KAEFER bags new maintenance contracts in Northern Ireland
KAEFER UK & Ireland has secured new maintenance contracts with EP Kilroot Ltd. and EP Ballylumford Ltd. to provide both electrical and scaffolding services to their power stations in Northern Ireland.
Kilroot is a dual-fuelled power station on the east coast of Northern Ireland, and Ballylumford is the largest power station in Northern Ireland, consisting of two Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT) and two OpenCycle Gas Turbines (OCGT).
Together both power stations provide over 45% of Northern Ireland’s electricity demand.
During the two-year contracts, KAEFER UK & Ireland’s Belfast office will support both sites with electrical and Scaffolding services including access solutions, electrical installation, electrical maintenance, fault finding and engineering services to support the operation of both stations.
Richard Dee, KAEFER’s Business Development Manager for Ireland said, “These contract wins further strengthen and underpin our relationship as a key supplier and partner to EPUKI in Ireland & the UK.”
Jessica Barrass EP UK Investments Procurement Manager for Northern Ireland said “The teams at both Ballylumford and Kilroot stations are looking forward to working safely and effectively with KAEFER at our sites.”
KAEFER UK & Ireland is a leading provider of technical industrial services, part of the global KAEFER group of companies.
Have your say on Scaffolder Apprenticeships, urges trade association
Scaffolding Association is urging the industry to have its say on whether the Scaffolder Apprenticeship end-point assessment confirms that apprentices have achieved occupational competence.
The scaffolding sector’s largest trade association, the Scaffolding Association, is urging the industry to complete two short surveys giving their views on the effectiveness of the scaffolder apprenticeship.
Each survey should take no more than ten minutes to complete, and your feedback will help ensure that the apprenticeship meets the training needs of scaffolding businesses (End-Point Assessment Stage).
It will also allow the industry to comment on whether the occupation is similar or a duplicate of other apprenticeship standards (Standard Stage).
Download the EPA Stage for the Scaffolder Apprenticeship here.
Download the Standard Stage for the Scaffolder Apprenticeship here.
Your feedback will be considered as part of the assessment process and help inform the final approval decision – a process overseen by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
Complete the EPA Stage Survey here.
Complete the Standard Stage Survey here.
Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “It’s vitally important that industry takes the opportunity to feed into this process which only occurs every three years and particularly the EPA Stage, given that duplication with other standards is unlikely because of the specialist nature of this occupation”.
He added: “it is disappointing that the Scaffolder Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group has made no effort to communicate this opportunity to industry and even more so, that the IfATE do not have robust processes and procedures in place to ensure that trailblazer groups do more to communicate these opportunities to the sectors they represent”.
Robert concluded: “If it wasn’t for the association’s recently established contact with the IfATE, the largest trade association in this sector would have no knowledge of this limited consultation window. To time this with the middle of the holiday season is also unacceptable – concerns we will be raising with relevant ministers.
Teal Scaffold bags contract on major refurbishment project
North West-based Teal Scaffold has been appointed as the scaffolding contractor for a major £5million improvement scheme in Latchford, Warrington.
Following a competitive tender programme, Teal Scaffold, part of the Sovini Group has begun erecting the bespoke access solution on the nine-story high Kingsway House.
The 1960’s high-rise, which contains 51 one and two-bedroom apartments, is owned by the regeneration group, Torus.
HMS- the construction and contracting arm of the Torus Group – has been appointed to conduct the remodelling of the high-rise block which will be fitted with new windows, kitchens, bathrooms, front doors, balconies, and a lift.
The building will also benefit from a new wall insulation system, with the external walls finished with non-combustible render, incorporating stone wool insulation.
Scaffolders from Teal Scaffold are in the process of installing a bespoke Tube and Fit solution, which incorporates a system staircase design and passenger hoist to facilitate the regeneration work.
Torus Asset Project Manager, Ste Simm, says: “The £5million investment in Kingsway House demonstrates Torus’s commitment to investing in our existing homes. The refurbishment will create a modern block that will not only look great, but will also help to reduce carbon emissions, whilst benefiting tenants by improving energy efficiency, and making their homes warmer. The excellent service Teal Scaffold is providing facilitates the essential refurbishment works on the building.”
Head of Operations at Teal Scaffold, Dan McGregor added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Torus and HMS on this project. Our organisations are like-minded and share strong sense of social responsibility. The Kingsway House contract demonstrates our aptitude, skills, and experience for competing at the highest level in the sector.”
Teal Scaffold has continued to secure work across the social housing sector since their inception, securing high-profile contracts along the way.
MG Scaffolding joins rapidly growing RSK Group
The RSK Group has announced the acquisition of MG Scaffolding, a large contract scaffolding company servicing the Midlands and South-East of England.
The business is the latest in a series of acquisitions made by RSK as they continue to expand their service offering in line with growing market demands.
MG Scaffolding was established in 2002 by Carl Fallon and has grown into one of the largest independent suppliers of scaffolding services in the region.
The scaffolding business which employs 125 people has branches in Gloucester, Oxford and Birmingham and services primarily construction, housing and civil engineering clients.
RSK Group owns over 150 companies, including fellow scaffolding businesses, TBF Scaffolding as well as several businesses working with housebuilders and the wider construction industry.
Managing Director, Martin Pritchard said: “We are delighted to be joining the RSK group. We see this as a fantastic opportunity to partner with a recognised leader in the construction industry who are well equipped to provide both consultancy and contracting solutions. This acquisition will help MG Scaffolding accelerate its growth and will enable us to offer a wider range of services to our existing, and new clients.
“We have a combined desire to grow the business further and the commitment to MG Scaffoldings leadership and work together as part of the wider RSK business is a combination that provides a future that we very much look forward to.”
Alan Ryder, CEO of RSK Group, said: “MG Scaffolding have an experienced leadership team who have developed great relationships with large housebuilders and construction companies. Residential housing, by way of an example, is a sector that we expect to remain buoyant for many years as we continue to build homes for our growing population. I’m pleased to have the team on board and looking forward to helping the business move from strength to strength.”
Scaffolding firm trials money saving fuel additive
An Oxfordshire scaffolding business has begun trials using a ground-breaking fuel conditioner in a bid to reduce its fuel consumption.
Forward-thinking scaffolding and access firm Allsafe Scaffolding which runs a fleet of 44 vans and HGV’s has partnered with fuel technology expert SulNOx to run and evaluate an innovative fuel additive.
Over a period of up to three months, Allsafe will use SulNOxEco Fuel Conditioner in three of its vehicles to see if they get more miles out of a full tank of fuel.
As part of a five-year ‘green mission’, Allsafe is taking steps to imbed sustainability in its business to decrease its social and environmental impact. The company believes working with SulNOx Group will have an immediate impact.
Andrew Simmonds, Managing Director at Allsafe, said: “As a large scaffold contractor we run a sizeable fleet comprising 44 vans and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), so we are always looking for new ways to minimise our environmental impact. Reducing carbon emissions is one of the ways we can achieve this.
With so much scrutiny on the construction industry and so many of our esteemed customers working towards a greener way to build, we are actively trying to play our part and ultimately have a positive impact locally.
On top of that, with fuel prices remaining high, we are actively looking at improving the efficiency of our ever-growing fleet. The SulNOxEco Fuel Conditioner ticks both boxes for us and we are excited to see the results of the evaluation and explore how it could benefit us in the long-term.”
SulNOxEco is a unique, advanced fuel additive made from natural, biodegradable ingredients that have been shown to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the production of harmful emissions including CO2 and fine particulate matter.
Ben Richardson, Chief Executive of SulNOx Group, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Allsafe as they look to reduce their environmental impact and improve the efficiency of their vehicles.
Our technology is verified with real-world data from numerous tests and trials, so we know the impact we can have across many industries. Particularly in construction and commercial transportation, moving to a wholly electric fleet or using alternatives from traditional fuels is currently not a viable option. We offer a credible and scalable solution for the here and now, vital for climate goals, that can make a significant difference to air quality and emissions, and potentially give commercial users a green edge over competitors.”
Teal Scaffold are making a difference to Merseyside’s social housing sector
North West based, Teal Scaffold is playing a pivotal role in the regeneration project of four social housing tower blocks in Woolton, South Liverpool.
The Riverside Housing Group acquired four high-rise properties which are home to 230 tenants, as part of a successful stock transfer from affordable housing firm, The Guinness Partnership back in 2021.
Following the acquisition, a high number of essential boiler repairs were identified by Riverside’s maintenance and repairs firm Evolve Facility Services. The tower blocks, inclusive of 170 flats were the latest properties to benefit from Evolve’s investment works programme.
Given the business’s outstanding reputation in the industry and prior experience on large-scale high-rise projects, the award-winning maintenance firm acquired Teal Scaffold’s high-quality services.
Considering the complexities around the removal of the old boiler fluid Teal partnered with Buckley Design Solutions (BDS), a specialist scaffold design firm.
Ahead of Evolve’s planned start date in March, Teal commenced the erection of their unique 360° Layher connection technology in February.
The bespoke solution which reaches 37 metres, ensures that Evolve’s Gas Team can work safely on their boiler replacement programme – ensuring clients homes are safe, secure, and well maintained.
Facilitating the essential refurbishment work, Teal Scaffold has erected and dismantled scaffold for two of the four tower blocks with a scheduled completion date of October.
Head of Operations at Teal Scaffold, Dan McGregor said: “This is a significant project to be involved in and one that boosts our credentials in the social housing sector. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work and our aim is to raise the standard of scaffolding across the housing sector and beyond. We believe our latest project with Evolve Facility Services achieves this.”
Director of Operations at Evolve Facility Services, Terry Shrimpton added: “This has been a challenging project to deliver. The collaboration between Evolve and Teal Scaffold has been first class. The feedback from our team regarding the firm has been excellent and we are looking forward to working with them on more projects in the future.”
CITB announces £800,000 investment to improve access to training
CITB has today announced an investment of more than £800,000 for the launch of a new employer network pilot project, which could revolutionise the way the construction sector access and receive funding for training in the future.
Over 3,800 levy-registered construction businesses will be eligible to benefit from the pilot, offered across five locations in England, Scotland and Wales.
While the pilot is open to businesses of all sizes, there is a primary aim to simplify the process for small and micro businesses, helping to place them at the heart of local training provision.
Through the support of established and experienced delivery partners, the pilot enables employers to recognise their training priorities and receive guidance on how best to find and fund the training most appropriate to them.
This transformative way of working provides a huge opportunity for employers to not only voice their training requirements, but also play a fundamental role in deciding how funds are used in their local area.
As part of this new model, construction businesses will not need to access the grant scheme, as CITB is supporting the employer network to help organise and fund training directly.
Many of the current requirements around training being “in scope” will also be relaxed to ensure the pilots can be as reflective of the employer’s needs as possible. Therefore, training can predominantly be in anything that helps a business work better, whether that’s a construction skill; a health and safety course; a business skill; or a future skill need, such as net zero.
Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive, said: “I’m really excited about this pilot – this is about putting employers in the driving seat to identify and address their local skills challenges and how best CITB can align our funding and resources to support their skills needs. I would encourage employers in the pilot areas to get involved and use their voice to shape and engage with the local training provision.
“The pilots are being funded by CITB and delivered by local organisations with a pedigree in finding and delivering training in their area.”
The five pilot areas covered are:
Inverness in Scotland, provided by Scottish Civils Training Group
Norfolk in England, provided by Norfolk Construction Training Group
Lincoln in England, provided by Lincoln Group Training Association
South West Wales, provided by Cyfle Building Skills
The final pilot is specifically for Civil Engineering firms in the Midlands, provided by CECA Midlands.
Anthony Rees, Regional Manager, Cyfle Building Skills Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be part of the employer network pilot scheme for the region. This will be a great opportunity for construction employers from the south-west Wales area to develop their workforce with relevant training. The pilot scheme will help construction organisations to engage with other local employers, our three local training groups, and industry stakeholders, and give them the opportunity to have their say on how funds are spent to develop their training needs.”
John Farley, Chair, Norfolk Construction Training Group, said: “As an extremely active training group, we are delighted to be a part of the new employer network pilot, aimed at encouraging the wider construction community to engage in training.
“We identify that training is essential for the industry to grow and thrive – this programme is an exciting opportunity to make that happen.
“We feel once implemented it will have a serious impact with employers and improve much needed skill levels within the local area.”
Herman Kok, Chair, Lincoln Group Training Association, added: “As chair of Lincoln Group Training Association (LGTA) l am excited and looking forward to delivering the employer network pilot and delivering innovative training support for Lincoln-based construction companies and their supply chain. We are grateful for the support we receive from CITB for these activities.”
Through a more collaborative approach, the hope is to tackle specific local skills shortages and improve ease of access to training, particularly for smaller businesses without dedicated office admin or training staff.
This pilot forms a part of CITB’s continuous efforts to create a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce, now and in the future.
StepUp Scaffold partners with Danish composite pioneer
System scaffolding supplier StepUp Scaffold has revealed its entered a strategic partnership with Danish pioneers Nordic Platform to launch composite scaffolding solutions to the US scaffolding market.
Composite scaffolding solutions have gradually emerged on the European market over the past 8 years and are progressively entering mainstream use and application as ESG considerations increasingly influence corporate procurement strategies and decision-making.
Glasgow-based StepUp Scaffold UK, a subsidiary of the StepUp Scaffold Group in Memphis (US), has successfully been testing and participating in the development of an emerging market for composite equipment in Europe for several years.
They have now entered a strategic partnership with Danish composite pioneer Nordic Platform in order to bring innovative and sustainable solutions into StepUp’s home market in the US as well.
It started with a lightweight composite deck in 2012
The innovative approach and long track record of Nordic Platform in this niche segment has been noticed in the StepUp headquarters in Memphis (US) as market acceptance is accelerating in Europe. “It all started with a genuine concern for both the environment and the health and safety of scaffolders”, CEO of Nordic Platform Per Mose Jakobsen explains. “Back in 2012 when we started developing our composite decks no one in the business had ever heard of ESG compliance. It just made sense for a lot of practical reasons.”
ESG is starting to shape demand
StepUp Scaffolds European director Knud Højland has been following the development of Nordic Platform closely over the past decade and points out several interesting perspectives for the strategic partnership between the two companies in the US market. “The development of the first composite decks back in 2012-14 and subsequent launch in 2015 was a bold and innovative move. Ten years and more than half a million decks later it has passed the test of time in Europe, and today it serves as a perfect solution for sustainability-conscious companies, that additionally reduces theft and relieves the heavy lifting by scaffolding workers,” Knud Højland points out. “Strategic ESG considerations impact more and more of construction financing. We are already experiencing the first trickle-down effects and we must listen to what the market wants”; he adds. StepUp Scaffold will be introducing the new range of composite decks to the American market at the 2022 SAIA annual convention & exhibition from August 21-25 in Boston, MA.Panthera wins multi-service contract for city centre building refurb
A major makeover underway at a building located at the foot of the Millennium Bridge, between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern, has been secured with EnviroHoard™ sustainable hoarding from Panthera Group as the first part of a contract for multiple site services.
Millennium Bridge House was originally completed in the late 1980s following demolition of the previous site and is set to be redeveloped by contractor ISG after approval by The City of London Corporation.
Along with the sustainable site hoarding solution, Panthera Group will provide a variety of site services for the duration of the project. This includes the internal fit out for welfare facilities such as ISG offices, subcontractor offices, toilets, changing rooms, showering facilities and a canteen along with a security hut at the entrance.
The £65 million project included a stipulation to redevelop the building sustainably by embracing circular economy, carbon reduction and resource efficiency principles. To that end, ISG worked with Piercy and Company Architects on a design to retain the majority of building structure whilst reconfiguring the internal layout to optimise space for retail facilities, offices, a roof level restaurant and roof. A new façade will embrace natural light and create energy efficiency throughout the building.
One of the overall objectives of the project is to achieve BREEAM RFO 2014 (Excellent) which means sustainability compliance in the supply chain is key. Robert Ingram, Managing Surveyor at ISG, opted to work with Panthera Group on the project;
“I have worked with the Panthera team for over 10 years and have always found them to be extremely professional and collaborative in their approach. It made sense to use EnviroHoard™ for our perimeter hoarding as it is a verified net zero carbon solution. Panthera was wholly supportive during the tender process; providing the environmental assessment and generally offering a great service to our project teams. Phase one works are underway and this includes the first elevation of EnviroHoard™ which is looking good. Phase two is imminent and will involve the site set up services.”
EnviroHoard™ offers many commercial as well as environmental advantages. The flexible, modular system is quick to install and can be easily relocated as and when required.
Construction Apprenticeship changes in Wales
Changes to some of the key construction apprenticeship qualifications in Wales come into force on 1stAugust in time for the autumn college term.
They are designed to shape the supervisors and construction business owners of the future by better meeting the needs of employers and students alike.
CITB, City & Guilds and Careers Wales are supporting the introduction of the new Apprenticeship Qualifications commissioned by Qualifications Wales following its Building the Future review of construction qualifications.
The review, which included in-depth interviews with employers found that a number of changes should be made to modernise the framework of study.
The Qualifications Wales review decided to look at the occupations which historically have most apprentices in Wales, these being Site Carpentry, Architectural Joinery, Bricklaying, Solid Plastering and Painting and Decorating and Plant Operations.
Also trades which are emerging in importance such as Dry Lining, Timber Frame Erecting, Civil Engineering Groundworkers, Roofing (Slate and Tile) and Wall and Floor Tiling.
Apprenticeships in these occupations will be changing from 1st August 2022 as new Level 3 Apprentice Qualifications have been developed for them.? All other occupations will continue to follow the NVQ/Technical Diploma route and will not change whist awarding bodies continue to offer these qualifications.
Entry requirements for the level 3 Apprenticeships are inclusive and include several options to ensure inclusivity.
The new Apprenticeships come into play in September 2022, with some qualifications already launched in September 2021.
CITB Wales’ Standards and qualifications Manager, Gareth Williams said: “We want to assure parents and learners that a lot of research and time has gone into designing the new courses. Over the last year we have been working with employers to make sure they are ready to support apprentices on this new qualification path.
“Employers will be required to take a greater role and responsibility for signing off the competency of their apprentice, but this will be an equal partnership between employers and learning providers.”
There are guidance documents for employers. Employers are to work with and support apprentices throughout their apprenticeship and will need to ensure they can provide all the work experience the apprentice needs.
Angharad Lloyd Beynon, City and Guilds said: “Our new suite of Construction qualifications have been designed to meet the skills needs of Wales and provide learners with clear progression routes to help people get into a job, get on in the job and go further in their career.
“They are designed to make learners more knowledgeable, skilled and ready for the modern workplace so that they can deliver results for their employers and achieve their career goals. We have developed learning programmes and assessment that meet employers needs while forging a clear and simplified education landscape.
“We make all of our qualifications and learning materials available through the medium of Welsh to empower the achievement of a bilingual nation.”
