Construction National

ASFP announces latest training dates

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has announced several new dates for its Foundation Course in Passive Fire Protection at both Level 2 and Level 3.

The 7-day classroom-based Level 3 courses will take place in Manchester, commencing on 15 August; Reading starting on 17 August; and Dublin on 7 September. The 4-day Level 2 courses will take place in Coventry from 1 September; and Dublin commencing on 7 September. Revision courses to help learners prepare for the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) exams are scheduled to take place on 2 October in Coventry and 5 October in Dublin.

Read more: ASFP announces latest training dates

RHS garden supported by building students wins Best in Show

An innovative garden which explores mental health in construction has been awarded Best Show Garden at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.

The award-winning garden received the finishing touches of poignant wooden hearts decorated by Leeds College of Building Painting & Decorating apprentices.

Read more: RHS garden supported by building students wins Best in Show

Plant Market take full control and ownership of Boningale Limited

Boningale Nurseries part of the Boningale Limited group are pleased to announce the sale of the business has now been completed, with Plant Market taking full control and ownership of Boningale Limited, its brands and five production sites.

Kersten Catella, Boningale Nurseries Sales Director said, “This milestone marks a new chapter in our journey, one that presents immense opportunities for growth, innovation, and expanding our reach within the market. With the support of our new partners, we are poised to cultivate even greater success and become a driving force in shaping the future of horticulture. Together, we will continue to nurture our relationships, nurture our customers' needs, and flourish as a leading force in this thriving industry."

Read more: Plant Market take full control and ownership of Boningale Limited

Leeds College of Building ranked 14th Best UK Apprenticeship Training Provider

Leeds College of Building is celebrating after being named in the RateMyApprenticeship Best 50 Training Providers Table 2023-2024.

Read more: Leeds College of Building ranked 14th Best UK Apprenticeship Training Provider

Offsite Awards finalists showcase best in industry

The much-anticipated Offsite Awards returns this year to the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 September for an evening of celebration and success sharing. In a year of much change and innovation, offsite businesses are rising to meet challenges and obstacles - designing and delivering the next generation of future-forward and sustainable buildings.

Read more: Offsite Awards finalists showcase best in industry

ASFP achieves ISO 9001 Certification

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is pleased to announce it achieved ISO 9001 certification in June this year, after a two-stage assessment by UKAS-accredited certification body LRQA.

As part of its continuous drive for improvement, the ASFP started its ISO 9001 certification journey in late 2022. ASFP Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager Tariq Malik worked to develop a Quality Management System (QMS) and Quality Manual in line with ISO 9001 requirements. A stage one assessment of our systems took place in February this year. During this audit our systems were reviewed to see if we had put in place all the requirements specified in ISO 9001. As with any new system, several gaps were identified and LRQA raised five findings for further work.

Having undertaken this work, our stage two assessment took place in May this year. As a result, we were finally issued with our ISO 9001 certificate in June.

ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward stated:

“I am delighted we have achieved this certification and would particularly like to thank Tariq for his hard work in developing our QMS system and for guiding the Association successfully through this process.

“By achieving ISO 9001 certification, we want to demonstrate our commitment to members and customers that our products and services will always meet regulatory requirements as well as our customers’ needs. We are always striving to improve and by becoming ISO 9001 certificated, we have gained another tool that will allow us to do so in a globally-recognised way.”

For further information visit asfp.org.uk

Leeds College celebrates most ever SkillBuild national finalists

A record number of Leeds College of Building students have been selected for the national final of SkillBuild 2023 - the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices. 

Delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), SkillBuild showcases some of the brightest talent. Highly skilled learners and apprentices go head-to-head to be crowned winner of their chosen trade. 

Read more: Leeds College celebrates most ever SkillBuild national finalists

Employer breakfast targets green skills in construction

Local employers gathered at a recent Leeds College of Building event to learn more about the growing demand for green skills in construction. The employer breakfast welcomed a range of construction stakeholders and focussed on green skills gaps, the College’s training, and exciting opportunities to collaborate. 

Around 35 guests attended the JAST (Joseph Aspdin Skills Trust) sponsored event, including representatives from West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), United Living, Leeds City Council, Sparta Systems, Wrapt Homes, and R. Bunton Ltd. 

Read more: Employer breakfast targets green skills in construction

New NASC CEO Clive Dickin takes the reins

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – highly experienced trade body leader, Clive Dickin.

Clive has worked for more than 25 years as a senior leadership figure within the membership trade association sector – specialising in understanding the needs of membership bodies, ensuring they thrive and grow. He has repeatedly moved organisations to new heights of performance and delivery – and is now shifting his extensive experience and business focus to NASC.

Read more: New NASC CEO Clive Dickin takes the reins

O'Donovan Waste secure Mission Zero accreditation for second year

O’Donovan Waste continues to exceed industry standards in its approach to compliance and safety.  Already a holder of a vast number of rigorous accreditations including several ISO standards and the Gold Standard for the stringently audited the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), the multi award-winning waste management specialist has now secured its Mission Zero accreditation after meeting and surpassing all assessment requirements for the second year.

Mission Zero is a thorough quality standard for the road fleet sector.  Based on a full legal compliance audit, Mission Zero encompasses industry best practice and is officially recognised as meeting contractual requirements including TfL Work-Related Road Risk (WRRR), CLOCS and is equivalent to FORS silver standard. 

Read more: O'Donovan Waste secure Mission Zero accreditation for second year