to work together to build the mindset, skills and agility needed in a rapidly changing landscape.  The forum’s aim is to ensure the voice of the future workforce is heard, so that the industry can better understand how to attract new talent, and that others are inspired to follow a career in the sector. Lisa Deane, Lead Future Skills Manager at CISC, said: “There is both a skills shortage in the sector and there are new types of skills needed with changing ways of delivering our built environment.  The Built Environment Future Leaders’ Forum is a way to ensure we understand how to attract and support the development of existing and new skills in the sector, and how we optimise routes of entry into the industry for them.” “This is a really exciting opportunity for those in their early careers, who are passionate about the built environment with an interest in better and innovative ways to shape our built world.  It’s a chance to be an influencer and ambassador in your field in a way that hasn’t been possible before – the sector needs your input.”    The Forum will be a group of up to 12 people aged 16-30 who are studying or training in a built environment subject or field, or those that are already on a career path in the sector.  The group will share ideas and make emerging expertise and views heard throughout industry.  Members will meet regularly, feed into the CSIC future skills strategy and programmes, and take part in engaging industry with new opportunities. CSIC is firmly committed to diversity and equality and aims to have a broad spectrum of forum members with different points of view and experiences from across the sector. For more information about applying to be a member of the Built Environment Future Leaders’ Forum, or chair or co-chair of the group, take a look at the application pack https://www.cs-ic.org/library/future-leaders-forum-application-pack/ The deadline for applications for this year’s group is 16 November 2020. 

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Can you lead the charge for change in the world of construction?

Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC) is today calling on students with a passion for innovation and disruption to help lead the charge for change in the construction sector. CSIC is looking to galvanise forward-thinking attitudes by launching its Built Environment Innovation MSc Fund 2020-21, calling on prospective students who want to play a part in tackling climate change, to take the lead on significant technical advancements in the construction world and to be involved in finding that one simple creative idea that can completely transform the way the sector operates.  From the rise of 3D printing, allowing companies to print out entire buildings, to virtual reality software being used in the planning stages of construction, the opportunities for creative and disruptive thinking students are endless and successful innovation enables businesses to punch above their weight. It saves time and money. It breeds new opportunities. And, ultimately, it can give companies a competitive edge when looking to grow. There are up to 20 places, each with £6,530 funding available, to help support candidates who are looking to carve a career and look to change the future of the built environment sector. The grant will encourage new talent into Scotland’s construction landscape and to apply, CSIC is asking that students have an interest in bringing a creative thinking solution to the built environment sector and that they can support and work on a research project during their programme of study that can be applied directly to the industry. Stephen Good, Chief Executive at CSIC, said: “Some of the most important solutions and innovative ideas come from those on the ground. Creating this opportunity for the future innovators of the construction world to develop their ideas is key to changing the sector. This is an exciting opportunity for students to be part of real transformational change together with industry, helping to set a new direction post lockdown as we build back better to create a built environment that works effectively for people, business and our economy. “Construction and the built environment are changing, and the skills needed are wide ranging, including digital, climate change logistics, engineering, design and robotics. The demand for skilled professionals in the industry sector remains high and the opportunities are countless.  The MSc funding offers people a real opportunity to create a career that positively impacts everyone through the physical spaces we inhabit.” Dale Johnstone, who benefited from CSIC’s MSc grant in 2016/17, said: “I would encourage anyone interested in developing their skills and prospects of a career in the built environment sector to apply for the MSc Grant on offer from CSIC. The access to industry experts within the sector was incredible. “I was partnered with the Scottish Borders Council as part of their Engineering and Design department and after the programme secured a full-time role at the Council. This new role allowed me to be a part of several civil engineering projects across the Borders, from the design stage right up to construction. I take great pride in being able to provide projects which have significant benefits to the local community and which continue to improve and shape the world we live in.” Students can apply with an industry partner already in mind or CSIC can help find a partner from the wide network of contacts the Innovation Centre already has. During the programme, students will work closely with their chosen industry partner and have access to a number of skilled mentors, workshops and the chance to connect with experts across the sector. To find out more, visit https://www.cs-ic.org/innovationcentre/future-skills/the-built-environment-innovation-msc-fund/

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