A builder planning to establish his own national construction skills academy has gained the support of parliament…
Ilkeston-born builder Ian Hodgkinson has received support from MPs to create his own skills academy.
Hodgkinson, of Hodgkinson Brickwork Contractors, attended Westminster last week for the Building Britain’s Future event. This aimed to investigate how to solve the growing skills crisis in the construction sector, particularly surrounding trades such as bricklaying, plastering, and carpentry.
The event saw more than 100 construction professionals join MPs to discuss the issue. Among the attendees at the event was Nick Boles, the Apprenticeships Minister, who has shown support for getting more skilled workers into the construction sector.
During the event Hodgkinson outlined plans to develop a National Construction Academy after a year-long pilot scheme was carried out successfully in Derby.
The academy has been formed in collaboration with training provider 3AAA. It is expected some 40 centres will be opened within a five year period.