Skills on agenda at SCE supported event

The challenges facing the construction industry and how it can address the skills gap was the focus of a recent event, sponsored by Shropshire Constructing Excellence.

Representatives from businesses in the sector from across the county learned more about a range of options to tackle the problem during the two-hour breakfast session at the Marches Growth Hub Telford on October 21.

Hosted by Enterprise Telford, it was supported by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, private training providers, further education colleges and the University of Wolverhampton.

Gareth Emberton, Chairman of Shropshire Constructing Excellence, said: “The event gave the attendees the opportunity to discuss the many challenges that the construction sector currently faces in meeting its skills demands.

“As well as looking at the regional picture and focusing on the challenges specific to Shropshire, the discussion focused on the national changes such as the information, advice and guidance that is given to potential employees at schools, the new Trailblazer Apprenticeships leading to Degree level programmes and the national funding changes affecting all employers in relation to the Apprenticeship Levy.

Those attending heard from Declan McDonnell from CADCOE on the skills challenges experienced by a local training provider. Lorraine Gregory from Construction Industry Training Board discussed the construction labour market and the expected effect of the national Apprenticeship Levy on the sector.

Michelle Roberts, from the University of Wolverhampton Apprentice Hub, spoke about the Degree Apprenticeships in Construction Management.