The construction industry in North Wales is at a pivotal moment, facing critical challenges that demand innovative solutions. Employers that are members of the North Wales Reginal Skills Partnership Construction Employer Cluster Group have highlighted pressing challenges that they are currently faced with:
- Difficulties in attracting and recruiting talent (including people who are more academic) into higher-level non trade roles
- A need for greater gender diversity across the sector
- An ageing workforce
In response, the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership has led the development of the Inspire to Build programme, an initiative designed to help tackle these challenges head-on.
What is Inspire to Build?
Inspire to Build is a dynamic programme aimed at transforming perceptions of careers in construction, particularly in professional roles like project management, quantity surveying, architecture, and other roles beyond traditional trades. It strives to attract a diverse range of individuals, including women, to the sector while addressing workforce succession planning.
At its heart, Inspire to Build raises awareness of the varied opportunities in construction and equips future professionals with the skills and inspiration they need to excel. By collaborating with CITB and employers, the programme ensures alignment with the needs of both the industry and its workforce.
The programme isn’t just for those who already know they want to pursue a career in construction—it’s designed to inspire everyone, showcasing the exciting possibilities and pathways the sector offers. Each session is delivered by a construction employer operating within the region and includes an on-site visit, giving participants real world insight into the industry.
Inspire to Build also provides comprehensive information on pathways into construction careers through college, university, and apprenticeships, including the Degree Apprenticeship in Construction, which began delivery in September. This inclusive and hands on approach ensures that individuals from all backgrounds can discover and pursue fulfilling opportunities in the construction sector.
A Collaborative Solution:
Developed through a partnership approach, Inspire to Build represents a collective effort involving CITB, employers, colleges, Careers Wales, Education Department across local authorities and secondary schools, coordinated by the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership. This model ensures that the programme remains rooted in the practicalities of the construction sector and schools while fostering a shared commitment to its long-term success.
Pilot Success on Anglesey:
The programme recently piloted on Anglesey has delivered promising results, highlighting a positive and significant impact on both learners and employers.
Fourteen learners (including 4 females) from four secondary schools on Anglesey participated in the six-week programme, which was held at Coleg Menai Llangefni's construction department after school on Tuesdays. The programme included an on-site visit led by Kier Construction at their Border Control site in Holyhead, providing real-world insights into the construction industry.
Employers actively involved in the pilot and leading sessions included Read Construction, Griffiths, Wynne Construction, and the Menter Môn Morlais project, ensuring a strong connection between participants and industry professionals.
Feedback from learners highlights the programme's effectiveness:
- They reported learning valuable skills sought by employers, such as problem-solving, communication, presentation, teamwork, leadership and management.
- Participants said they now feel more informed about the types of jobs available in the sector and the pathways to these roles, equipping them with clarity about their next steps after school.
- Learners also appreciated the opportunity to build their professional networks and establish contacts with employers.
One standout success story involves a learner who independently reached out to an employer outside the sessions and has already arranged work experience for the summer, demonstrating the programme's ability to inspire initiative and provide tangible career opportunities.
The Anglesey pilot highlights the Inspire to Build’s potential to transform perceptions, develop essential skills, and connect future professionals with construction employers in their region.
Next Steps:
With the success of the Anglesey pilot as a foundation, Inspire to Build is set to expand its reach across North Wales. For more information or to get involved in the next phase of Inspire to Build, providers and employers are encouraged to contact the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership: Info@rspnorth.wales.
Explore the Programme Highlights: Watch a video that showcases the pilot programme's highlights that features testimonials from learners, employers, and stakeholders about its impactful outcomes.