On Thursday 13th July, Access hosted their latest Open Day in Cardiff. From 10:00 - 13:00, over 70 attendees made their way through the doors of our Cardiff Centre. The day promised exciting taster sessions in Electrics, Plumbing, Carpentry, Gas and Plastering, allowing for prospective students to see first-hand what they could learn on the trades courses and speak to our tutors. 

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According to the most recent Construction Skills Network report, the construction industry is likely to continue to experience significant growth over the next 4 years. This growth surpasses previous expectations, indicating a strong demand for tradespeople in the present and the near future.

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As the summer season unfolds in the United Kingdom, certain industries witness a surge in demand for employment opportunities. Among them, the construction sector stands tall, offering the most popular summer jobs. The dynamic nature of construction projects, the abundance of opportunities, and the benefits associated with the industry have contributed to its prominence. This article explores why construction has emerged as the most popular summer jobs provider in the UK.

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What's changing with PQP cards?

From the 30th of June 2023, PQP cards will only be available to applicants that are a part of one of the approved professional bodies. There is a list available to the public of all 63 CSCS-approved professional bodies to check whether you are on the approved list.

If you are a part of an approved body on the above list, you can continue to apply for your PQP card through your organisation. The changes that are coming into place will only affect those who are not a part of the approved bodies on the list.

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Earlier this year in January, The House of Commons had their initial debate over the skills and labour shortages that were apparent within the UK economy.

Previous research conducted by the ONS in late 2022 revealed that 13.3% of businesses currently have a shortage of workers. One of the industries that has been effected most by the skills shortage is the construction industry, with 20.7% of all construction businesses being impacted by the current skills shortages.

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 To be a good tradesman, you must possess the following skills/qualities:

1. Highly punctual and reliable

2. Strong communication skills

3. Comfortable working in a team

4. Resilient

5. Up to date with industry knowledge and regulations

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Mental Health Awareness Week takes place in the UK from Monday 15th May - Sunday 21st May. To raise awareness about mental health issues in the trades, Ironmongery Direct submit a yearly report in collaboration with the mental health charity, Mind, to reveal important and shocking statistics about mental health in the trade industry. 

In this blog, we'll break down the key findings of their insightful report in an attempt to make mental health support more accessible to our students in the trade industry.

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There's nothing quite like coming home and feeling proud of the work you've done for the day. For most tradesmen, this is a daily occurrence! According to multiple studies conducted over the years, workers in the skilled trades tend to have higher levels of job satisfaction in comparison to others. 

In this blog, we'll take a look at why job satisfaction is so high for workers in the skilled trades. From builders and plumbers to electricians and gas engineers, there are many reasons for all tradesmen to be proud of what they do. 

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