AUDIO NEWS: Government unveils £100m investment in building colleges and tradespeople forget suncream

Government announces plan for expanded construction colleges, 24% of tradespeople skip using sun protection and a plasterer has the front of his van nicked

The government unveiled plans this week to invest £100 million into 10 construction training hubs over the next four years. 

The newly designated Construction Technical Excellence Colleges are expected to train more than 40,000 builders, bricklayers, electricians, carpenters and plumbers by 2029.

The colleges will operate a “hub and spoke” educational model, partnering with local training providers and employers to expand courses and improve standards.

The latest commitment builds on the £625 million government investment made in March to expand apprenticeships, bootcamps and industry placements.

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Toolstation has partnered with cancer support charity Macmillan to raise awareness to the risks of skin cancer among tradespeople.

According to a poll by the builder’s merchant, nearly a quarter of trades skip using any form of sun protection.

Despite nearly 60% of tradies admitting they’d got burnt at work, less than half said they worried about it.

Of those tradespeople not using sun protection, half confessed they completely forgot about it.

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A self-employed plasterer was left confused after thieves stole the front half of his van.

Essex-based Kieran Alston woke to find the bonnet, headlights and bumper of his van had been removed. The thieves left his tools in the van.

The police said it was investigating similar incidents in the area.

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