YOUR FMB _ MEMBER NEWS
CENTRAL
Do you need more support? As part of ongoing research into the challenges facing members, Central Director Nicola de Sousa asked: What keeps you awake at night?
LONDON
It’s all happening at Build Academy
What do you wish you had known when starting out? Where do you turn for training and support?
Q Could you describe your experience at Build Academy? It’s hands-on, supportive and focused on real skills for the workplace. The staff treat us like professionals and help us build confidence and technical skills. Q Where do you see your career going? I see myself building a long-term career in construction, gaining more experience on site and progressing through qualifications. Ultimately, I’d like to specialise in multi trades, mainly working indoors and continue developing so I can have a stable and rewarding career in the industry. Big names visit Build Academy In February the FMB welcomed representatives from the government and Greater London Assembly (GLA) to Build Academy. Visitors included:
Student ambassador shares her views The FMB held a Parliamentary Reception launching its Small Housebuilders Survey . In attendance was Holly Bennett, student ambassador from Build Academy – the FMB pilot project giving 20 young people site-ready skills based on a curriculum created by FMB members. Here is Holly’s reflection on the experience. Q What did you learn at the FMB parliamentary reception? How important the construction industry is to the UK and how organisations like the FMB are working with the government to support small construction businesses. It was interesting to see how our programme links directly to national priorities and real job opportunities. Q What was it like meeting FMB members at the event? It was inspiring. Everyone was welcoming and genuinely interested in my journey. Speaking to Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, FMB CEO Brian Berry and employers helped me understand the different career routes available, and gave me confidence knowing that people in the industry want to support and invest in learners like us.
Members’ responses painted a consistent picture, with: 33% said cashflow (and getting paid) is the biggest business stressor; 27% said finding consistent work was an issue; 22% cited pricing work profitably; and 22% said managing staff shortages. Running a business while doing the work is challenging, which is why the FMB has approved associate members who can help. Using the FMB supplier directory, members can find experienced business coaches and mentors who understand construction, leadership and management development programmes, and practical business growth support. Much of this training is eligible for CITB funding, meaning registered members may be able to access it at reduced cost. Here’s what to do: visit the FMB supplier directory to find coaches and training providers; check whether you’re registered with CITB and eligible for training to be funded; and contact Nicola for guidance on what to do and who to ask for support.
Photo of FMB London’s Tom Peardon and David Guitterez, Chris McDonald MP, Minister for Industry Calvin Bailey MP, and Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB
SCAN HERE FOR FMB SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
CONTACT Nicola de Sousa, Central Director | Email: nicoladesousa@fmb.org.uk | Call: 07769 687 239
48 Master Builder
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