Bovis Homes pledges to help tackle industry skills challenge

- 17 Oct 17

Bovis Homes is pledging to work with its sub-contractors to recruit and train more people to the highest standards and help tackle the home building skills challenge in the UK.

It has signed up to the Home Building Skills Pledge, a set of five key actions developed by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) through its Home Building Skills Partnership (HBSP).

Roger Morton, Head of Talent at Bovis Homes, said: "We are building new homes at more than 100 sites across the country, working with hundreds of contractors and understand the importance of future proofing workforce skills.

"We are developing our own training and apprenticeships as part of our drive to meet this challenge and we are delighted to support the Home Building Skills Pledge, which is part of the growing momentum to tackle this crucial issue."

The Skills Pledge covers five key areas: collaborate and share; train to a standard; engage and support; champion diversity and inclusion; and promote careers.

By signing up to the pledge, companies will also be supporting the HBSP and working to its shared goals.

"We are pledging to collaborate with others in tackling the industry skills challenge by supporting the HBSP and working to its shared goals," added Roger.

"In relation to engage and support, for instance, we are leading the way, especially with regard to sub-contractors, and have attracted a £47,000 grant from the HBSP in order to reinforce this approach."

HBSP chair John Tutte said: "If we are to develop the capacity and build the high-quality homes the country desperately needs, we as an industry must commit to recruiting and training the right people - now and in future.

"It's now the right moment to build on the achievements of the HBSP over the last year and together send a powerful message, not only to the wider home building sector, but to government, education and careers providers, and of course, future recruits."

Jenny Herdman, director of the HBSP, added: "We face a huge challenge but also have a unique opportunity to make a difference, and be part of a combined demonstration that a career in house building provides huge opportunities and prospects."