Boost for Exeter’s construction workforce

Date:Wednesday 24 October 2018

The construction sector across Greater Exeter is set to benefit from additional support to help attract, retain and upskill its workforce.

Building Greater Exeter is a partnership which brings together the public and private sectors to help address anticipated labour and skills shortages in the industry.

It aims to inspire the future workforce through engaging with schools and young people, while supporting employers to fill vacancies through upskilling and reskilling.

Sponsors of the project include Exeter College.

Cllr Rachel Sutton, Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture, said: “Building Greater Exeter is a fantastic opportunity for the City Council to work with the construction sector to help meet their recruitment requirements.

“Through the project we will inspire new people into the sector and help to upskill those already in it. The sector is growing quickly and we are determined that, with the partners we already have on board, we can make a positive impact.”

Across the South West the construction sector is booming. The project team are incredibly grateful for the support and guidance provided by the Building Plymouth team during the set-up of Building Greater Exeter. The experience they have gathered over the past 3 years of running their successful programme has been invaluable, and we will continue working together to ensure consistency in supporting the construction sector across the South West.

Cllr Philip Skinner, Deputy Leader of East Devon District Council, said: “Greater Exeter is an area that is experiencing high levels of growth, and in order to continue this upward trend we must ensure that our construction firms have the ability to grow accordingly.

“The annual recruitment requirement in the South West is forecasted to be just under 4,500. At East Devon District Council, we are pleased to partner in the initiative and are looking forward to working with the private sector to deliver construction activity in the area.”

Matthew Cousins, of Apex Scaffolding, said the new initiative was welcomed by the private sector.

He said: “At Apex Scaffolding we have been involved in the project from inception. We see a real benefit in supporting the construction industry, and are pleased to work with the training providers to influence more people into the sector and inspire those already working in it to upskill.”

Building Greater Exeter sponsors include Exeter City Council, East Devon District Council, Exeter College, University of Exeter, Apex Scaffolding, Galliford Try Partnerships, Kier, McLaughlin and Harvey, Mi-space and Midas, Willmott Dixon, University Partnerships Programme and VINCI Construction UK Limited.

The project is continuously seeking project sponsors and is keen to speak with anyone working within the construction industry.

To get involved, email [email protected] or for more information visit buildinggreaterexeter.co.uk