Union Chapel launches free heritage workshops
Union Chapel, one of Islington’s most cherished historic venues, is excited to announce the launch of monthly Heritage Building Workshops as part of its Sunday School Stories Project. This new initiative invites 18-year-old plus participants to learn practical conservation skills while celebrating the unique heritage of the Chapel's Grade I and II* listed architecture.
Starting this November, these free taster workshops will provide hands-on training in carpentry, roofing, brickwork, and plastering to understand the craft of restoration and renovation. Delivered in collaboration with Fullers Builders, who are currently working on the conservation and retrofit of the Chapel’s Sunday School Hall, the sessions aim to inspire and upskill DIY fans as well as beginners or those who may not have previously considered heritage or building industries, as well as underrepresented communities with limited access to the heritage and the arts scenes in Islington.
Follow safety advice when using ladders – or you could descend into chaos
When working with ladders in churches or old buildings – which often have high ceilings and hard-to-reach places – it’s essential to follow safety guidelines, to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of those involved. There are some key points to consider.
Choose a ladder that is the appropriate height for the task: ensure it can safely reach the desired surface. Inspect the ladder before each use, checking for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and replace any damaged components.
Read more: Follow safety advice when using ladders – or you could descend into chaos
Important CSCS Card update from NCTS
Part of the Construction Leadership Council’s drive for a fully trained and competent workforce, the Industry Accreditation CSCS cards, which were issued through the Grandfather Rights period from 1st Jan 2020 will expire on 31st December 2024. Please note the current CSCS cards cannot be renewed.
Anyone who was issued with a CSCS card during that process, will have to consider renewing now to allow enough time to complete a formal assessment.
Lime training day with Cliveden Conservation
Cliveden Conservation is partnering with the Stone Federation to deliver a Lime Training Day on 14 May 2024 at Reading Abbey Ruins, Reading RG1 3BA. It offers a unique opportunity to learn more about using lime mortar and to practice your skills.
Cost is £200 + VAT (pre-booking required)
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your place.
Creative Audio-Visual Solutions Vacancy – Installation Engineer
The demand for more relevant technology in the houses of worship market is high, and Creative AV Solutions is a UK-leading design and installation company specialising in permanent AV installations in the niche ‘houses of worship’ market. We also work with clients such as schools, public buildings, commercial premises and sports clubs.
Our work allows us to work with people with a broad range of technical understanding. So, we listen first, then advise, discuss, recommend and specify a system that fits the current and future needs of the organisation whilst remaining simple to operate for non-technical users.
Read more: Creative Audio-Visual Solutions Vacancy – Installation Engineer
Creative Audio-Visual Solutions Vacancy - Office Manager
Creative Audio-Visual Solutions Ltd (CAVS) is a specialist AV design and installation company in the houses of worship sector. Our core work is with churches in helping them create or improve spaces that can be used for their core times of worship and other events using relevant and up to date audio and visual technology. This extends to also offering solutions with enterprise Wi-Fi, digital signage, Live Streaming, stage lighting and CCTV. We also work in sports clubs, schools and corporate venues and this accounts for approximately 10-15% of our overall business.
Due to expansion, we are looking to recruit an Office Manager to help run the operational aspects of the business, and to lead on customer service, including managing the growing area of service contracts. Depending on your skills, you would also have the opportunity to get on site and do some installing.
Read more: Creative Audio-Visual Solutions Vacancy - Office Manager
Important CSCS Card update from NCTS
Part of the Construction Leadership Council’s drive for a fully trained and competent workforce, the Industry Accreditation CSCS cards, which were issued through the Grandfather Rights period from 1st Jan 2020 will expire on 31st December 2024. Please note the current CSCS cards cannot be renewed.
Anyone who was issued with a CSCS card during that process, will have to consider renewing now to allow enough time to complete a formal assessment.
The National Construction Training Services (NCTS) can help you gain the necessary qualification in order to obtain the recognised and relevant CSCS card.
Training provider looks forward to another year of SAP delivery
Since June of last year, specialist lead and hard metals training provider National Construction Training Services (NCTS) has been delivering the Specialist Applied Programmes (SAP) for three disciplines within the sector: Lead and Hard Metals Level 2, Heritage Lead and Hard Metals Level 3 and Heritage Roof Slating & Tiling Level 3.
Training is delivered from one of the firm’s two training centres: in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, for the lead and hard metals programmes and in Salford, Manchester, for the lead, hard metals and roof slating & tiling programmes.
Read more: Training provider looks forward to another year of SAP delivery
Ecclesiastical Insurance and University College London extend partnership to support next generation of heritage leaders
Specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical Insurance has pledged a further £72,500 to University College London (UCL) to support the development of heritage leaders.
Since 2004 Ecclesiastical Insurance has donated over £350,000 to UCL to offer scholarships that support students studying the Sustainable Heritage MSc.
The Sustainable Heritage MSc teaches heritage management and conservation best practice. The course introduces students to conservation policies, projects, methodologies and practices in the context of historic buildings, sites, landscapes and collections.
SPV Training Academy
As roofing contractors, SPV are well aware of the current skills shortage in the difficulties in attracting new entrants to our industry. SPV have recently created a new Training Hub to look to assist with this and encourage more young people to consider a career in construction
Everyone in the industry knows that roofing offers a fantastic long-term career. It’s well paid, it offers excellent career progression opportunities for those who are keen and competent, allows for the ability to move between other trades, it offers an opportunity to travel the country as well as many other perks.
The CIOB has quoted that the construction Industry needs 157,000 new recruits by 2021 to keep up with demand but currently the rate of recruitment into the sector is far lower than the retirement rate within the sector. With the industry now experiencing rates of growth, particularly in house-building, this is putting further strain on an industry which has already been facing skills shortages.
New Mastic Asphalt RIBA CPD Presentation
The Mastic Asphalt Council (MAC) has launched its first ever RIBA-approved CPD presentation entitled ‘Black to the Future’.
The presentation covers:
- What mastic asphalt is, its history and its relevance in today’s market
- Performance benefits such as durability, waterproofing and fire safety
- Specification of mastic asphalt to achieve sustainability targets
- Design considerations when specifying mastic asphalt versus alternative materials
- Diversity of mastic asphalt applications
The new RIBA-approved presentation lasts approximately one hour and counts towards CPD points. To arrange a CPD presentation, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 01273 242 778 or visit RIBA online here.
Training in lime by Cornish Lime Company
As experts in the field of lime-based and associated products Cornish Lime believes it is our responsibility to pass on that knowledge to both trade professionals wishing to know more about traditional building materials and members of the public wanting to have a wider knowledge of what is the best renovation solution for their historic or traditional property.
Courses in Stained Glass by Labrynth Stained Glass Studios
Come and learn the ancient craft of stained glass in my purpose built studio, set in the beautiful and quiet Sussex countryside.
There are courses to suit all abilities, come and have fun with a group of friends and make a stunning piece of stained glass.
Read more: Courses in Stained Glass by Labrynth Stained Glass Studios