Bouncing back by building on strengths
Aug 7 2009 Constructing Excellence with Bob Kerslake, The Journal
THE impact of the recession is testing every aspect of our sector. Nobody underestimates the effects of the economic downturn on house building and regeneration, but I detect a resilience that suggests it will not be forced on to the back foot for too long.
Not only do I witness a steely determination to kickstart stalled projects and see them through, but practitioners recognise that issues such as the chronic shortage of affordable housing cannot be brushed aside because of the problems facing the financial market.
However, determination alone probably won't see us through. Success will come from a package of measures, not least a willingness in the sector to develop our skills to deal with emerging issues like the recession, climate change and cohesion.
That's why the connection between practitioners and the wider higher education sector is crucial. We need more practical courses with 'on-the-job training' to equip housing and regeneration professionals with a broader range of skills.
Earlier this month, I attended an event at Sheffield Hallam University hosted by the HCA Academy – the external skills arm of the HCA.
It successfully brought together employers, higher education institutions, regeneration professionals and students to explore employers' skills needs and assess how higher education institutions can contribute to the skills agenda.
It was interesting to see a clear consensus about what the sector needs.
And it came as little surprise that this was practitioners with a greater mix of flexible skills, more multi-disciplinary courses, broader continuing professional development programmes, accredited bite-sized training, work-related learning and improved knowledge exchange.
This is where the academy comes into its own by providing access to practical training and resources that encourage new ideas and new approaches.
The academy's foundation degree in sustainable communities is a shining example, offering a way of connecting what higher education can bring with what employers need.
Northumbria University was one of the first places in the county to offer this programme.
The part-time degree course uses block release, e-learning and work-based projects.
Working together to nurture and develop a workforce that is fit for purpose is crucial if we are to maintain momentum in the current climate and beyond.
Find out more by logging on to http://ascskills.wordpress.com/
:: For more information on Constructing Excellence in the North East, contact chief executive Catriona Lingwood on 0191-3837435 or catriona@cene.org.uk.
Sir Bob Kerslake, chief executive, The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA)
