The launch of a scheme which aims to bridge the skills gap in the construction industry has seen such an overwhelming response that a further event has been confirmed.

Foundations Live 2016, which launched Hull-based construction firm Hobson & Porter’s Foundations scheme at Bishop Burton College, saw hundreds of students from across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire engaging with businesses from all walks of the construction industry.

More than 350 students, ranging from primary school pupils through to construction apprentices, have already shown a hugely positive response from the event, which kicked off the campaign to inspire and encourage people of all ages to consider a career in construction.

Foundations also brings together businesses to pledge time, support and knowledge to improve the employability and skills of construction students. Hobson & Porter works collaboratively with its supply chain partners in order to share a wealth of knowledge, time and support to improve the skills and employability of all people interested in a career in construction. As a result of this response, Hobson & Porter has already earmarked the 21st September 2017 as the date for the next Foundations Live event, again at Bishop Burton College.

GoConstruct estimates a growth rate in the industry of 2.5% each year for the next five years, equating to more than 250,000 new roles on a national level. With more than 16,000 construction jobs anticipated throughout Yorkshire and the Humber over the next five years, Hobson & Porter is working collaboratively with partners, such as building merchant Jewson and the college to address the construction skills shortage.

Hobson & Porter’s Business Development Director Dave Blades said: “Our company not only aims to provide the region with high quality construction projects, but also to provide opportunities for the community so everyone can benefit from the work we do.

“We’re delighted with the response from both the students and participating businesses who attended Foundations Live 2016 and it is really exciting to be planning the 2017 event, which aims to see more suppliers and more schools and colleges getting involved.”

Chris Reader, Jewson Sutton Fields Branch Manager, said: “Jewson is proud to support an initiative which aims to support and drive recruitment to fill potentially thousands of positions available in Yorkshire and the Humber.

“It is unprecedented for Jewson to provide support for a cause such as this on a local scale, but it is one that will ultimately make a visible difference in the local economy and will benefit our community as a whole.”

Visitors to the event included Year 4 primary school pupils from St James’ Church of England Academy, secondary pupils from Sirius Academy North & West and more than 80 construction pupils from North Lindsay College in Scunthorpe.

The Foundations programme aims to raise awareness of the opportunities available in the construction industry and enlighten people about the opportunities available by creating links between businesses and education establishments and create valuable skills to ensure people enter the construction industry with a high standard of ability. The initiative aims to continue driving personal development to enable anyone looking to enter into the construction industry to reach their goals.

Hull Children’s University, Bishop Burton College, Driffield School and Emmaus Hull and East Riding are principal beneficiaries of the scheme during the 2016/17 academic year, with the bank of good provided by Foundations partners distributed equally amongst the educational partners.

Hobson & Porter is encouraging both suppliers and educational establishments to register their interest in getting involved in the Foundations Live 2017 event next September. To register your interest, please fill in the form below:

Hobson & Porter has delivered two classroom-based sessions to over 60 pupils in Hull to demonstrate how Maths is used in construction.

The sessions were presented at Estcourt Primary Academy to year 5s and 6s, and to students at Hull Collegiate School of varying ages. Following a short presentation, the pupils were given the opportunity to measure and survey their classrooms using a variety of equipment, including metre sticks and a Leica Total Station.

The session covered linear measurements, measurements of angles, the practical application of co-ordinates and accuracy and tolerances. These sessions form part of Hobson and Porter’s Foundations initiative, which aims to teach people of all ages about construction – a focus being to drive pupils to consider studying towards a career in construction.

Pauline Steele, Employment and Skills Co-ordinator, said: “Teaching students all about the different careers available in construction is always rewarding for us and we believe that this is most valuable when we can show students how their existing skills can be put to good use and applied to the industry.

“Hobson & Porter is passionate about inspiring children to take an interest in our industry and think about construction as a career choice – especially as we aim to bridge the skills gap in the industry at this time.”

A young up and coming badminton player sponsored by Hobson & Porter has had success in several regional competitions.

Owen Walker has played at the Northumberland U17 Silver Tournament and Warwickshire U17 Bronze Tournament, winning a bronze medal in both competitions for his mixed doubles performances. He also took part in the Cumbria U18 Bronze Tournament, winning a bronze medal in the boys’ doubles, and achieved a prestigious gold medal at the Cumbria U16 Bronze Tournament in mixed doubles.

Hobson & Porter has supported Owen with his training and provided him with a sponsored kit to play in. Owen will be representing Yorkshire at badminton again when he competes in the New Year.

Hobson & Porter Managing Director Richard Hunter said: “Hobson & Porter continues to benefit the community where possible, including the sponsorship of young talented individuals like Owen.

“Owen has performed fantastically in the tournaments he has been involved in and we are very proud of his achievements.”

Congratulations to Owen on winning his medals this year!

Hobson & Porter is delivering a refurbishment project at Immingham Fire Station in North East Lincolnshire, converting the existing station into a new state-of-the-art training facility.

The works include the construction of two new classrooms, installation of a new mezzanine floor, new walls, showering and catering facilities and a refurbishment of the existing building.

The new facility will welcome new staff next year following a recruitment drive from the Fire Services.

Hobson & Porter has announced the appointments of four new members to their senior team, following another successful year for the business.

The Hull-based construction firm has appointed key directors and managers following a period of growth and development.

Mike Beal has been promoted to become the new Construction Director, having previously been Construction Manager, while Duncan Wilson (Senior Contracts Manager) and Chris Elvidge (Managing Quantity Surveyor) have taken on more senior positions in anticipation of continued success as the business moves into its 46th year.

As well as these internal appointments, Joe Booth has joined the business as Strategic Development Manager, coordinating the business development and marketing functions of the business to deliver a long-term pipeline in both Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Joe brings a wealth of experience in both Business Development and Marketing, previously working for organisations including British Steel, The Spencer Group and The Shepherd Group in York.

Managing Director Richard Hunter said: “2016 has been an excellent year for Hobson & Porter in terms of contract wins and successful project deliveries. Moving forward, we are aiming to continue our sustainable growth and have therefore decided to make several key appointments at senior level.

“These personnel all have extensive knowledge and vast experience in their fields, and will help the business continue to develop its strength in the marketplace and position ourselves in the best possible way.

“We are approaching the new year in a strong position and are looking forward to an exciting 2017 both in terms of secured work and upcoming opportunities.”

This year has seen Hobson & Porter complete many high-profile projects across the region, including, the iconic Amphitheatre at Hull’s Dry Dock ready for Hull City of Culture 2017, a new state-of-the-art outpatients facility for Spire Healthcare in Anlaby and the second Phase of the Riseholme Showground Campus in Lincoln, a part of Bishop Burton College.

Notable projects also include the construction of a new Lidl store on Hedon Road and Beverley Parklands Care home.

Hobson & Porter has announced the appointment of new Managing Director Richard Hunter as part of plans to build on the company’s incredible track record over the last 45 years.

Richard Hunter takes on the role of Managing Director after joining the company in March 2013.

With over 30 years’ experience in the Hull construction industry; having also worked for Spencer Group, Richard is ideally positioned to lead Hobson & Porter, bringing excellent commercial awareness to this position.

The Hull-based construction firm recently celebrated its 45th anniversary of trading, delivering construction projects of all sizes to clients across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Discussing his appointment, Richard said: “I am extremely proud to be taking on the role of Managing Director at Hobson & Porter, where I hope to maintain and expand our traditional organic growth and our position as a respected and client-focused leading contractor within Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

“We have established ourselves as one of the region’s most respected contractors and my team and I will continue to strengthen our team and supply chain partners over the coming months. This will help us to consolidate our position in the marketplace whilst providing a service that sees our clients, existing and new, coming back to us time and again.  

“Hobson & Porter has a proud history based on traditional family values and I will work to ensure the business continues with this philosophy – operating with the quality and integrity that was the foundations laid by our Chairman and owner, Pete Hobson, when we were formed 45 years ago.”

The appointment of Richard Hunter follows news that Hobson & Porter has recently secured £13 million worth of new projects across the region.

Approaching 2017, the business maintains a strong pipeline of work and has identified a number of opportunities, both public and private, in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Mike Beal, Hobson & Porter’s Construction Director, said: “As part of our plans for sustainable growth we have made a number of key appointments at a senior level.

“Richard’s leadership is an exciting development for the business as it approaches the new year in a stronger position than ever. He possesses all the necessary qualities to succeed in his role, and has the industry experience needed to lead the business and achieve our ambitious plans for the years to come.”

Hobson & Porter has completed several high-profile projects in the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire regions this year.

The construction of an iconic new amphitheatre at Hull’s Dry Dock was completed in time for the Humber Street Sesh festival earlier this year, and a new facility at Spire Healthcare Centre in Anlaby was completed in May.

In July, the company finished an extension to the former Seven Seas factory site on Hedon Road, Hull, on behalf of Eltherington Group, and it also added an extra 22 bedrooms to Hessle’s Premier Inn as part of an extension scheme.

Hobson & Porter is currently undertaking a large project at DONG Energy’s onshore facility in Grimsby, as well as work on Smith & Nephew’s site in Hull and several other new build and refurbishment schemes.

Since the official launch of Hobson & Porters’ new Foundations Scheme in October, we have been continuing our efforts in our mission to help bridge the construction skills gap in our region.

Go Construct (2016) have anticipated a UK industry growth rate of 2.5% each year for the next 5 years. This equates to the creation of over 16,000 new construction jobs throughout Yorkshire & Humberside alone. As is stands, our region simply does not have the level of skills and expertise to match this, resulting in a huge skills gap.

These worrying statistics are what brought our Foundations Scheme to light.

Over the past few months, we have been giving groups of students guided tours around one of our live construction sites – a new build, three-storey care home at Beverley Parklands. The site posed the perfect location for these tours given its large scale and varied nature.

Fifteen young and enthusiastic secondary school students from Driffield High School were one of the first groups to be shown around the site. Our Site Manager’s Russell and Bernard led the tour, explaining both the scale and scope of activities throughout. The students were able to see the build first hand and learn more about all of the different trades involved. The experience was extremely valuable for these students, coming at a time in their lives when they are being encouraged to make informed decisions about their future.

Another group visiting the site consisted of ten construction apprentices from Selby College. The aim here was to give them ‘a day in the life of’ experience. The group started by working through pre-construction drawings and then had a tour of the site, putting these drawings into perspective and seeing the build in more detail.

Pauline Steele, our dedicated Employment & Skills Coordinator had the following to say, “All of the site visits were brilliant. It has been great to see the students take such a keen interest in our works and even better to see them asking so many questions and engaging with our team. We hope that the tours have helped open their minds up to all of the different career options available to them. If we have helped inspire even just one student into a career in construction it is a job well done!”