Although there are dire warnings and grim predictions for post election cuts across the public sector, last quarterly’s CIPD/KPMG Labour Market Outlook survey of almost 800 employers signals that the UK’s emergence out of recession is now leading to better job prospects.The reports suggests that whilst public sector employers are radically more pessimistic about employment […]
Renewable green energy technologies are without doubt, the future of the plumbing and heating industry. However, already the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) is warning that inadequate training is threatening to undermine the confidence in efficient, energy saving systems installations.Consumers and companies are now starting to look into investing into renewables such as […]
Everyone agrees that the key to avoiding a serious rise in UK unemployment is the focusing on training and qualifications. From Government departments to educational institutions and industry training skills centres, it has been emphasised time and again that there is still a ‘disparity’ between the skills employees have and the skills demanded by certain […]
The news early in 2010 that consumer confidence was returning to the tiling industry was obviously, very much welcomed. The UK trading performance of a major tiling supplier had continued on an upward trend, seeing like-for-like revenues increase by 5.5%, with sales up 3.9%.This is also good news for the construction industry as a whole, […]
Newly published, the EU Directive on the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources effectively recognises and turns the text on the potential of air and ground source heat pumps, as sources of renewable energy, into EU legislation.This means that under the new legislation, all EU member states should increase their share of renewable energy in final […]
With post election cutbacks forecast across the public sector and tax rises almost certain, finding a secure job or career switching is going to be the answer for many looking to secure their future work prospects. The construction industry has traditionally been a steady and solid provider of long term work and has weathered the […]
Olympics 2012 edges ever nearer and TV News reports almost daily on construction progress. And the news is that there is still a need for more skilled, trained and qualified workmen to help complete the huge task in time for the opening ceremony!Latest estimates reveal that there are more than 9,000 people working on the […]
We all read those plumbing ‘disaster’ stories reported in the press from time to time! It’s been commented before on this blog, of the numerous and widespread, incorrect and unsafe practices that continually come to light. Despite every effort by Government, official trade bodies and established, approved training centres like AbleSkills, ‘bodged’ work continues to […]
The JIB or Joint Industry Board was set up in the 1960’s to strike a balance between the union and employers association.Today it grades individuals according to their experience and qualifications and sets national standards regarding wages and health and safety issues. Grading can range from apprentice up through improver, electrician and approved electrician, anyone […]
Electrical horror stories are not new and have been commented upon on this blog on previous occasions. Yet despite extensive regulation, legislation, and approved and accredited NVQ electrical training and qualifications, problems persist with standards that exist in parts of the electrical industry, and the complete lack of common sense shown by DIY renovators and […]
It was only four weeks ago at this year’s Ecobuild show in London, that Solar PV technology was being showcased, and looked poised to now really take off in the UK, with the April launch of the government’s Clean Energy Cashback Scheme. Installing this alternative form of clean renewable energy will enable owners of PV […]
British Gas has announced plans to accelerate the roll-out of its smart meter programme and install two million smart meters in customers’ homes by 2012 and beat the Government’s target date of 2020.This will allow British households to take early advantage of smart meter technology – including real time, on-screen information – helping them cut […]
