Bridging the Skills Gap: KOREC connects education and industry to foster surveying talent

The primary goal was to address the pressing skills shortage within the surveying sector and highlight some of the challenges that BACH and BACH members are facing including high dropout rates.

The first event in the series was held on the 10th October in Durham and brought together representatives from further education, local survey companies and industry associations with a common aim - to explore proactive solutions for bridging the skills gap.

The event included a series of informative presentations from Jason Howe (BACH Regional Chair), Katie Holt (CICES) and representatives from KOREC and BuildingPoint UK and Ireland, outlining the latest advancements in cutting-edge digital technologies, which are set to captivate the next generation of tech-savvy, enthusiastic engineers and surveyors sought after by the industry.

The event was exceptionally well attended with strong participation from both industry professionals and colleges. The afternoon panel discussion, in particular, provided valuable insights and revelations on critical issues:

Colleges and industry found common ground with colleges struggling to find placements for students whilst survey companies actively sought able students for hands-on experience. Colleges urged survey companies to contact them with their requirements which they would seek to fulfil.

Colleges faced a dual problem in both attracting students to courses and retaining them with red tape restricting their visits to schools with a sixth form. Suggestions were made on course content.

Both industry, associations and colleges were unsure who should be responsible for raising awareness of the opportunities within the survey industry. However, it was agreed that a more holistic view to joining up career paths and education would be an excellent starting point with the focus on students of GCSE age and upwards.

Amanda Bradshaw – KOREC Regional Sales Director played a significant role in establishing the new event. She said: “It was wonderful to hear the passion from industry and the dedication to support the promotion of our sector. It was also magnificent to hear how the Colleges are in a prime position to work with employers and develop students to assist their business whether that be with graduate or full-time positions.”

Daniel Rogers – Associate at Ridge and Partners LLP property and construction consultants said: “Ridge were pleased to support KOREC’s first ‘Connect’ initiative in the UK. Bringing together representatives from further education, employers and industry bodies, the key aim of this Northeast event was to look at how we can improve the connection from education to industry. As UK wide multi-disciplinary business, we look forward to working with the industry bodies to build relationships with the colleges and help create an improved pathway to industry for the students. Ridge is passionate about working with individuals developing and supporting them to reach their full potential therefore we look forward to supporting future events.”

KOREC would like to thank BACH, CICES, Costain, Tri-Tech, Academy Geomatics, Gridmark Surveys, Ridge & Partners, Balfour Beatty, 360 Group, Esh Group and all the FE Colleges that joined us on the day.

www.korecgroup.com