An innovative event aimed at the building and construction sector, packed full of supply chain opportunities. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet key organisations, make new contacts, find new business prospects and discover how to access business opportunities. 

January saw the year off to a good start for the construction industry, with one report showing higher levels of growth than at any time since 2007. The UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index – a statistical tool jointly compiled and published by market research company Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply – reported growth in all sectors. The irony is that the continuing growth in activity has led to a parallel “deterioration in supplier performance”. Seems product suppliers have not cottoned on to the fact that the industry is out of recession and is not keeping up with demand.

When trainee plumber Aleksander Pietraszewski (20) from Raynes Park began looking for industry training opportunities, he was delighted to hear that Bellway Homes South East division wanted to offer him an apprenticeship, and he soon found himself on-site learning his new craft.

Speaking about how he came to plumbing and his course Aleksander said “After finishing my A-Levels, I started a civil engineering course at Loughborough University, but decided to change direction to gain hands on experience of the industry and earn some money rather than building up considerable debt whilst studying. I started a City and Guilds certificate in basic plumbing, level 2 at Nescot in Epsom in February 2013, even though I had no guarantee of an apprenticeship.” 

Why create your own qualification? 

Businesses benefit from a qualified workforce. If staff are trained and qualified they tend to be motivated and more productive. Creating your own qualification gives your staff learning formal recognition outside your business, enhancing your corporate image. 

Sky is working with owner and management company, Get Living London, to offer market-leading services to renters in London’s newest neighbourhood, East Village, on the site of the former 2012 Athletes’ Village.

Responding to the expectations voiced by the tech-savvy, young professionals, couples and families interested in moving into the new development, the rental properties (which range from 1 and 2-bedroom apartments to 3 and 4-bedroom apartments and townhouses) are all Sky ready with a communal TV system in place for instant Sky access. Residents can also benefit from savings on Sky subscriptions.

The NASC has announced their Qualifying The Workforce (QTW) 2014 programme will begin this week. 

NASC members will be able to apply to for a payment of £125 for any of their employees that have qualified to CISRS Scaffolder, Advanced Scaffolder or Scaffolding Supervisor status since 1st September 2013. The operatives will need to have completed all requisite training and be in possession of a current valid CISRS card to be eligible.

The NASC will be holding five, free TG20:13 Regional Seminars across the UK to mark the publication of the revised, industry standard Technical Guidance for tube and fitting scaffolding. 

The TG20:13 regional seminars are open to principal contractors, client bodies, local authorities, health and safety consultants and scaffolding contractors. Pre-registration is required for attendance at the seminars (on a first-come first-served basis) via www.nasc.org.uk due to the anticipated level of demand.

Bracknell Roofing has completed a major refurbishment of the 800,000sq ft Invacare factory roof in Pencoed, South Wales, whilst the factory remained fully operational.

The flat roof on the building was over 20 years’ old and the single ply membrane had begun to deteriorate in places.

It was Bracknell Roofing’s specialist knowledge in flat roofs that enabled the team to advise the client on all the options available – repair or replace – that resulted in Invacare UK commissioned the company to carry out both the flat roof and ManSafe elements.

WORK HAS started on Leeds College of Building’s new £16million education and training facility which is located on land that was purchased last year from Yorkshire Design Group at Hunslet Lane and Black Bull Street in the heart of Leeds City Centre.

Leeds College of Building has appointed GB Building Solutions as the lead contractor and AECOM as project managers.  The new all purpose 8,000 square meter building will take approximately 51 weeks to build.

The CAI are offering a 5% Early Bird Discount on all training course bookings - so don't delay book today, this offer is only valid for a short period of time - please use discount code 5%DISC when making your booking online or over the phone.  (Please note that this offer excludes the CAI SMATV & IRS Networks Distance Learning Course)

At a time of increasing change within our industry, training and education is essential if you want to keep abreast of the latest technology, design and installation techniques.