BSEE-NOV21-PG06.qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2021 11:55 Page 6
BSEE
NEWS & APPOINTMENTS Appointments AGAS appoints chief executive
After an extensive global search, Jack Govers has been appointed as the new chief executive of A-Gas to lead and deliver the company’s plans for further growth, sustainability and operational business excellence.
Futureproofing industry qualifications launched
CROSS-INDUSTRY initiative has developed a brand-new set of qualifications for the construction industry, focussed on futureproofing and prepping for the changes that digital transformation will bring to the sector. The Future of Construction initiative is led by national framework provider Pagabo and made up of representatives from across the wider construction industry, who collaborate to create the future workplace. The group has five key themes and has been working closely to identify what can be done around training in the industry to tackle the current skills gap, and to futureproof the sector and its people. A five-level qualification on The Future of Construction has been developed, which allows an individual to ‘futureproof’ themselves and to help the industry provide an individual with a life of careers within the industry.
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The new qualifications are announced as latest data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that vacancies in the construction sector have hit their highest figure for at least 20 years. Around 43,000 construction roles were unfilled between July and the end of September, which
is an increase of 7,000 on the figures between June and the end of August. Charley Wainwright (pictured) who was hired in 2020 to lead on The Future of Construction initiative, has been driving this area of work for Pagabo. He said: “We have to make sure that the skills gap we are facing doesn’t get any bigger, and that training is fit for the new practices that digital transformation will bring. This latest data demonstrates that squeeze on skills in the sector further, so it’s more important than ever that we are getting the best talent into the industry – but most crucially that they are trained with the skills the future will need. “We have been working with our collaborators across the industry to identify not just what that may look like, but to create brand-new qualifications and training programmes that will support new workers and ensure that the existing workforce is able to upskill and reskill where appropriate too.
“Through collaboration with our working groups, made up of representatives from across the whole industry, we have collectively identified a number of key issues when it comes to construction skills. This includes the lack of soft skills training within the industry, a lack of preparation of future skills, a lack of qualifications that are suitable for all levels, and a lack of training that can be delivered digitally. “We’ve taken this information forward to work with national awarding body ProQual to develop a set of qualifications that are fit-for- purpose, fit for the future and will help people promote themselves and their career within construction.”
“But the workforce of tomorrow wants and expects more than what the industry currently offers, especially post-pandemic when it comes to things like work-life balance and technology- driven practices. This means it has never been more crucial to ensure that construction is seen not just as a job, but an enticing career option.
Mr Govers said: “I am joining A-Gas at an exciting time for the business as it continues on its environmental journey and plans for growth into new markets and regions. The company has built an outstanding reputation for almost 30 years and I look forward to being a part of what is to come.” He brings a wealth of leadership experience and accomplishments from previous assignments at GE, SABIC, Aleris and
Novelis where he oversaw growth, introduced circular economy initiatives and worked closely with private equity investors.
Andrew Ambrose, the outgoing chief executive will be moving into the role of executive chairman, continuing to work on the global leadership team on a full-time basis. Mr Ambrose said: “I am very excited to welcome Jack into the A-Gas family. He joins us at an exciting time as we gear up for further growth, underpinned by our environmental agenda. His expertise in transformation, leadership and customer relationships will be a perfect fit for the A-Gas values and vision for the future.”
New head of BAXI residential specification
As part of a strategic Baxi specification team restructure, Anthony Watton has been promoted to head of residential specification. This new role will oversee the Baxi Assure product and service portfolio, offered to social housing, new build developer and contractor customers. Mr Watton said: “It is my goal to help further cement Baxi’s added-value product and service solution offering in the residential specification sector. I am particularly focused on the low-carbon energy transition and in driving forward the ways our teams can offer help to meet sustainability targets through low-carbon technologies. A key part
of this is continuing to work with our clients to provide the support they need to make strategic decisions as the industry transitions to decarbonisation. This is an exciting and important time for the sector and the future of heat is a challenge that our team are ready and able to meet head on.” Commenting on the appointment, Nick Wilson, commercial and marketing director at Baxi, said: “Through this strategic appointment, our ability to meet customer demand has been strengthened, and as a business we look forward to Anthony continuing his career with Baxi in this important role.”
DHF announces new board member
Electrical manufacturers commit to industrial decarbonisation
EAMA, the trade association for manufacturers and providers of energy infrastructure technologies and systems, has published its industry climate commitment signed by 37 leading UK manufacturers.
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This is a commitment for the delivery of sustainable products and operations for the long-term, aiming to mobilise action across the supply chain. BEAMA believes this represents a major step in progressing industrial decarbonisation in the UK.
There are three key parts to this commitment: ‘As domestic and international businesses we commit to reducing our emissions, as well as meeting the needs of the supply chain for the transition to Net Zero by 2050’. ‘We support the application of the most
rigorous science-based approach to setting targets in line with a 1.5C future’ ‘We commit to the delivery of sustainable ‘cradle-to-cradle’ products in our marketplace by 2050’
BEAMA chief executive, Dr Howard Porter, said: “This is an important moment for our industry and I am proud to see so many of our members supporting this target and leading this work to develop collaboration across industry and ensure industrial decarbonisation can be achieved in the UK and globally. Our members are part of complex global supply chains, and this commitment represents the actions that will be taken to deliver progress on the international stage. Never has this work been more vital, and now is the time for action and delivery.’
Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced that its newest Board member is director of Security Access Systems, and chairman of DHF’s Automated Gate Group, Martin Keelagher.
Working in the industry since 1997, Mr Keelagher is a fierce advocate for safety across the profession. This passion, and his support for DHF’s clarion call that ‘safe gates save lives’, has enabled him to make a success of his position as chairman of the Automated Gate Group, a role he has held since 2019. His mission remains that of spreading the message that those with responsibility must be legally compliant, and of the importance of education through training.
“Martin is a highly skilled and seasoned professional whose objectives are perfectly aligned with our own,” says DHF’s head of commercial operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “He possesses a raft of strengths, knowledge and experience that he brings to the Board and we are delighted that he has made this commitment.”
Mr Keelagher said: “I am very honoured to have been voted to join the DHF Board and look forward to working with them to ensure that progress in achieving greater standards of safety, continues to be made. It is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected trade associations and its tireless efforts in promoting industry standards are renowned.”
6 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2021
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