Wetherby Building Systems has invested more than œ10,000 with colleges across the country to provide industry training, knowledge and work experience to construction students.
With a widely acknowledged skills shortage in the UK construction sector, Wetherby says it is committed to helping train the next generation of building professionals and equip them with relevant product and industry knowledge before entering the industry.
The external wall insulation (EWI) provider says that many students enrolling on construction courses are rarely aware that its industry exists, meaning that it is often left up to employers to provide the necessary training for EWI. Wetherby is therefore working with colleges and training providers to incorporate EWI modules into plastering and brickwork courses, in the hope that the introduction of EWI components will extend students’ skillset and help to educate them on all of the opportunities available to them.
Stephen Dewberry, Wetherby’s training manager, said: “Many students are not even aware of the EWI industry and the opportunities within it and we want to help change that. The EWI sector has exploded over the last few years following the introduction of government energy efficiency schemes and despite these policies continually changing, EWI remains one of the most effective ways to improve domestic energy efficiency.
“There are still over seven million households in the UK that could benefit from EWI and so the industry needs skilled professionals to help deliver these measures. It is important that young people entering the construction industry are armed with the knowledge and skills to begin work on an EWI project and we want to help ensure as many students as possible offer this advantage to employers.”
As part of the new modules, Wetherby trainers will be visiting colleges to undertake product demonstrations and workshops, as well as providing places on its professional training courses to ensure students have the necessary skills required for working on site.
Scott Houghton, curriculum leader of construction studies at St Helen’s College, said: “Wetherby’s involvement in our construction studies courses will be a huge benefit to our students. Not only will they be able to get a valuable insight into the industry, but they will also learn vital skills to equip them for working in the industry.”
