Attracting and Encouraging a Diverse and Talented Workforce
One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is attracting enough talented people into the workforce from diverse backgrounds to support the sector as the anticipated increase in workload materialises. We are working with members, industry partners and stakeholders to help us attract recruits and persuade parents and teachers of the value of a career in civil engineering.
We will seek, where possible, to embrace and support arrangements that both member and regional bodies already have in place to engage with the next generation of civil engineering contractors in colleges, schools and academies within the region.
CECA (Y&H) are members of WISE (Women into Science and Engineering) and work closely with them to support women and girls to consider construction and engineering roles and careers.
CECA (Y&H) work closely with Leeds University, helping to deliver the Construction Management module each year to their Civil Engineering undergraduates.
Civils Training Group have also been involved in the development of a ‘Roots to Roof’ construction careers project for delivery in Primary Schools. In 2017, this project was delivered to 10 schools around Leeds and Hull, which culminated in a grand finale at the NYBEP ‘Inspirations Day’ at Elvington Airfield. CECA Y&H and Civils Training Group are also in the process of developing a Civil Engineering Schools Engagement Day, for delivery to over 100 Primary School children in 2018. This will involve bridge-building, pipe laying, building structures and materials development.
CECA (Y&H) and Civils Training Group will continue to support CITB Construction Ambassadors events as well as other STEM and careers activities.
We are also looking to increase our engagement with younger members through social media and events, including the recently formed ‘Forum for Future Managers’. This Forum is made up of 15 upcoming leaders from our member companies, and they meet four times a year to help inform the training and development activities for the Region.
Our Annual Awards recognises our greatest resource, which is our people. That’s why each year we celebrate the Most Promising Apprentice within our membership.
Awards were presented at the CECA (Y&H) Annual Awards Dinner at the Majestic Hotel on Friday 30th September 2022.
Congratulations to our Most Promising Apprentice Winner 2022, Jae Priest of CML.