Construction National

East Surrey College gains RICS accreditation – the first in the country!

East Surrey College is excited to announce we have been awarded RICS accreditation for our new Quantity Surveying Degree. This is an outstanding achievement and one not matched by any other College in England.

We have been offering the Quantity Surveying Degree for a while in conjunction with University of Chichester. We saw a gap in the market and an opportunity to make the qualification simpler to achieve without taking away any of the quality of the course. Currently to qualify, students undergo 6 years of education, including work placement before gaining RICS accreditation, which is needed to work in industry.

Read more: East Surrey College gains RICS accreditation – the first in the country!

Innovative offshore wind turbine project completed by students

In a pioneering educational venture, students from the College of West Anglia (CWA) have successfully completed the construction of a scaled replica of an offshore floating wind turbine at Constructionarium based in Bircham Newton, Norfolk. This groundbreaking initiative, named AngliaZero, is the result of a collaboration between Constructionarium, a not for profit educational specialist in scaled hands-on construction experiences, and the New Anglia Growth Fund.

Read more: Innovative offshore wind turbine project completed by students

Inclusivity: five ways construction workplaces can support women

The construction industry has long been dominated by men, but times are changing, and it's essential for workplaces to evolve with them. Creating inclusive environments for women in construction not only fosters diversity but also enhances productivity and innovation. In the run up to International Women's Day, which takes place on March 8, 2024, Nyaisha Sullivan, Construction Lead at Veriforce CHAS, explores five key strategies to make construction workplaces more inclusive for women.

Read more: Inclusivity: five ways construction workplaces can support women

Delivering PPE that fits the bill

Whether workers are male or female, their PPE needs to fit properly to guarantee adequate protection. uvex’s Clair Weston explains how PPE “fit clinics” – and product ranges that cater for all sizes – can help keep employees safe

When it comes to personal protective equipment, it is clear that one size does not fit all. Ill-fitting, uncomfortable, or impractical PPE can pose significant safety risks, hinder performance and erode confidence. If employees find their PPE uncomfortable, it also increases the chances they won't wear it.

Read more: Delivering PPE that fits the bill

SoTSIoT celebrates exciting construction milestone

A traditional ground breaking ceremony has taken place to mark the first official day of construction on the brand new Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology (SoTSIoT), which will be located off Castle Street at the heart of the new multi-million pound Stafford station gateway regeneration scheme.

Read more: SoTSIoT celebrates exciting construction milestone

Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain: What small developers need to know

While February, 2024, saw the rollout of the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements for larger developments, small sites have until April to adapt. Lucy Dixon, Sustainability Lead at Veriforce CHAS, outlines some key considerations for small site developers aiming for compliance.

Read more: Mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain: What small developers need to know

ASFP to host fire safety seminar in Bristol

The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) is hosting a CPD seminar at the Aviva Centre in Stoke Gifford, Bristol on Tuesday 12th March 2024. Bringing together a range of expert ASFP and guest speakers, the event will explore best practice in passive fire protection (PFP) design and installation.

Starting with registration at 9.15am, attendees will be welcomed to the event by ASFP Managing Director Mike Ward at 10am. The ASFP’s Technical and Regulatory Affairs Officer Niall Rowan will then kick off the morning session with an introduction to PFP, providing an overview of key concepts, materials, and regulations.

Read more: ASFP to host fire safety seminar in Bristol

Paramount praises new 40m Hinowa as a ‘gamechanger'

National spider lift rental specialist Paramount Platforms has become the first access hire company in the UK to take delivery of the new Hinowa 40.18 Lightlift Performance IIIS.

Access Platforms Sales (APS) has supplied the company with the tracked spider boom - now the largest in the Hinowa range, with a maximum working height of 40.2 metres.

Read more: Paramount praises new 40m Hinowa as a ‘gamechanger'

Jonathan Gullis - National Apprenticeship Week Visit

On Friday 9^th February, Jonathan Gullis, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North visited Stoke on Trent College’s Burslem Campus to highlight the significance of Apprenticeships in driving the economy forward.

The visit was designed to raise awareness of the benefits of Apprenticeships and coincided with the culmination of a week-long celebration and series of events which took place at the College as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2024.

Read more: Jonathan Gullis - National Apprenticeship Week Visit

Veriforce CHAS secures Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award for fifth year

Veriforce CHAS, the supply chain risk management and compliance specialist, has consolidated its position as the accreditation provider of choice after being awarded the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for an impressive fifth consecutive year. The award is a testament to Veriforce CHAS's commitment to delivering exceptional service to its contractors and clients.

Each year, Feefo, the respected global buyer review platform, recognises businesses that consistently excel in providing outstanding customer experiences. The Platinum Trusted Service Award is a testament to the positive feedback received from numerous satisfied customers, independently validating the company’s dedication to quality.

Read more: Veriforce CHAS secures Feefo Platinum Trusted Service award for fifth year