New conference aims to find practical solutions to construction skills shortage

Construction Skills Conference – Thursday 1st November 2018 – 8:15 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. – Cheltenham Race Course

As the skills shortage in the construction sector continues to grow, a new event taking place in Cheltenham in November aims to find practical solutions that will help construction companies of all sizes develop and retain the talent they require.

 

The Construction Skills Conference brings together employers and educators to share ideas and explore ways to tackle the skills shortage. It comprises a mix of presentations and workshops, enabling attendees to find out about initiatives already taking place, share their experiences and ideas and put forward suggestions for tackling the problem. Topics range from removing the barriers to apprenticeships and the use of elearning to retaining talent and how to recruit ex-Services personnel.

 

The conference is organised by not for profit membership organisation Gloucester Construction Training Group (GCTG), who have taken the initiative as the constructions skills shortage is forecast to be particularly acute in the county. Research carried out for the Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (GFirst LEP) has identified a number of areas where demand is expected to outstrip supply, including both skilled trades such as glaziers, floorers and electricians and professional managerial roles such as civil engineers, project managers and trade supervisors.

 

“Every year we see reports highlighting the skills shortage in construction, but what we really need are practical solutions to help employers tackle it,” said Gerald Crittle, Group Manager for the GCTG.

“Smaller construction companies in particular need support to help them develop effective strategies to recruit new talent and provide training to encourage them to stay in the industry.

 

“This is not a recruitment event but a conference where construction companies and education stakeholders can work together to tackle the problem. If the demand is there, we hope that it will become an annual event.”

 

The CITB has provided funding for this event which is open to all employers and educators working in the construction sector and costs just £35.00 + VAT, with members of GCTG receiving one free place. More information and booking details can be found at https://gctg_csc18.eventbrite.co.uk

 

Sanctus Training Ltd will also be exhibiting at the conference.

 

About Gloucestershire Construction Training Group

Gloucester Construction Training Group (GCTG) was established in 2004 and is a not for profit membership organisation funded by the CITB. It works to support training within the construction sector and promote construction as a positive career choice. Membership is open to all construction companies based in Gloucestershire and the M4 corridor in North Wiltshire and costs £50 + VAT for 12 months. For further information about membership email info@gctraining.group or call 07543 185045.

 

For further information about this press release please contact Gerald Crittle on email Geraldc@GCtraining.group or phone: 07543 185045