MEMBER NEWS
Expert panel at the launch event of Essex Construction Alliance
Pave Aways hosts a carpentry skills workshop in Baschurch, Shropshire
CENTRAL
CENTRAL
Launching Essex Construction Alliance Central Director Nicola de Sousa participated in Essex Construction Alliance's launch event at Harlow Civic Centre on 15 September. Spearheaded by Essex County Council (ECC) and CITB, the venture aims to help construction companies build their workforce and simplify the steps to access around £40 billion worth of public construction opportunities. Nicola shared the stage with Skills Minister Robert Halfon, who talked of the importance of innovative skills programmes to address workforce shortages in the sector. Apprentices from Morgan Sindall shared inspiring stories, spotlighting a school outreach programme, and delegates heard from the ECC procurement team. “I was pleased to see so many FMB members attend, hear about your businesses and listen to your needs. The feedback collected during the breakout sessions will inform our next steps, making future events even more impactful,” Nicola said. To join the alliance and hear about future events, contact Nicola on the details below or email constructionalliance@ essex.gov.uk .
Pave Aways’ construction skills workshop Attending Pave Aways’ hands-on construction skills workshop in Baschurch, Shropshire, Central Director Nicola de Sousa participated in the day’s project of building planters from pallets for the village hall. Amongst those in attendance were volunteers from the village and individuals keen on pursuing a career in construction. The event provided an excellent platform for Nicola to engage with Pave Aways’ team members and gain practical experience in construction, and to speak with Managing Director Steven Owen and Training Manager Michelle Benjamin. The discussion centred around Pave Aways’ initiatives in community and school engagement and the pressing need for a recognised multi-skilled apprenticeship programme. This is particularly important as even larger companies stand to gain from having versatile individuals capable of handling tasks across multiple trades. Pave Aways has an impressive history of nurturing apprentices, and Nicola worked alongside one of the company’s aspiring site managers. “We were also supported by a carpenter who had recently completed his apprenticeship,” Nicola said. “Their perspectives on training were eye-opening. My own training for the day was led by an experienced – and incredibly patient – carpentry mentor. “What struck me most was Pave Aways' community-centric approach. The warm welcome I received allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations about the industry whilst enjoying the day's activities. A standout moment was when I mentioned the joy of being paid to enjoy building something meaningful. The carpenters wholeheartedly agreed, stating that every day feels like that for them.” Calling the workshop “a true inspiration”, Nicola said it demonstrated how Pave Aways is successfully merging skill development with community outreach, and setting a “superb example” for others to follow. The planters have been gratefully received by committee members of the Baschurch Village Hall Trust. They said that the volunteers enjoyed learning carpentry skills and the workshop has helped to bring community volunteers closer together.
Building unites the Baschurch community
CONTACT
Nicola de Sousa , FMB Central Regional Director Email: nicoladesousa@fmb.org.uk Call: 07769 687 239
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