BGSN Panel Discussion - 2024

Members of the Building Growth Skills Network (BGSN) for Norfolk and Suffolk – Grow Action Group recently met to discuss the construction skills challenges facing our region and to highlight the support available to local businesses and individuals seeking to upskill and build strong careers in construction.  Emma Taylor, Director of Business Development and Major Projects at Suffolk New College, explains that with a growing number of young people enrolling in regional construction courses, colleges are eager to connect with businesses looking to recruit fresh talent or develop the skills of their existing workforce.

With substantial funding available through CITB and government initiatives, now is an ideal time for businesses to invest in training that will strengthen their teams and enhance competitiveness. For more information, please reach out to your local CITB advisor, who can help you find the right training solutions tailored to your needs.

Suffolk: Allison.copeman@citb.co.uk

Norfolk: Amy.gardner@citb.co.uk

Discussion, facilitated by Matthew Goakes, Lovell Area Director and Deputy Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group.

Building Growth Skills Network (BGSN) for Norfolk and Suffolk is committed to improving collaboration to make it easier for businesses to access the support they need.  Our goal is for any business to connect seamlessly with any BGSN partner - whether that’s the Chamber of Commerce, CITB, colleges, local authorities, or training providers - and be directed to the right resources to meet their training and development needs.

As Emma Taylor puts it, there's ‘no wrong front door.’ So, we invite businesses across the region to reach out. Let us help you find the support to build a stronger, more resilient workforce.

For more information, please reach out to your local CITB advisor, who can help you find the right training solutions tailored to your needs.

Suffolk: Allison.copeman@citb.co.uk

Norfolk: Amy.gardner@citb.co.uk

Discussion, facilitated by Matthew Goakes, Lovell Area Director and Deputy Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group.

Did you know that your business could receive up to £11,000 in financial support for recruiting new talent? Nathan Wilkins, CITB Customer Engagement Manager and Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group, shares how businesses can benefit from this funding by bringing skilled talent from local colleges into their workforce.

With so many capable students eager to join the construction sector, now is the time to invest in their development. Connect with your local CITB advisor to learn more about accessing this funding and linking up with local colleges to recruit the next generation of industry talent.

Suffolk: Allison.copeman@citb.co.uk

Norfolk: Amy.gardner@citb.co.uk

Discussion, facilitated by Matthew Goakes, Lovell Area Director and Deputy Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group.

With major projects like Sizewell C on the horizon and the need to retrofit our housing stock to meet the NetZero targets, construction opportunities across Suffolk and Norfolk are set to expand significantly.  Ashley Storey Mills, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Sizewell C Supply Chain Engagement Director, highlights the importance of businesses engaging with Building Growth Skills Network (BGSN) for Norfolk and Suffolk to prepare for the upcoming demand.  This project will open doors to diverse opportunities, often requiring new skills and workforce flexibility.

This video also outlines alternative training models, offering solutions for businesses unable to host a full apprenticeship.  Connect with your local CITB advisor to explore these options and find the best support for your training needs.

For more information, please reach out to your local CITB advisor, who can help you find the right training solutions tailored to your needs.

Suffolk: Allison.copeman@citb.co.uk

Norfolk: Amy.gardner@citb.co.uk

Discussion, facilitated by Matthew Goakes, Lovell Area Director and Deputy Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group.

Is it time for construction businesses to see themselves as academies nurturing future talent? Nathan Wilkins, CITB Customer Engagement Manager and Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group, uses a sporting analogy to share his vision for businesses to engage more young people, building a steady talent pipeline for today and tomorrow.

Ashley Storey Mills, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce representative and Sizewell C Supply Chain Engagement Director, emphasises the economic impact of choosing local talent for projects like Sizewell C.  Local engagement boosts careers, strengthens the economy, supports sustainable growth, and positively impacts the environment.

For more details on joining the Sizewell C supply chain or other regional projects, contact the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce via 01473 694818 or sizewellcinfo@suffolkchamber.co.uk

Discussion, facilitated by Matthew Goakes, Lovell Area Director and Deputy Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group.

With frequent shifts in the political landscape, navigating skills support can feel challenging for local businesses.  Emma Taylor, Director of Business Development and Major Projects at Suffolk New College, reassures businesses that they don’t need to keep up with every policy change. Instead, they can rely on Building Growth Skills Network (BGSN) partners - including CITB, the Chamber of Commerce, Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, and local training providers - to simplify access to skills support.

As Emma puts it, 'our job is to hide the wiring' and make it easy for businesses to tap into the resources they need. For more information, please contact your local CITB advisor.

Suffolk: Allison.copeman@citb.co.uk

Norfolk: Amy.gardner@citb.co.uk

Discussion, facilitated by Matthew Goakes, Lovell Area Director and Deputy Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group.

In this discussion, facilitated by Matthew Goakes, Lovell Area Director and Deputy Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group, BGSN for Norfolk & Suffolk highlights its commitment to attracting the next generation of construction talent and boosting the skills of today’s workforce.  Jasmine Joolia, Skills and Employment Policy Manager Suffolk County Council, emphasises the importance of business involvement in career initiatives to inspire young people.

Nathan Wilkins, CITB Customer Engagement Manager and Chair of the BGSN Grow Action Group, outlines CITB funding options available to help businesses enhance workforce productivity through training.

For more information, reach out to your local CITB advisor.

Suffolk: Allison.copeman@citb.co.uk

Norfolk: Amy.gardner@citb.co.uk