Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have deepened their collaboration, marking a meaningful step forward in fostering employment and skill-building within the construction sector. This renewed partnership, solidified in September 2024 through a Memorandum of Understanding, focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for local residents, especially through major development projects.
The initiative ensures that employment and skills plans are overseen by TVBC’s economic development team.Developers are now required to meet specific benchmarks, including hiring apprentices and offering work experience, as outlined in CITB’s updated framework. This approach not only supports workforce development but also ensures that local growth benefits the community directly.
To celebrate this milestone, CITB presented TVBC with a trophy, acknowledging their dedication to the partnership.While the projects are still in their infancy, this recognition underscores the council’s commitment to driving positive change in the region.
Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, expressed his pride in the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to be recognised by CITB for our commitment to enhancing employment and skills opportunities in construction in Test Valley. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to ensuring that local developments contribute positively to the community by providing valuable training and employment opportunities.”
Elizabeth Steel,Customer Engagement Manager at CITB,also highlighted the importance of this alliance. “We are pleased to present this trophy to Test Valley Borough Council in recognition of their proactive approach to implementing our employment and skills plans framework. Their efforts are setting a benchmark for other councils to follow, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on the local workforce.”
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How can local councils and industry partners encourage greater public awareness and participation in construction skills initiatives?
Table of Contents
- 1. How can local councils and industry partners encourage greater public awareness and participation in construction skills initiatives?
- 2. Strengthening Local Construction Skills: An Interview with Test Valley Borough council leader Phil North
- 3. Q: Phil, can you tell us about the renewed partnership between Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) and the construction Industry Training Board (CITB)?
- 4. Q: What specific measures are being implemented to achieve these goals?
- 5. Q: How does this partnership align with TVBC’s broader vision for the region?
- 6. Q: What has been the reaction from the community and industry stakeholders?
- 7. Q: Elizabeth Steel from CITB mentioned that TVBC is setting a benchmark for other councils. How do you see this influencing broader change?
- 8. Q: what would you say to residents who are eager to seize these opportunities but unsure where to start?
- 9. Q: What do you think readers can do to support initiatives like this in their own communities?
Strengthening Local Construction Skills: An Interview with Test Valley Borough council leader Phil North
Q: Phil, can you tell us about the renewed partnership between Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) and the construction Industry Training Board (CITB)?
Phil North: Absolutely. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2024, is a significant step forward in ensuring that local progress projects create meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities for our residents. By integrating CITB’s updated framework, we’re able to set clear benchmarks for developers, such as hiring apprentices and offering work experience, which directly benefits our community.
Q: What specific measures are being implemented to achieve these goals?
Phil North: Our economic development team is overseeing employment and skills plans for all major projects. Developers are now required to meet specific criteria, including the creation of apprenticeship roles and structured work experience opportunities. This ensures that as our region grows, it does so in a way that uplifts the local workforce and provides practical, hands-on training.
Q: How does this partnership align with TVBC’s broader vision for the region?
Phil North: At the heart of our vision is the belief that local growth should directly benefit our community. By fostering these opportunities in the construction sector, we’re not only addressing skills gaps but also ensuring that residents have access to stable, well-paying jobs. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
Q: What has been the reaction from the community and industry stakeholders?
Phil North: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Both residents and industry leaders recognize the value of creating pathways for local talent to thrive in the construction sector. The trophy presented by CITB is a symbol of this shared commitment and a reminder of the impact we can achieve when we work together.
Q: Elizabeth Steel from CITB mentioned that TVBC is setting a benchmark for other councils. How do you see this influencing broader change?
Phil North: I believe this partnership can serve as a model for other councils looking to integrate employment and skills plans into their development projects. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of such initiatives,we hope to inspire a ripple effect across the country,ultimately strengthening the construction industry and empowering more communities.
Q: what would you say to residents who are eager to seize these opportunities but unsure where to start?
phil North: My message is simple: Get involved. Whether it’s through apprenticeships, work experience, or upskilling programs, these opportunities are designed with you in mind. Reach out to our economic development team or local training providers to explore how you can be part of this exciting journey. Together,we can build a brighter future for Test Valley.
Q: What do you think readers can do to support initiatives like this in their own communities?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. How can local councils and industry partners work together to create more opportunities in your area? Share your ideas in the comments below!
