Trade association, Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF), is to move forward with a wave of initiatives set to tackle the critical skills issues facing the construction sector.
The NCBF is dedicated to raising the profile of its members, supporting training and apprenticeships, and future-proofing the region's construction industry.
NCBF President, Angela Carney, said: “We have a packed agenda for the year ahead and we are in good shape to deliver against the targets we have set.
“At a time when the Government is putting so much emphasis on the construction sector, the NCBF is involved in a range of very focussed, high-profile campaigns, that demonstrate the ambition, determination and passion member companies have to ensure we meet the region’s growth targets.”
The NCBF is currently collaborating with colleges across the region to connect employers with final year trade students looking to take their first steps into the world of work, via its Building Your Future campaign, a key initiative to directly address the skills shortage in the sector.
Northumberland College is to host the next ‘Building Your Future’ event, on March 31, 2026.
The NCBF, alongside True North Construction and Hartlepool College, is putting the trades firmly in the spotlight with the Golden Hammer Awards which celebrate the skills and expertise of the region’s joiners.
Taking place on 30 May, the competition will comprise of a first and second fix joinery challenge. There will be one overall winner who will receive £5,000 with prizes presented to second and third place.
Other initiatives include collaborating with Constructing Excellence North East to launch its annual Built Environment Wonder Challenge, engaging Year 8 pupils to act as mini construction companies, designing sustainable, eco-friendly developments to solve real-world problems.
