Warwickshire County Council is launching an innovative new Industry Exchange Service for Construction, designed to...
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is launching an innovative new Industry Exchange Service for Construction, designed to strengthen links between education and industry, helping to address skills shortages and ensure learners develop the skills needed by today’s construction sector.
Developed through WCC’s Warwickshire Skills Hub, the service has been shaped by feedback from local employers who identified a growing gap between the modern methods, technologies and practices being used across the construction industry and those being taught to learners entering the workforce.
The initiative comes in response to workforce challenges raised through WCC's Future Skills Programme and Sustainable Construction Round Table, where businesses highlighted concerns around skills shortages, an ageing workforce and the need for stronger collaboration between industry and education.
The employer-led programme will bring construction businesses and further education providers together, creating opportunities for industry professionals to share current knowledge, emerging technologies and real-world experience with students and teaching staff. At the same time, construction teachers will be supported to strengthen their understanding of evolving industry practices through workplace-based professional development.
Councillor Rob Howard, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development, said:
"A skilled workforce is essential to the future success of Warwickshire's construction sector and the wider economy. This new Industry Exchange Service will help strengthen the relationship between employers and education providers, ensuring learners are developing the skills, knowledge and experience that businesses need both now and in the future. By creating more opportunities for collaboration, we can help address skills shortages, support career pathways into the sector and give employers a direct role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow."
Led by Warwickshire Skills Hub and delivered in partnership with local colleges and industry stakeholders, the service will help ensure curriculum delivery remains relevant to employer needs while build a stronger pipeline of future talent for the county's construction sector.
Paul Joyce, Deputy Principal at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, said:
“We are pleased to be taking part in the Warwickshire Industry Exchange Service for Construction. Working more closely with employers will help ensure our learners and teaching staff remain connected to the latest industry practice, technology and expectations, creating stronger pathways into construction careers across Warwickshire.”
Corin Crane, CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, and on behalf of the Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Plan, said:
“The Warwickshire LSIP has identified the importance of stronger collaboration between employers, colleges and skills providers so that training better reflects current and future labour market needs. This initiative directly supports that ambition by giving construction employers a practical route to influence curriculum, share industry insight and help learners develop the skills that local businesses need.”
The initiative comes in response to workforce challenges raised by employers through Warwickshire County Council’s Future Skills Programme and Sustainable Construction Round Table, where businesses highlighted concerns around skills shortages, an ageing workforce and the need for stronger collaboration between industry and education.
Participating employers will have the opportunity to influence the future workforce, showcase modern construction practices and technologies, strengthen relationships with local colleges, and help ensure learners gain exposure to the skills and knowledge most valued by industry.
The service will be coordinated through a central brokerage model, making it simple for employers and colleges to connect and identify meaningful opportunities for collaboration. Industry engagement may include guest teaching, demonstrations, masterclasses, workshops, curriculum input and professional development opportunities for teaching staff.
Construction employers interested in learning more about the programme are invited to attend the launch event on Thursday 15 October at Eliot Park Innovation Centre in Nuneaton, 1pm – 4pm, where they will have the opportunity to hear more about the initiative, network with education providers and industry peers, and explore how businesses can become involved.
To book a free place at the event, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-warwickshire-industry-exchange-service-for-construction-launch-tickets-2000409936971. Places are limited and early booking is recommended.
For further information about the Warwickshire Industry Exchange Service for Construction, visit the Warwickshire Skills Hub website or contact the Warwickshire Skills Hub team by email at skillshub@warwickshire.gov.uk or by phone on 02476 796461.