Building Greater Exeter launched a year ago and was set up to support the region’s rapidly expanding construction sector to attract, retain and upskill its workforce.
One of the project’s greatest strengths is the collaboration with our partners to collectively promote careers in construction. With 29 partners now on board, we’d like to thank them for all their support over the past year, together we have already delivered some great outcomes for the sector including:
- The Construction Zone at Big Bang STEM Careers event, with Building Plymouth, where over 50 industry partners joined us to inspire 2,000 school children to consider a career in construction with lots of hands on and engaging activities.
- Attending numerous events to inspire and encourage more people to join the sector and to engage with the construction industry, including; Apprenticeship Expos, college and school events, partner events, construction conferences, networking events and the Royal Marines resettlement fair.
- Launching the School Engagement Programme to offer pupils, teachers and parents a variety of ways to find out more about careers in construction and the built environment, along with further education and training options.
We were of course delighted to win an award from the Devon Federation of Small Businesses, which recognises the work the project delivers to support apprenticeships and skills.
In our second year we plan to increase our activity delivering the school engagement programme; working more closely with the supply chain to offer work experience and apprenticeships; helping to deliver Building Growth SW and developing stronger links with planners and developers to ensure Employment and Skills Plans are in place for every construction project over £1m in Greater Exeter.
Thanks to everyone in our steering group who have helped shape and guide the project over its first year. We look forward to collectively delivering greater outcomes for the industry as the project grows.
