The first Training Hub cohort, May 2019
The construction skills gap: a national crisis
In 2015, the National Infrastructure Plan for Skills, commissioned by HM Treasury, identified that by 2020 demand for skilled labour would outstrip supply by c100,000 people if left unaddressed.
It is crucial that now, more than ever, we attract new talent into our industry and up skill our current workforce to ensure we have the optimum quantity and quality of staff to deliver our work. That’s why the CITB Construction Skills Fund (CSF) is essential to help us deliver this project.
Construction For All: The Eiffage Kier Training Hub
Our newly established Eiffage Kier Training hub, funded by the CITB CSF, will focus on delivering skills, employment and education activities. We will be offering 3 targeted training programmes which will be fully funded at no cost to those that attend.
Our aim is to offer Construction For All through our three tailored course:
1 – Entry into Construction - Five qualifications including Manual Handling, Construction L1, Emergency First Aid and a CSCS card
2 – CPCS Plant Operator – CPCS accredited targeted at Dump Trucks and Ride on Rollers.
3 – Construction for Women –a formal IOSH Health & Safety qualification and/or IEMA Environmental Management qualification.
The key to our strategy is the delivery of an integrated plan that matches people to jobs and training requirements for those who are seeking a future within engineering and construction, allowing people to develop skills to use on the projects of the future.
We have partnered with local training providers to ensure we are able to attract local talent as well as demonstrating that we are committed to investing in local businesses. Our CITB training will be delivered by Bucks College Groups, Qube Learning and Apple Construction Training.
Our objectives
Our objectives are to deliver employer led training and competency activities that mirror our construction programme. This will be delivered in a simulated working environment in partnership with local stakeholders. We will identify and promote opportunities to underrepresented groups and those who are unemployed in order to develop a pipeline of talent that leaves a lasting legacy in the community.
Our proposal includes the staged development of two training hubs to service the Aylesbury Community and to deliver CPCS accredited Plant Operator training. Our research and engagement with local communities (Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxford) has identified a lack of skilled construction resource and lack of training provision so it is vital we start training and support new entrants to our industry.
Our first cohort started the Entry into Construction programme with Bucks College in May. All those that attended came out with a CSCS Card, Manual Handling and Construction site experience – they are now ready to take their first career step into construction. Watch this space for future updates.