Careers advice in UK schools can be hit or miss and in some cases non-existent. The Chartered Institute of Building has been campaigning to improve the guidance young people receive and the access they have to a professional career.
Within the national curriculum the CIOB is working with the b-live Foundation to promote construction as a career of choice rather than necessity to thousands of students across England and its showing real success.
“Being creative is the key. You have no chance of capturing the imagination of young people if you’re dull and boring - and our industry is anything but dull and boring said, Bridget Bartlett Chief Operating Officer at the CIOB.
“Our virtual construction projects improve numeracy, develop key employability skills and showcase what a career in construction is really all about. Timing is everything. The age groups we work with are at the point of choosing which career path to take, and the best GCSE subject choices to match that choice. Any student taking part has gained something from the experience and we are challenging perceptions along the way. The future for construction is reliant upon the talent it attracts, so we can’t wait for the next generation to come us we have to go and get them,” she added.
Compared to other industries construction is now seen as the 4th most likely career destination a rise of 11 places, with ‘Business and Accountancy’ in top place. Three years ago just 4% of students would have chosen an apprenticeship compared to 10% today.
Reaching young females and drawing them towards a career in construction is a constant challenge for the industry. 57% of females would now choose a career in construction compared to 43% in 2009.
75% of teachers asked felt the CIOB project was effective in increasing student engagement and could evidence student progression during the project lessons. 53% have noticed an increase in student attainment through using the CIOB materials.
Tanja Kuveljic, CEO at The b-live Foundation, “The b-live Foundation Careers in Construction is committed to developing the employability of young people. We are delighted that we are now starting to see the positive impacts which include improvements in school attainment and young people being more motivated and prepared for the world of work which is essential for the success of UK growth. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the CIOB and the construction sector to help develop a skilled future workforce.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.
To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.
Our 7 Guiding Principles
· Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.
· Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.
· Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.
· Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency.
· Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science.
· Being socially responsible and working responsibly.
· Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.
We have over 47,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.
Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.
Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB Press and Communications Manager on t: 01344 630 766 or e: email@example.com.
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The Chartered Institute of Building
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