Students offer brighter future for Construction
Fri, 23 January 2015
The BBC recently reported that skills shortages were holding back the UK’s economic recovery but in particular there is a growing concern of skills shortages in the Construction industry. According to one recent report by accountants KPMG and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), about 20% more construction managers, surveyors, electricians and other trades will be needed to meet demand, over the next four years, than were needed from 2010-13.
Carl Shaw, Curriculum Leader in Construction Trades at Tameside College says there is a simple solution to Britain’s construction skills shortage and that is educating our young people about the variety of courses available to them offering progression routes to University. “If students come to Tameside College to study a trade we can offer them either an Apprenticeship or further study programmes after they’ve finished. Equally on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment course, we offer students a pathway into University or other related courses such as HNC Construction Studies. Our young people aren’t aware of the amount of career prospects and earning potential they have by going into the Construction industry as a result of the skill shortage. By spreading the message and giving students access to the right information I believe the Construction industry in the UK will benefit from fresh talent entering the sector.”
At Tameside College the Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment course is designed for young people who want to work in a range of technical and professional occupations in the sector. Career possibilities after study range from general construction design, surveying, tendering and estimating to planning and programming construction material, construction economics and health & safety.
“The focus on one of our Level 3 courses is the more practical side of application of building services, engineering skills and knowledge.” Carl explains. This was something that drew 19 year old Usman Ramzan from Oldham to the course last year. “After finishing my Level 2 in Electrical Installation there were no other Colleges in my area offering this sort of course so I decided to come to Tameside. Many Colleges focus on the academic side of construction but I much prefer learning in a practical way, it keeps me engaged and focused. Not everyone is suited to A-Levels but it’s important for students like us to know that we can still go to University if we choose to study a BTEC.”
Carl finished by saying: “On the Level 3 course in Construction and the Built Environment this year I have students heading to the University of Salford and John Moores University in Liverpool to further study construction and project management. It’s a fantastic course with dedicated staff working hard every day to make sure our students have the right skills and knowledge to take them wherever they want to go in the Construction industry.”
For more information on Tameside College’s Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment or to enrol yourself onto the course please call Student Services on: 0161 908 6789 or visit www.tameside.ac.uk.