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New College Durham launches retrofit course to tackle green skills gap

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0n6663 New College Durham is launching a new course which aims to address the retrofitting skills gap. The Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit will provide the local workforce with first step towards in demand careers in the retrofit industry.

As part of the government’s net zero obligations, eleven million homes across the UK need to be retrofitted to reduce both energy consumption and emissions. This will only be possible with raised awareness and a skilled workforce. The college’s Level 2 Award is designed for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of retrofit and can also help those with professional construction experience take the first step towards becoming a Retrofit Assessor or work in the building insulation field.

Burnley College University Courses Class of 2022 share their pride with the borough

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xHDC7eP Proud Graduates of Burnley College University Courses were joined by civic leaders, dignitaries, their family and friends on a unique procession to their delayed graduation.

Due to the sad passing of HRH the Queen last September the ceremony was postponed as a mark of respect.

Tutors, support staff and families paraded alongside graduates from the Princess Way Campus to Burnley Mechanics, led by the Dean of Burnley College University Courses (BCUC) Nina Parkin. The culmination of the graduates’ years of dedicated study was celebrated at the Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony.

Modular construction: off-site and on trend

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0n6664 Supported as a route to more efficient and sustainable construction, modular construction is an evolving sector that offers the industry progressive benefits, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware.

Recognised as an emerging model in modern methods of construction (MMC), modular construction is an industry on the rise, albeit one that’s still in its infancy. In broad terms, the concept is often described as the process of constructing a building in a controlled, off-site setting, before being transported and assembled at its intended destination.

Leeds College of Building hosts ‘Celebration of Civil Engineering'

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BAM Civil Engineering Event A collaborative approach to careers in civil engineering was the subject of a special celebration event hosted at Leeds College of Building.

The event was coordinated by Employer BAM Nuttall Ltd, in association with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and took place in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) facility at the College’s South Bank Campus.

ASFP shortlisted for two Association awards

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PR 280 Taf awards The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has been shortlisted for two awards in the Trade Association Forum’s (TAF’s) Best Practice Awards. The Awards, supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, recognise, reward and promote best practice among trade associations in the UK. Awards range across 17 categories under the three thematic areas of Engage, Improve, and Lead.

The ASFP is delighted to have made the shortlist for awards in two of the three thematic areas by clearly demonstrating an increased level of membership engagement and the Association’s work to develop solutions to support skills development priorities for its members and the industry.

Evolving Connectivity 2023

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EC2023 Banner 600px v2 Evolving Connectivity, being held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, is the UK’s leading trade show for the signal reception, content delivery and smart home industry. Evolving Connectivity allows the showcasing of new industry products along with live seminars from keynote industry speakers about the future changes the industry will experience.

This one day event is informative, fun and imperative to attend if you're a new start-up or long standing business.

York Handmade unveils 'transformational' £1.5m state-of-the-art machinery

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YHB David 60 Years The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has invested £1.5 million in brand-new machinery which will transform how the company makes bricks.

York Handmade, who are now the UK’s leading small independent brickmaker, is confident this investment will open a new chapter in the company’s illustrious history.

The first bricks from the new plant will be available in March.

Learn on your own terms – Burnley College launches FREE* online learning

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C5EXj4E Burnley College is launching its pioneering new online learning which will give everyone access to real qualifications in highly desirable skills – and with full funding available, learners won’t have to pay anything.

This brand-new blended, flexible approach to learning allows people to shape their own education to fit around their lives.

Learners won’t even have to attend the College if they choose not to – however, in-person support is available on their £110 million campus for everyone who wants it.

Five tips for staying protected in winter weather

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0n6671 Clair Weston, marketing manager at uvex, outlines some key considerations for staying safe and comfortable when working in winter.

uvex has a long history of keeping people safe in winter conditions. We were the pioneers of the first anti-fog ski goggle in 1964, and our name is an abbreviation of “UltraViolet Exclusion.” So whether it’s at work or play, we know that having the right equipment to protect against the elements is key to comfort, performance and safety.

CHAS 2013 Limited is now part of Veriforce

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London Borough of Merton-based CHAS 2013 Limited (CHAS) has announced receipt of all customary regulatory approvals and confirmed that its acquisition by Thoma Bravo-backed Veriforce, LLC (Veriforce), the supply chain risk and compliance management industry’s fastest-growing solution provider, is now complete.

CHAS, previously a wholly-owned subsidiary of the London Borough of Merton, is the UK’s leading provider of risk prevention, compliance, and supply chain management services, and has built a strong reputation for simplifying health and safety prequalification and raising standards of risk management.

Leeds College of Building appoints new assistant principal

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Chris Tunningley 1 Chris Tunningley has been appointed as Leeds College of Building Assistant Principal for Adult Learning and Higher Education.

Chris, formerly the Head of University Centre for Architecture, Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building, succeeds retiring Assistant Principal Brian Duffy.

Speaking of his appointment, Chris said:

“I am thrilled to start in this post at Leeds College of Building. I’m passionate about how education can raise prospects and know that gaining a sought-after trade or profession while attaining maths, English, and digital skills can be life changing. Studying part-time or following a vocational higher-education pathway like a degree apprenticeship is a hands-on and economical route that ultimately leads to the same successful career destination as traditional academic routes.”

Leeds College of Building Principal & CEO Nikki Davis, said:

“Huge congratulations to Chris after a competitive selection process against a high calibre of candidate. Chris succeeds outgoing Assistant Principal Brian Duffy, who worked at the College for many years before retiring in December. Brian was critical in the growth of our higher education provision, and I know that Chris will be instrumental in building on this success. May I join others in wishing Chris well as he moves into this role.”

Chris has over 33 years of experience in the Building Services Engineering industry and Further and Higher Education sectors, initially qualifying as a gas engineer. After 19 years in engineering, Chris transitioned to teaching in 2008 when he became a lecturer in Building Services Engineering & Construction at Leeds College of Building.

Following this, Chris was appointed Curriculum Manager for Building Services & Civil Engineering and then Assistant Faculty Director for HE, Construction Design & Management at the College.

Chris will oversee adult learning and funding to combat regional skills shortages, plan for future skills needs (such as sustainable construction), and widening participation in education. Chris will also lead on higher education strategy, which incorporates the new Leeds College of Building University Centre, and work closely with employer partners and other professional bodies.

Chris continued:

“I came from a working-class background when university wasn’t an option, so I started my career as an Apprentice with British Gas. I progressed to a qualified gas engineer, technical engineer, quality assurance engineer, and then technical support manager. I am also a professionally registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with the Engineering Council through membership of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). I always took any opportunity to better myself and gain extra qualifications through work.

“I have first-hand experience of learning on the job as an adult and understand the challenges of studying part-time while balancing life and family commitments. Through the Open University, I progressed to a BSc in Engineering, Science & Design before gaining a master’s degree in Building Services Engineering – all while working. I hope these experiences will help me in my new role, having walked in our students’ shoes and lived it myself.”

For further information visit www.lcb.ac.uk

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