BMet joins likeminded construction enthusiasts and exhibits at UK’s largest industry event, alongside delivering a key interactive VP session
BMet recently showcased its varied construction opportunities and pathways at the UK’s largest built environment event, UK Construction Week, held at the NEC in Birmingham.
From Tuesday 3rd to Thursday 5th October, the college which includes construction as a key specialism, joined hundreds of other leading organisations exhibiting at the event.
The three days were a mix of seminars and CPD sessions across seven theatres, covering a myriad of industry topics, alongside exhibiting companies.
Among other things, attendees were able to network with key figures in the construction sector, learn about thousands of products offers and hear from leading speakers including Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands.
Randeep Sami, Vice Principal at BMet, also delivered a keynote speech about his role in managing the construction provision across James Watt College and Erdington Skills Centre on the last day of the conference.
Plus, Randeep’s comprehensive training session “Developing the curriculum for the future” allowed participants to delve into the strategic framework employed by BMet to establish a dynamic Construction Employer Board. This initiative focuses on collaborating closely with employers and funding agencies to design a progressive skills-oriented curriculum, that seamlessly leads to direct employment opportunities.
Key topics covered:
- How BMet setup an active construction employer board.
- Working with employers and funding agencies to create a skills-based programme leading into direct employment.
- Resolving issues around an aging workforce and skills gaps.
- Apprenticeship and non-apprenticeship-based solutions for the construction industry.
- Current CPD offer including ACS.
- Sustainability, looking to develop this further.
- Working with employers to upskill teaching staff and support providing training to address skills gaps.
In the past year, BMet has opened its ‘Ground-breaking’ DIG academy which focuses on giving a real-work experience to students as they enter the world of construction. This includes closely working in partnership with Careys Construction, to develop a flexible training approach focusing on skills not just qualifications. Aptitudes such as block paving, drainage and working in confined spaces are some of the skills BMet offers as part of this new academy.
BMet will also be offering its first Groundworks apprenticeships this year and is developing new areas such as landscaping.
Speaking of the event Randeep said: “Attending the event was a fantastic opportunity for BMet to promote our construction offers to employers both regionally and nationally, including our ability to provide first class training provision to the industry with recruitment solutions, apprenticeships for both new and existing staff and upskilling opportunities.
“BMet are currently working to develop a curriculum which is fit for purpose offering a real and realistic curriculum designed through working with employers across the industry. This includes looking at new technologies and methods of building. Retrofit and green technology are areas high on our agenda as we move forward, and employers are key in us developing a futureproof curriculum.”
To find out about BMet’s employer partnership pathways, please visit BMet’s website.