CPA Bulletin

FROM THE CEO FROM THE CEO www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > August 2018 7 Stars of theFuture CPA’s annual Stars of the Future awards event for plant mechanic apprentices took place in June. For the first time, this was a stand-alone event, and not organised as part of a trade show. The fact that over 300 apprentices, familymembers, college tutors and employers attended the event shows howhighly regarded it is in the industry. Our congratulations go to the 19 regional winners and the two national winners, both of whom work for CPAMembers: Dan Pickles, employed by CharlesWilson Engineers Ltd, studying at AskhamBryan College (L2), and CiaranWarnes of TXMPlant andNational Construction College (L3). You can read about support fromCPAMembers in the full story on page 12. Taking a lead CPA has to take a lead in an increasing number of areas that affect our Members, especially in the area of skills andworkforce development. CITB’s role is changing froma provider to a facilitating organisation, and the extent to which industry can look to them for leadership is reducing rapidly. One well-established event and one new initiative both took place this summer, andwere organised as industry events: without CITB involvement, but with lots of support fromCPAMembers and others who share our interests. They are a good example of the changing landscape and your Association’s role in leading change to the benefit of Members. CanUDig It? YesUCan We’ve known for some time that more needs to be done to make our industry attractive to school-leavers. With this in mind, the first CPA schools experience day - called “Can U Dig It? Yes UCan” was organised to run alongside Stars of the Future. Thanks to support fromCPAMembers A-Plant, Berry Cranes, Clee Hill, Falcon Cranes and Liebherr GB, together with othermanufacturers, service providers and trade bodies, over 100 students, teachers and careers advisors had the chance to sit in the cabs of construction plant, try out VR simulators and talk to employers about jobs. The overall aimof the day was to give secondary school pupils an insight into the construction plant sector, and it concludedwith a ‘Meet the Professional’ Q&A session where students and teachers had the opportunity to question those working in the industry. CPA’s training steering group TOPICwill be looking at the value of the event at their next meeting in September, and seeingwhat part events like this can play in a strategic approach to developing a skilledworkforce for the future.