Tag: Skills
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Bridging the Construction Skills Gap: 5 Ways to Upskill Your Workforce
From predictive analytics and AI-driven project management tools to digital twins and autonomous equipment, construction firms are embracing innovation at a rapid pace. In fact, more than three-quarters of the industry now report using some form of AI. But while the tools may be in place, the people using them are often an afterthought. Upskilling…
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The 5% Club announces honorary role for outgoing Balfour Beatty chief
Balfour Beatty Group’s chief executive, Leo Quinn, has been appointed life president of The 5% Club. Quinn founded the national charity in 2013 to drive skills development and combat youth unemployment. The 5% Club was established on the principle that businesses should aim for at least 5% of their workforce to be in ‘earn and…
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CITB announces £39m investment in construction colleges
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has confirmed a major investment in National Construction Colleges (NCC) over the next three years. The investment in NCC sites at Erith, Bircham, and Inchinnan will support the expansion of the training provision, increasing the range and volume of apprenticeship and commercial training opportunities available. The investment across the three…
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Rising wage costs are eating into construction’s margins
The industry’s persistent skills shortage is pushing wage inflation while also thwarting project delivery, writes Nitesh Patel. Wages in construction are rising at a faster pace than across the wider economy. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that average weekly earnings in the industry accelerated to 7.5% in the year to February, from 6%…
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Middlesex launches digital apprenticeships to fill skills gap
Middlesex University has launched six digital apprenticeship programmes for construction, spanning cyber security and data science through to digital marketing and user experience (UX). The programme aims to address current construction skills shortages and future skills needs, promote social inclusion, and increase productivity. Some 56% of businesses told the London Local Skills Improvement Plan that…
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Masonry matters: a mission to boost skills
A new association promises to solve the masonry sector’s recruitment and training challenges with an approach that targets micro companies. March this year saw the launch of the Masonry Association of Great Britain (MAGB), a new organisation that aims to boost recruitment and upskilling in the masonry sector. Current systems are not working, says the…
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Government cuts higher level apprenticeship funding
The UK government has announced plans to “refocus” funding away from Level 7 (masters level) apprenticeships from January 2026. From next year, only existing apprentices or those aged 16-21 will be eligible for levy-funded training. According to the government, the new measures will allow levy funding to be “rebalanced towards training at lower levels, where…
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Girls’ summer camp launched to promote built environment
The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Ireland will be hosting a Built Environment Summer Camp for 12 to 14-year-old girls in June. Described as the first of its kind in Ireland, the event will assist in raising awareness around careers in the construction and engineering sector, aiming to increase female participation in study and apprenticeships. …
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‘A trained specialist is the key to ensuring quality and safe fitness for purpose’
Michael Hawkyard FCIOB: ‘A further remedy a creditor may wish to consider is the issue of a statutory demand’ (Image: Dreamstime.com) A selection of readers’ comments about news and issues in the industry from across the CIOB community and social media. ‘Our main contractor client is withholding payments. What can we do?’ This contract clinic…
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Housing association expands apprenticeship scheme for skilled trades
L&Q has launched its 2025 apprenticeship programme, offering placements for 20 aspiring tradespeople – with more positions expected to open later this year. The housing association is investing in future talent by expanding its apprenticeship and graduate programme across the organisation. This year, the intake will double in size, with 20 new roles in plumbing,…