More than 250 educators from 18 different colleges and construction industry experts attended a continuing professional development (CPD) event at the University and Professional Development Centre, run by the Eastern region’s designated Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) – West Suffolk College.
The Construction and Building Services Professional Development event was hosted by Eastern Education Group’s West Suffolk College, one of ten colleges selected nationally to lead the future of construction training. The event was designed to help tackle the shortage of skilled jobs in the construction industry and further develop staff at a range of schools across the East. It also focused on how schools and FE educators can work with industry partners to build skills and knowledge, and promote practical education in subjects such as bricklaying and carpentry.
The event featured expert talks about engaging proactively with employers and embedding safe working practices for learners, as well as an update on current opportunities in the East of England. There were also exhibits and practical demonstrations from companies including Metaverse, XR Team, DEWALT and CITB.
Emma Harvey, Director for Engineering, Construction and Building Technology at Suffolk New College, who attended the event, said: “Events like this are massively important, and it is vital that we give staff time to collaborate, share best practice and learn from industry experts. It has been a really well organised event and I found the talks incredibly insightful.”
Dr. Nikos Savvas, CEO of Eastern Education Group, said: “With almost a million young people not in education, employment or training, we need better skills education to equip young people for rewarding, stable careers in high-need industries. Through our work with West Suffolk as a Construction Technical Excellence College, we hope to turn around the historic under-investment in practical skills and set up our students for a secure and successful future.”
