The Edge People

The UK’s construction industry is embracing modernisation with the opening of the first dedicated training centre for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) at Barnsley College.

32 new Homebuilding Skills Hubs to train 5,000 apprentices annually by 2028, offering fast-track pathways in key construction trades.

Keepmoat supports Knowsley Plastering Academy, offering NVQ plastering courses and site skills training for aspiring construction workers.

Medway Academy offers specialised training for renewables installers, supporting the transition to sustainable energy across the UK.

An industry-first competition is helping tech talent transition into permanent roles, addressing skills shortages and boosting career pathways.

Network Rail has breathed new life into the former Doncaster Rail College, transforming the site into a state-of-the-art training facility.

Constructionarium, a not-for-profit organisation known for its innovative approach to hands-on construction education, has released a new video showcasing the powerful educational impact of its programs.

QTS, in collaboration with South Lanarkshire Council and supported by Network Rail, has launched the region's first Rail Skills Academy, offering young people aged 18 to 24 a unique opportunity to enter the rail industry.

Recent survey results reveal that nearly 75% of over a thousand construction firms advocate for the scrapping of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and its associated training levy.

The UK government has unveiled plans for a new body, Skills England (SE), which is set to transform the landscape of skills training and development.

In a bid to drive infrastructure growth and boost the wider economy, a group of twelve leading construction executives have laid out a comprehensive blueprint for the next UK Government.

Transport for Wales (TfW) has launched Wales' first railway engineering degree apprenticeship programme.

In a recent report by the Public Accounts Committee, the UK's deepening skills crisis is highlighted as a significant threat to the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Network Rail has introduced a free PACE Awareness e-Learning course. This initiative is part of the broader SPEED (Swift, Pragmatic, Efficient, Effective Delivery) program, designed to enhance project delivery within the rail sector.

OPC Assessment, renowned for its psychometric tests, has unveiled the LPI Manager Narrative Report, a powerful addition to its Leadership Potential Indicator (LPI) tool.

The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Academy is launching its fourth recruitment drive, offering 30 new positions.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) project has reaffirmed its dedication to creating significant employment opportunities by participating in the Kirklees College Skills and Apprenticeships Fair during National Careers Week.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Network Rail hosted a 'morning myth-buster' event at the Mount School in York.

AtkinsRéalis has proudly achieved the Clear Assured Platinum Standard accreditation. As the first firm in the UK engineering sector to attain this prestigious recognition, AtkinsRéalis exemplifies a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality within its organisation.

HS2 has forged a partnership with BuildForce, an organisation dedicated to supporting ex-forces personnel in finding new career opportunities. This collaboration marks a significant step towards providing a smoother transition for veterans into the rail industry.

HS2 Ltd has announced a significant change to its recruitment practices. Pioneering a new standard of fairness, HS2 aims to ensure that all candidates have complete confidence in the screening process, free from bias or discrimination.

Navigating the complexities of apprenticeship recruitment presents challenges. However, OPC Assessment offers a solution with its innovative Core Skills Series assessment tools, providing organisations with effective means to identify and recruit top-tier apprentices.

In an effort to tackle skills shortages and nurture the upcoming talent pool within the rail sector, an innovative apprenticeship initiative has been introduced.

The HS2 team proudly announces the completion of the Euston Skills Centre, this initiative situated at the heart of Camden, marks a pivotal moment in nurturing local talent and addressing the growing demands of infrastructure and housing projects, including the monumental HS2 endeavo

The Association for Project Management (APM) has shed light on the prevalence of neurodivergence in the construction sector.

The UK construction industry is grappling with an unprecedented skills shortage, prompting calls for innovative solutions.

A pressing challenge looms over England's construction landscape, as Historic England's analysis reveals a staggering 50% shortfall in the pool of skilled workers essential for retrofitting the country's historic buildings.

In a recent revelation, the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) has raised a red flag through its Annual Rail Workforce Survey 2023.

According to data released by the Home Office, work permits issued to foreign engineers experienced a remarkable 71% increase in 2022 compared to the previous year.

In a concerning trend, incidents of motorists recklessly driving through roadworks have doubled this year in certain regions, posing an escalating risk to the safety of highways contractors.

In a progressive move to enhance apprenticeship dynamics and adapt to the evolving needs of industries, the National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) has officially joined the register of flexi-job apprenticeship agencies.

In a proactive response to the recommendations of the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has taken a significant step towards enhancing fire safety standards across the construction sector.

In a significant stride towards addressing the skills gap in the construction industry, Lee Marley, in collaboration with London South Bank Technical College, proudly announces the official opening of the Lee Marley Training Academy.

In a significant leap towards enhancing road safety, Lafarge Cement, in collaboration with Lomas Distribution, has embraced cutting-edge tiredness detection technology.

In a landmark development, the University of South Wales (USW) is at the forefront of a pioneering initiative, in collaboration with Nantgarw-based Coleg y Cymoedd, to introduce the first railway engineering degree apprenticeships in Wales.

In a bid to address labor shortages in the construction industry, the UK government added roofers, bricklayers, carpenters, and other building trades to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in July.

In a significant move towards enhancing the standards and professionalism within the construction industry, the Association of Brickwork Contractors has unveiled a groundbreaking qualification specifically designed for brickwork technicians.

In an age where the well-being of employees is gaining increasing recognition as a cornerstone of success, the Spencer Group, based in Hull, is taking a proactive step toward promoting the mental and physical health of its workforce.

Balfour Beatty, a prominent name in the construction industry, is taking a bold step toward inclusivity. The Group Chief Executive, Leo Quinn, is now proudly displaying a rainbow lanyard on his company ID badge, symbolising his dedication to "visible leadership".

In an era of unprecedented technological advancement, innovation in construction safety is taking center stage. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is at the forefront of this transformation, pioneering a groundbreaking trial that combines sensors, safety zones, and 3D modeling.

The construction industry, a cornerstone of progress and development, is poised for a transformation that could save billions and significantly boost productivity.

In an era where safety education is more crucial than ever, one company is shining brightly in its commitment to nurturing the next generation with vital rail safety knowledge. SPL Powerlines UK has been honored with a prestigious 'gold disc' for its outstanding contribution as a gold level partner of the Rail Safe Friendly program.

In a heartwarming demonstration of commitment to the communities they serve, South Western Railway (SWR) has announced a remarkable £1.5 million investment in 58 local community projects across its network.

The rail industry has long been the backbone of transportation, connecting people and places with the efficiency and reliability that have stood the test of time. However, for the younger generation, understanding the myriad opportunities within the rail sector and gaining a deeper insight into working in the industry can be a challenging task.

In the dynamic world of rail infrastructure, safety is paramount. The development of cutting-edge technology has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the lives of railway workers and ensuring their well-being on the job.

In a heartening development for the engineering industry and the future of the workforce, Hull-based engineering company Spencer Group has achieved a significant milestone. Over the last five years, they have welcomed their 50th apprentice into their ranks, with all of them sourced from the Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) in Hull.

Network Rail has launched a recruitment campaign aimed at inspiring more women to join the rail industry. This campaign not only seeks to fill vacant roles across Network Rail's Southern region but also aims to level the playing field in an industry that has, for far too long, been disproportionately represented by men.

In an exciting collaboration that blends education, creativity, and infrastructure development, HS2 Ltd has joined forces with Craftspace, Dual Works, and the Heart of Birmingham Vocational College (HBVC) to initiate the 'Washwood Heath Creates' program.

A groundbreaking immersive training centre, funded with £2.7 million, has been officially opened in Huddersfield.

In an era marked by wage inflation pressures and the constant need for fresh, diverse talent, apprenticeships have emerged as a powerful solution for the rail industry.

In a progressive move towards gender diversity and inclusivity in the construction sector, HS2 has joined hands with Women into Construction (WiC), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to bridging the gender gap in the industry.

In early September 2023, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) embarked on a crucial mission to enhance safety within the construction industry. Their latest initiative involves intensified construction site inspections, with a special focus on the movement and handling of construction materials.

In a bid to bolster the construction industry's workforce and enhance safety, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has rolled out a series of groundbreaking reforms in partnership with the Plant Sector Representative Organisation.

Victa Railfreight is making significant strides towards enhancing rail safety across the United Kingdom. Their Rail Safety Awareness (RSA) course has recently achieved a milestone by training nearly 4,000 individuals from diverse professional backgrounds.

The construction and housing sectors in the UK are about to witness a significant transformation as the government unveils a series of secondary legislations detailing the Building Safety Act 2022.

In the world of rail transport, safety is paramount. It's the foundation upon which the entire industry is built, and it's something that applies to railways of all sizes and types.

In a heartening display of dedication and support for the armed forces community, QTS Group has been bestowed with the prestigious Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has made history by unveiling its newly refurbished London office, The Grimaldi Building, as the first in the UK to fully adopt the BSI neurodiversity standard.

Preston City Council has given the green light to a Social Value Procurement Framework (SVPF) with the primary goal of enhancing benefits to the local community.