Foundations Live 2018 returned to Bishop Burton college for the third year on Wednesday 10th October for the biggest edition yet.

The event saw more than 1000 people in attendance throughout the day, with more than 70 organisations exhibiting to hundreds of students and many industry professionals visiting to network and learn more about opportunities available in the sector.

For the first time, Foundations Live 2018 held a panel debate, seeing guest speakers discuss the growing skills shortage and drop in popularity for careers in the construction industry. DIY SOS’s Mark Millar hosted the panel as guest speaker and panel chair. The panel consisted of Efficiency North’s Mark Scott, Hobson & Porter’s Richard Hunter, Bishop Burton’s Jeremy Hara and Chris Dodsworth, and CITB representatives Lynn Alisson and Chris Carr.

The debate was evenly balanced and excellent points were raised from all parties. Mark did a fantastic job in hosting a lively debate, bringing everyone together in agreement that there needs to be a focus on getting more young people interested in the industry.

Each panellist presented their points, through client, contractor, education and training board perspectives. A Q&A session followed the debate as the wider industry presented their views.

Hobson & Porter would like to thank everyone that attended Foundations Live this year, including exhibitors and visitors- through this collaboration we are raising the profile of construction and addressing the challenges of the future.

Testimonials

A year 6 class from Ings primary school, based in East Hull, attended the event. Primary school teacher Mrs Russell said: “I thought that the whole day went really well! It was an amazing experience and widened opportunities for the students”.

Mrs Russell continued: “It’s been a completely different learning experience and has been so nice to see the kids step away from technology and start doing some hands-on work! It’s very rare to see children enjoying something non-technology based nowadays!”

Year 11 student, Josh, from the Boulevard Academy said: “Foundations Live has been so fun and informative! I would 100% recommend it to anyone and I will definitely be coming again! I’ve learnt so much”.

Foundations Live will return next year as we seek to attract even more exhibitors and students from our region. To register interest for the next event visit: https://www.hobsonporter.com/foundations/

We’re delighted to have been chosen by EN:Able Build to build 24 new affordable homes as part of a new build housing scheme in Harworth near Doncaster.

Work on the scheme is underway and the homes are set to be ready for occupancy in summer 2019.

The development will be built for Together Housing, one of the biggest housing associations in the North of England, with over 38,000 homes. EN:Able Build is a not-for-profit affordable housing provider recently established by Efficiency North Holdings.

The project will benefit future workers as apprenticeships will be created through the scheme, which will be delivered by EN:Able Futures, another subsidiary company in the Efficiency North group, specialising in employment and skills innovation.

Discussing the scheme, Hobson & Porter’s Managing Director Richard Hunter said: “Working with EN:Able Build was truly collaborative as we were involved in all the key decisions from day one and that allowed us to contribute fully to the process of value engineering. This approach is a key part of our growth plans for the future and so we are delighted to be involved in the first of many ‘land led’ schemes with EN:Able Build.”

For more information on the Harworth housing development visit:
https://www.efficiencynorth.org/news/en-able-build%E2%80%99s-first-housing-development-signed-u