New Construction Employability Award 2023/24 launched as previous winner prepares to use grant to give academics construction site experience

The B&CE Charitable Trust¹ has today launched a new grant award, which aims to encourage new talent into the construction industry.

The Construction Employability Award, which replaces the Mowlem Award, is given to a project or organisation that can demonstrate a commitment to accredited training that makes a significant difference to the construction industry, with a key focus on training leading to employment within the sector. Applications for the 2023/24 Award opened today (5 January 2024).

The launch aims to build upon the success of the award’s previous incarnation, whose last winner was Constructionarium Ltd, which impressed judges with plans to host a two-day event, specially designed for lecturers and specialist teachers.

The only site of its kind, Constructionarium’s Norfolk centre enables delegates to work on a scaled down replica of an iconic structure from around the world, such as The Gherkin and Millau Cable.

The event, known as the Constraint Inventory Challenge, will be fully funded by the £20,000 grant, and will take place in March 2024.

Nicola Sinclair, Head of B&CE Charitable Trust, said: “We are delighted to launch the Construction Employability Award, which we hope will encourage more people to start a career in construction as well as helping them to stay working in that field. This award aims to build on the huge success of the Mowlem Award, which has provided further opportunities to great organisations like Constructionarium. We hope their story inspires even more organisations to apply for the Construction Employability Award.”

Julia Stevens, Chief Executive at Constructionarium Ltd, said: “We are thrilled that our application impressed the judges as we really believe this project offers the construction industry something unique. We know that many who teach others about construction have never experienced working on a site. This event will help them understand the challenges workers face on a daily basis.”

To enter the awards, visit our Construction Employability Award web page.

Notes to editors

1. B&CE’s Charitable Trust was set up in 1991 to give back to the construction industry by providing help for people working in construction in times of need, including grants towards education, financial support and retraining. It has given out millions of pounds in charitable donations over the past 30 years.
2. Constructionarium Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation providing a unique, innovative and ‘hands-on’ residential construction experience for students and professionals in the built environment sector. Each project at the facility in Bircham Newton in Norfolk is a scaled down replica of well-known structures, including The Gherkin and Millau Cable Bridge.

For further information, please contact Blaise Tapp, media relations manager for B&CE Charitable Trust on 01293205336 or blaisetapp@peoplespartnership.co.uk.