There’s lots to catch you up on since my last round up, here’s a few highlights. These include an update on the skills and sustainable skyline taskforce, new initiatives to encourage the next generation into construction, and the key items the London Board are focusing on.
Remember you can shape the future of the FMB by joining many of our groups and committees - take a look here.
Construction Challenge Croydon
The FMB was delighted to partner with CITB and the South London Partnership to host an event at Croydon College to promote construction to the next generation. Three schools from the local area were invited to come and try out some practical experiences, such as bricklaying, carpentry and retrofit. The event was a real success and the students continually spoke of how they enjoyed getting out of their seats and using their hands for a change. The FMB along with its members will continue to promote the benefits of construction and how taking up a career in this sector is a fantastic career path for anyone.
The FMB London Board
The London Board continue to meet with TFL on the dividing topic of ULEZ. Support is needed for SME Builders in London and the Federation is the voice for so many struggling with this change. Another key issue that the Board members have been working on is whether CITB could provide a bursary for young people starting a career in construction – this funding would improve retention and support them into completing their education, and ultimately a future career.
Skills for sustainable skyline taskforce - Combined Upskilling & Reskilling Campaign
The Taskforce will be a three-year project led by the City of London Corporation to boost the supply of skilled workers for sustainable buildings.
The project is now working on its media strategy to market the industry to the next generation and encourage others to re-skill into construction. So what is the overall aim? Use PR, social and comms to engage with target audiences, share positive news and deliver the taskforce’s objectives of:
- Encouraging existing workforce in the built environment to upskill / reskill with green skills.
- Attracting a new and diverse cohort of entrants into green skills construction.
Authors
Tom Peardon
Tom represents the London membership of the FMB championing their interests to key industry stakeholders in London and providing a support to the membership.
Tom has eighteen years of experience working commercially in construction media including fifteen years on the CIOB publications Construction Management and BIMplus. Tom has also worked on the Architects’ Journal, the Architectural Review and the Association for Project Safety publication the Project Safety Journal.
Tom holds a degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Roehampton.
