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CIC Cascade13 April 2006
1. London Construction Consolidation Centre Launched The first Construction Consolidation Centre in the UK to service multiple clients at multiple locations was officially launched in Bermondsey on the 21 March 2006 by London ’s Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy. Managed by construction logistics specialist Wilson James in partnership with TFL, Stanhope plc and Bovis Lend Lease this innovative project represents an important step forward in addressing London ’s freight needs. The Consolidation centre offers a unique solution in reducing road freight mileage, as previously demonstrated at Heathrow Airport. The latest development is the establishment of a new facility to serve construction projects in London . Several large projects have already committed to using the ground breaking resource but further capacity is still available for use. Consolidation Centres provide an effective supply chain management solution enabling the safe and efficient flow of construction materials and equipment from supplier to project. The concept of Consolidation Centres was specifically developed to serve the materials handling needs of multiple construction sites in busy and challenging environments such as airports and inner city areas. Peter Hendy said: "Freight plays a critical role in maintaining London's position as a world class city - without a sustainable freight transport and servicing industry, London's economy would simply grind to a halt.” "Consolidation allows us to make the most efficient use of limited road space and has a wealth of additional benefits, including reduced drivers' hours and improved reliability.” "As London continues to grow it is vital that we continue to support innovative projects like this one to promote best practice across the freight industry." Peter Rogers, Stanhope plc Technical Director said at the launch “ The London Construction Consolidation Centre is a pioneering partnership between TfL, Wilson James, Bovis Lend Lease and Stanhope set up to address the need for orderly delivery of materials to site.” "Through the use of the LCCC we not only hope to improve construction efficiency, but also to reduce unacceptable wastage and damage to new materials by 50% as well as reducing construction traffic with the commensurate reduction in Co 2 emissions through the use of alternative fuels." “I see this as a golden opportunity for trying-out a process that will not only be essential for construction of the 2012 Olympic facilities, but will encourage the evolution of the construction industry in terms of off-site logistics." For more information on Construction logistics please see the following website: www.consolidationcentre.com 2. New IPHE Chief Executive appointed The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering has appointed Blane Judd as Chief Executive, to take over from Andy Watts when he retires in July. Blane is a Chartered Engineer, and has an honours degree in Integrated Engineering. He gained considerable experience in the electricity supply industry and in regulation of that sector and has spent the last two years as Operations Director for SummitSkills - the Sector Skills Council for building services engineering. At SummitSkills Blane worked closely with both industry and government partners and has developed relationships, which will be of benefit to the Institute when he joins the organisation. “I’ve enjoyed my time at SummitSkills immensely,” said Blane Judd. “The experience I’ve gained here has enabled me to take on this new and exciting role. I look forward to joining the IPHE and to working with the Board of Trustees and IPHE members to enhance the professional standing of plumbing and heating engineering with government and in society.” Keith Marshall, Chief Executive of SummitSkills said the following: “We’re delighted that Blane has taken the opportunity to lead this influential professional body. We already work closely with the IPHE and so Blane’s new position will strengthen our links even further, to benefit employers working in the plumbing and heating industries.” Andy Watts added: “'I am delighted that Blane Judd is succeeding me when I retire at the end of July. He brings many qualities to the role of IPHE CEO, including clarity of thought, political astuteness, energy and enthusiasm. The fact that he has helped set up SummitSkills from its early beginnings means he already knows much about the plumbing, heating and engineering communities and this is a real bonus. I wish him every success.” 3. GCSE in construction and the built environment Background A new GCSE in Construction and the Built Environment is currently being piloted in schools and colleges in England and Wales . From September 2005, the pilot originally involved 55 centres and some 975 students. Due to high demand, this has now increased to 58 centres involving 1,250 students and permission has just been granted to expand the pilot to 100 centres. The GCSE will be evaluated over two years and, if successful, rolled out in 2007. The GCSE has been developed by Edexcel and accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales (ACCAC). ConstructionSkills, SummitSkills and Asset Skills, the sector skills councils with a construction and built environment footprint, are closely involved in its development to ensure it best reflects the needs of the industry. Representatives from major construction employers, schools and colleges also sit on the stakeholder group to support the pilot and monitor its progress. This is an important qualification for the construction industry. For the first time, a high quality introduction to the range of careers in construction and the built environment is available to young people. It will develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the construction industry and engage pupils in the built environment in a practical and positive way. What is the GCSE course content? Key features of the GCSE are:
What are the future options for young people taking the GCSE? The GCSE will prepare young people for progression into the construction industry. Depending on interest and ability, students may continue through an apprenticeship, further education or a route to a degree course. Even those young people who do not progress into the industry will have been able to make an informed choice. The key insights into construction and the built environment will make them better educated clients and customers of the industry in the future. How can employers get involved? Research shows that successful delivery of the GCSE will require schools and colleges to have strong links with the industry to ensure that young people have access to the reality, as well as the theory, of construction and the built environment. Companies including Willmott Dixon, Costain and Amec are already involved. Employers can assist schools in a range of ways from assistance with resources (time, materials, money) to provision of speakers, site visits or work experience. CITB-ConstructionSkills area offices and CIC are supporting employers in making links with schools and establishing relationships to assist in the delivery of this important pilot. Further information is available from Patricia Behal at CIC pbehal@cic.org.uk or Nick Gooderson nick.gooderson@citb.co.uk. For media enquiries , please contact Jenny Rushforth jenny.rushforth@citb.co.uk or 020 7600 7700. 4. ConstructionSkills – Skills update newsletter The views of architects, engineers, QSs, project managers, town planners and related disciplines are represented within ConstructionSkills. Read the latest newsletter from ConstructionSkills We’re striving to ensure that the voices of professionals like you are heard whether you are a student, in your early career or in practice as an employer. We want to see real benefits for you and your business so that our industry can meet the challenges ahead. If you’d like to be kept informed of developments, would like to share your views or would like to get more actively involved in your region then visit www.constructionskills.net/professionals 5. CIOB/CIH Technical Qualifications - Meeting the Skills Gap - The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have started the process of developing a suite of new qualifications for technical staff operating within the Social Housing Sector. The joint venture will spearhead the start of an exciting and innovative project which will see the relationship between CIOB and CIH develop and strengthen. In 2004, the CIOB completed an assessment of emerging reports highlighting both skills shortages and skills gaps affecting the public sector. A number of recent surveys, including the Skills Needs Assessment released by AssetSkills in 2005 revealed a need for a more comprehensive training and development strategy for communication, customer handling, ICT and technical operations. AssetSkills, in common with other Sector Skills Councils have also identified through their recent research, the need for more transparent and progressive qualification routes which are both reflective of job roles and meet specific occupational skills requirements. The proposals will include the development of vocationally-related qualifications from Levels 2 to 4 in accordance with the National Qualification Framework. These will translate to job functions in administration, technical supervision through to management. In addition to providing systematic progression, the aim will be to allow transferability to mainstream housing management disciplines and at Level 4 to develop pathways leading to qualifications in Asset Management and Housing Development. The first of a series of joint CIOB/CIH steering group meetings took place in London last week with membership comprising practitioners and academics working within or allied to the social housing sector. The proposals were given overwhelming endorsement by the team enabling both professional bodies to move forward with the scheme. Commenting on the proposals CIOB Director Saleem Akram said, “This is a unique venture between professional bodies in working together for the best interests of the sector. The qualifications will maximise the potential for social housing providers to train their staff and meet both statutory and regulatory obligations in providing a first class customer service. Housing Associations have undergone a significant transformation over the past 10 years through closer engagement qualifications with their stakeholders, which include both tenants and contractors. CIOB and CIH see the establishment of these as a positive step towards building on these partnerships and the development and closer integration of client side relations.” CIH Director of Professional Development, Dr Martin Winn said, “The CIH welcomes the opportunity to work closely with another professional body. This collaboration demonstrates the positive and constructive approach both CIOB and the CIH have toward improving the skills needs of the sector. We expect the qualification development will evolve and develop into further areas of joint working which will provide the sector with improved and new services.” The joint steering group is currently assembling a consultation document to extend the proposals to the industry to ensure that the qualification structures, content and application are fit for purpose. The results of this will be due in June 2006. It is planned to have the qualifications registered with Qualifications & Curriculum Authority and launched for delivery from September 2007. For more information please visit www.ciob.org.uk 6 . ICES President and Executive Director Head East ICES President, John Bacon and Executive Director, Kevin Blackwell , will attend the Beijing Global Construction Summit, on the 26th & 27th April 2006, as guests of the Chinese International Contractors Association (CHINCA) following a visit to Institution members in Dubai en route. The aim of the Summit is to share best practices and brainstorm the growing US$4.2 trillion global construction marketplace, as well as an opportunity for organisations in construction to network and to enhance their relationship and develop cooperation. The Summit will draw senior executives from leading contractors, design practices, financiers and government agencies around the world. This visit also hopes to build on the friendly discussions between senior CHINCA representatives and Robin Jones (ICES/SURCO Director of Training), during the successful International Construction Management Seminar in March 2006, and to further the growing relationship between the two organisations. The President and Executive Director will then visit Shanghai to meet British Council and British Construction Industry Council representatives to discuss the education and training of Chinese construction professionals. Meetings will also take place in Hong Kong with the Hong Kong Institution of Surveyors, with representatives from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and with the ICES Regional Committee and local Members. They will return to the UK on 4th May via Singapore where they will meet Institution Members. 7. Events The events page of the CIC website is frequently updated visit the events page for details. |
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