News

Friday 5 October 2007

University looks to tackle property and construction sector skills shortage

A recruitment fair which will aim to address a skills shortage in the property and construction industry is being organised by Nottingham Trent University. Employers from 30 of the nation’s top constructing firms will be attending the University’s first Property, Design and Construction Recruitment Fair on 7 November.

They will highlight a variety of career opportunities within both their organisations and the sector to prospective students, current students and graduates. These range from full-time work after graduation to possible placement, voluntary or vacation work available during studies. Prospective students will also be able to find out more about sponsorship or bursaries which may be available to them to help them through their degree courses.

It is hoped the recruitment fair will help to tackle a current shortage of professional skills in the industry, being experienced due to an increase in construction output. The demand for labour is expected to further intensify over the next few years because of this building bonanza – being led by a surge in schools construction and projects for the London Olympics.

The event is being organised by the University’s Careers Service in conjunction with its School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.

The School has a proven track record of turning out high-calibre graduates – along with a strong reputation for providing challenging, highly-regarded and professionally accredited courses.

Paul Hacking, Head of the University’s Careers Service, which is organising the event, said: "This is an exciting new venture at Nottingham Trent University and has been launched in response to a request from construction-related companies from all over the UK. The interest has been overwhelming and we’re sure the event will be of huge benefit to all who attend."

Stephen Brooke, HR Adviser for BWB Consulting, which is attending the fair, said: "Along with others in the sector, BWB Consulting now finds it more relevant than ever to establish contact with the future of the profession, and the Nottingham Trent University recruitment fair is an excellent way of doing just that."

ENDS

Notes for editors: The event is being held in the University’s Djanogly International Centre on Clarendon Street in Nottingham on 7 November (11.00am - 3.00pm).

For more information, or for a full list of exhibitors click here.

Press enquiries please contact Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email, or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email.