AJC Group brings supply chain together to tackle construction skills gap
Affordable housing developer AJC Group has brought together subcontractors and industry partners from across Wessex for its first ‘Tricks of the Trade’ event, focusing on how the construction supply chain can support the next generation of workers.
The event explored ways businesses can encourage more young people and individuals from target groups to enter construction through apprenticeships, work placements and training opportunities.
AJC supply chain event focuses on construction careers
Representatives from Coastland College, CITB, Bournemouth & Poole College and Konnect Recruit joined AJC Group to outline the support, opportunities and funding available to businesses looking to recruit and develop new talent.
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AJC Group
The event was organised by Hannah Bentley, Employee and Client Relations Manager at AJC Group.
She said: “Our subcontractors are a vital part of what we do at AJC, and Tricks of the Trade was an opportunity to bring everyone together to share what’s ahead, while looking at how we can collectively tackle one of construction’s biggest challenges – attracting and developing the next generation of talent.
“The response was really positive, and we’re motivated to build on that momentum to create more opportunities for people to start and develop careers in construction.”
Subcontractors receive advice on apprenticeships
The event highlighted the support available to subcontractors considering apprenticeships and other routes into construction.
Karl Townsend, Director of KV Plumbing & Heating, said: “The event showed us there’s far more help available for taking on apprentices than we realised. We came away with a much better understanding of the support and opportunities out there.”
The session brought together AJC’s supply chain with organisations involved in construction training, recruitment and skills development, with the aim of improving awareness of available routes into the sector.
AJC updates supply chain on development pipeline
Alongside the skills focus, AJC Group provided subcontractors with an update on its development pipeline and advice on its tender process.
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The event also covered how businesses can stand out during AJC’s tender reviews, giving subcontractors practical information on the procurement process.
AJC Group is currently delivering affordable housing projects across Dorset and the wider Wessex region, working with local businesses and its construction supply chain.
