As the established trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry, FASET aims to always keep up to date with the latest news from the building access industry. We are pleased to share the following story from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC).
The CLC’s Industry Skills Plan for 2022/23 identifies four strategic priorities for the sector – Culture, Routes into Industry, Competence and Future Skills – and recognises the need to attract and retain workers from more diverse backgrounds. To support this, the industry has been called upon to offer more ‘taster’ opportunities and Open Doors, which is delivered by Build UK, gives young people and those looking for a change of career a unique chance to visit construction sites across Great Britain and get a taste of what it’s really like to work in the industry, while also learning about the wide range of career opportunities available.
This year’s Open Doors will run from Monday 13 – Saturday 18 March 2023 with more than 230 construction sites, offices, factories and training centres opening across England, Scotland and Wales and showcasing hundreds of different professions. Supporting the strategic priorities of the CLC the industry is encouraged to champion Open Doors across social media and encourage anyone exploring their future career to book a visit to go behind the hoardings on a variety of projects, including hospitals, schools, stadiums, viaducts, and production and training facilities.
Open Doors is delivered in partnership with a range of organisations – including CITB, the Department for Education (DfE), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and Kier – and aims to change perceptions of construction and encourage the next generation to explore opportunities across the sector.
Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the CLC said:
“Construction is a sector offering careers for life and real opportunities to deliver big change. With a growing population, communities up and down the country need our expertise to provide vital infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, homes, offices, and transportation links.
Whilst this strong demand means a stable pipeline of work, it also ensures there is a constant demand for skills – both traditional and emerging. The future of the construction industry lies in the successful attraction and development of the next generation, and programmes like Open Doors are a vital gateway to achieving that.”
Suzannah Nichol MBE, Chief Executive of Build UK, said:
“People often look at the construction sector and think it is only for a certain type of person, but it’s for everybody, and Open Doors is a fantastic way to see that. There is nothing like actually going on site and watching the industry in action.
Build UK is delighted to deliver Open Doors, in line with CLC’s Industry Skills Plan, and play our part in helping to recruit the next generation into our amazing industry.”
Louisa Finlay, Chief People Officer of Kier, said:
“You never forget the first time you step foot on a construction site and put that hard hat on. When I started my career as a trainee engineer, I never imagined that I’d be where I am today, responsible for the people and skills in Kier’s business for now and in the future. Construction really is not just open for business, and a key sector to support economic growth, but also open to everyone. I’m determined to showcase to the next generation of talent what an exciting and varied career you can have. The CLC encourages the industry to offer taster opportunities and that is exactly what Kier is doing during this exciting week.
Partnering with Open Doors Week is a fantastic way for us to break down barriers and lift the bonnet on the talent, skill and opportunity we have and the many ways to join the industry.”
