Construction training goes on-site to meet the needs of Exeter employers

 

A new, site-based approach to construction training started in Exeter this month, with the launch of a National Skills Academy for Construction Project at Cowlin's development at University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus.

 

The National Skills Academy for Construction is an innovative ‘employer-led’ approach to construction training. By the end of 2010, more than 55 National Skills Academy for Construction Projects will have been established on-site at major construction projects throughout the UK, including the 2012 Olympic sites in London.

 

Developed with support from ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry, together with leading industry employers and education and training providers, this academy site is part of the National Skills Academy for Construction programme. This Government initiative is designed to deliver the right skills of the right quality, in the right quantity, in the right place, at the right time, to enable major construction projects to be built safely, to the right standard, on time, within cost, for the benefit of communities.

 

As part of its role as the Sector Skills Council for the industry, ConstructionSkills is committed to creating a fully-skilled and professional workforce.  The launch of this National Skills Academy for Construction project will make training easier to access and help combat industry statistics which show that one in six construction workers have no formal qualifications, three quarters of the industry does not do any training and the training that does happen is not evenly spread across the supply chain.

 

The £270m development at Streatham Campus is being led by Cowlin Construction, with the Academy itself on the New North Road site.  In addition to providing new academic facilities and accommodation, the project will also include the £48m Forum Project in the heart of the campus, an expansion to the Business School, refurbishment at Biosciences, a teaching centre for INTO International students and residences at Birks Grange, Duryard and Lafrowda.

 

With support from ConstructionSkills, as many as 242 new recruits will gain experience of working in the industry, in addition to upskilling the project supply chain, as a result of this project over the next three years.  Nationwide, the National Skills Academy for Construction aims to create at least 10,000 local jobs via apprenticeships and to help 100,000 experienced workers gain NVQ Levels II or III.

 

Gary Hewison, National Skills Academy for Construction Performance Coordinator for the South said: “The National Skills Academy for Construction Project at Streatham Campus will provide much-needed on-site training and help to ensure that building projects leave a legacy of skills for the future. With business and government in partnership we can raise skills levels across the economy, sector by sector, ensuring we can compete effectively in a rapidly changing global economy.”

 

Neil Sherreard from Cowlin Construction, added: “The major construction works being undertaken at the University provide an excellent opportunity to supply much needed training in a live environment.  Utilising our highly skilled management and workforce together with our supply chain partners, we are able to deliver a focussed, hands-on, learning experience for local people, to the ultimate benefit of the region and our industry.

 

“As an employer dedicated to the development of people in the industry we are delighted and proud to be involved in this academy”

 

David Allen, Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive of the University of Exeter said: "The £270 million investment which is currently being undertaken by the University and its partners will create world-class facilities for our students, staff and visitors.

 

"We're delighted that our construction projects will also lead directly to opportunities for apprentices, students, schools and businesses in Exeter and the wider region.

 

"The University has a growing reputation around the world but with 2,800 staff we are also very much a Westcountry business providing valuable jobs and opportunities for people in this region. Our total contribution to the economy is worth more than £340 million a year.”

 

 

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