New careers advice service for the construction sector

From April 1, a new careers advice and guidance service spanning the entire building services engineering sector will be in place.

The SummitSkills Careers Advice Line, 08000 688 336, heralds the first ever single source for guidance on training and careers across all the industries within the building services engineering sector.

This joint initiative between SummitSkills and University for Industry Learndirect is available throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, and will focus on providing comprehensive guidance to all callers aged 16 and over regarding training, education and career progression. Persons aged under 16 will be directed to their careers or Connexions office, while enquiries from employers will be directed to the relevant training provider.

Open seven days a week from 8am until 10pm, the SummitSkills Careers Advice Line is supported by over 20 dedicated Learndirect staff. All staff are professional career guidance personnel who have received specialised training in the specifics of the sector.

The service will also facilitate the collection of industry wide data. This information will be analysed in an aggregate form on a monthly basis and allow for the identification of the needs, wants and aspirations of those seeking to pursue a career in the sector.

Keith Marshall, Chief Executive of SummitSkills, said: “We are delighted to launch this service. Undoubtedly it will prove a very useful resource to all those looking to join or progress within our sector, while also generating statistics which will help plan the direction for future training and resources.“

SummitSkills was awarded its five-year licence to operate as the sector skills council for the building services engineering sector on December 1 2003, responsible for the electrotechnical, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, refrigeration and plumbing industries.