Curo News

Collaborating to train the next generation of builders

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 10:00:00 Z

We’re proud to be working with local partners at Bath College and the University of Bath to help boost local skills in construction.

Construction is one of many industries crucial to the UK economy, but it’s also one of the hardest hit by recent labour shortages. In fact, it currently has the second-worst workforce shortage in the country. That’s why we’re committed to addressing this challenge by supporting local people into high-skilled jobs and sustainable employment.

Our employability service, Work Wise, connects local people with training and employment opportunities—including those at our flagship development, Mulberry Park. Since the site received outline planning permission in 2015, we’ve helped create 32 apprenticeships, 164 new jobs with local training, and 399 work placements in the community.

Over the last few months, we’ve welcomed students from the University of Bath’s Civil Engineering courses and Bath College’s Construction programme to Mulberry Park, giving them a first-hand look at a live construction site. These visits provide valuable insights into modern building methods and innovative design principles, showcasing the thought and care that go into creating neighbourhoods like Mulberry Park.

University of Bath students and lecturer, Gavin Knowles, in front of the latest phase of development

During the tours, students had the chance to see Phase 2 of Mulberry Park in progress. This next phase builds upon the existing amenities, which already include a primary school and community centre, and will soon feature shops and other facilities to enhance the neighbourhood even further.

Our Senior Site Manager, Alan Mapston, shared his thoughts: “It’s been fantastic to welcome students from Bath College and the University of Bath back to the site. Their enthusiasm for construction and architecture is always inspiring, and it’s rewarding to share our journey as Mulberry Park continues to grow. We’re proud to support future professionals in their learning and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in the industry.”

We’ve also had great feedback from our partners:

Gavin Knowles, Director of Studies in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath, said: “We are always looking for interesting Civil Engineering projects in the local area, and the Curo team at Mulberry Park have been so accommodating in showing our students around the site with so much enthusiasm. A live construction site is such a valuable teaching tool and shows our future Engineers how building designs go together both physically and logistically. We’ve really valued this continued partnership.”

Karen Simmons, Employability and Engagement Officer at Bath College, added: “Visiting a live site and talking to experienced people already working in construction really helps to bring the learning to life and inspire our students on their future career journeys. It’s a valuable asset to our courses, and we are very grateful to be working with Curo.”

Housebuilding in Lawrence Weston brings opportunities for local people

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 12:31:55 Z

A Lawrence Weston resident is among the newest members of contractor Jehu’s site team at Curo’s The Willows development, in Bristol.

The Willows is a 100% affordable housing development of 57 homes for social and affordable rent and shared ownership. Curo is working with contractor Jehu to deliver the much-needed new homes.

James Beck joined the site team two months ago as labourer and construction traffic marshall for the project. The 34-year-old father-of-three and his family have lived in Lawrence Weston all their lives and their current home is just across the road from the new development site.

James says: “I’ve always been interested in construction and I started working on sites right after I finished school. I really enjoy this line of work and look forward to learning new skills in my current role.

“It’s great to be able to work so close to my home. I saw the job advertised and I thought it can’t get any better, it’s straight across the road from where I live - the shortest commute!”

James believes that employing local people to work in their communities is a win-win situation for everyone. He says: “When you have a busy construction site there can sometimes be some difficulties with things like deliveries of materials. Having a friendly face on site, someone local people recognise and can approach with any comments or suggestions is great because whatever it is, if they tell us, we will do our best to sort it.”

James’ current goals include gaining some further construction qualifications. He says: “The teams here at Jehu and Curo are very supportive. In the long term, I would like to become a site manager myself and I know that with this job there are opportunities, training and support for this.”

James was offered a permanent role with contractor Jehu and will continue to work alongside the team after the construction at The Willows is completed.

Read more about The Willows development in our contractor's latest construction newsletter here.

Want to find out more about the future shared ownership homes at The Willows? Visit our sales website to register your interest.

Bristol housing associations launch academy to tackle skills shortages

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 09:49:32 Z

Bristol Housing Partnership (BHP), a group of 14 housing associations working with the Council to deliver more affordable homes in the city, has launched a pilot training and employment scheme aimed at attracting young people to choose a career in housing development.

The initiative, known as the BHP Academy, will offer a number of people the opportunity to train and work as affordable housing development officers over a period of 24 months. They will receive specialist training in the first year and will continue to learn while working within established development teams for the following 12 months. Each trainee officer will receive a salary of £23,000 pa during the two-year period.

The pilot scheme offers ten places on the programme and represents an investment by BHP and Bristol City Council of £100,000 in training alone. Seven of the available places are newly created roles, five of which will be recruited externally and two recruited internally by BHP members. The remainder three positions will be offered as internal training opportunities to BHP and BCC employees.

Sarah Maylor, Chair of the BHP, says: “A career in housing development can be incredibly fulfilling but, despite the many advantages it offers, our sector is still affected by skills shortages. There’s a particular lack of applicants with the right skills in development roles and housing associations are struggling to recruit experienced candidates.

“Our members are committed to building 2,500 new homes in Bristol alone over the next five years and, to do so, we need more skilled people – this is why we’ve decided to invest in ‘growing our own’ talent.

“The ideal candidates are university and sixth form college graduates, regardless of degree specialty – as we’re offering extensive training, our recruitment will focus more on attitude to learning, personal competence and enthusiasm.”

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain valuable new skills and join a sector that offers clear career progression. At the same time they will be making a positive difference to local people’s lives, by helping to build more affordable homes in our city and region.

“I’m delighted that we are able to support this initiative, alongside a number of other training, skills and employment schemes we’re running to ensure that Bristol continues to thrive and attract investment.”

Curo is one of the BHP members recruiting for a new colleague to join our development team through the Bristol Housing Partnership Academy. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills that are in high demand, while earning an attractive salary.

To apply for the Trainee Development Officer role with Curo, click here.

To see the other roles available through the BHP Academy, visit www.housing.org.uk/bhp-academy.