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Earn while you learn: become a building control apprentice

20 Jun, 2025

With a growing shortage of experienced building control professionals, UCEM’s Building Control Surveyor Apprenticeship is helping to build a stronger future for the industry. The shortage of qualified building control surveyors has become an increasingly urgent issue, exacerbated by early retirements and career changes across the sector. In response, academic institutions like the University College of Estate Management (UCEM) are playing a...

BCIA calls for industry experts to support apprentice assessment

05 Jun, 2025

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is seeking experienced professionals to join its team of End Point Assessors for the BEMS (Building Energy Management Systems) Controls Engineer apprenticeship programme. With more than 245 apprentices currently enrolled, demand for assessors is growing. The BCIA is appealing to its members to share their industry expertise and play a key role in shaping the future workforce by ensuring a...

Training the next generation: UCEM’s Building Control Surveyor Apprenticeship

07 May, 2025

The Building Control Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship offered by the University College of Estate Management (UCEM) is one of only two programmes of its kind in the UK. Amid growing concerns over the shortage of experienced building control inspectors, this apprenticeship provides a vital route to developing new talent. In recent years, the profession has seen a decline in experienced professionals, many of whom have either retired early or...

Industry Focus – with Veronica Fiore

28 Apr, 2025

Career steps and guidance with Associate Director, Registered Building Inspector and Building Surveyor Veronica Fiore FCABE C.Build E IEng Q. What is your current role and how long have you been in the position? A. I’m an Associate Director at Hunters, having joined in May 2024 from NHBC where my role focused on compliance with Building Regulations and British standards from the design inception throughout the construction...

CABE 2024 Employment Survey – Key Insights

17 Apr, 2025

Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from CABE’s 2024 employment survey. Respondent demographics Chartered Members Dominate: 64% are at MCABE or MCABE C.Build E grade, a fifth are Fellows. Long-standing Membership: 42% have been members for more than 15 years. Geographic spread Southern region: 26.5% of respondents Southwest: 15% East Midlands and Northwest: 10% each...

Industry Focus – with Christine Leigh

02 Apr, 2025

Career steps and guidance with Fire Engineering Expert Witness Christine Leigh FCABE C.Builde E Q. What is your current role and how long have you been in the position? A. I am currently employed by Ridge and Partners LLP as an Expert Witness in Fire Safety Engineering. My specialisms lie in fire safety and fire safety construction defects; I have extensive experience in building regulations, building...

3 employment rights changes engineers need to know about

21 Mar, 2025

The upcoming Employment Rights Bill promises significant shifts in UK employment law. Gill McAteer from Citation breaks down the top three changes you need to understand and prepare for to ensure smooth operations. The highly anticipated Employment Rights Bill is slated to become law next year, with specific implementation dates to be announced later. Engineering companies should proactively prepare for these shifts. Unfair dismissal...

Industry Focus – with Emma Sykes

03 Mar, 2025

Career steps and guidance with Architectural Technologist and CABE Best Final Year Student 2024 Emma Sykes Q. What is your current role and how long have you been in the position? A. “Hi! I’m Emma, an Architectural Technologist at DLA Architecture, based in the vibrant city of Leeds. I’ve been with the Leeds office team for six months now, diving into everything from crafting precise technical detailing drawings to...

“To whom it may concern” and other cover letter mistakes

21 Feb, 2025

We all know that we should tailor our applications to the individual jobs we apply for. This means not sending the same blanket CV and cover letter to every job posting. As the cover letter is the first piece of information about you the recruiter will see, you need to give the right impression. With many applications to sift through, it ’ s critical that yours stands out. A well written cover letter shows potential employers that you’ve...

Rescheduling a job interview

05 Feb, 2025

While receiving an interview offer can be exciting, being forced to reschedule can be daunting for many job-seekers. While some view it as a misstep, if handled professionally with a clear explanation, it’s often understood by employers. Preparation and good communication are key. Here’s how to reschedule your interview effectively. Contact the interviewer/employer ASAP As soon as you know you need to reschedule, contact the employer...

How to explain your CV career gap to a potential employer

30 Jan, 2025

There’s nothing wrong with taking take a career break for various reasons, but it’s important to know how to discuss these issues when dealing with potential employers in job interviews. Depending on the length of your break, the interviewer may inquire about the reasons behind it. Career gaps can occur for various reasons, such as illness, redundancy, parenthood, or caregiving, but whatever your reason, it’s wise to prepare your...

Industry Focus – with Avril Walsh

06 Jan, 2025

Career steps and guidance with Graduate Construction Manager Avril Walsh ACABE Q. What is your current role and how long have you been in the position? A. I’m currently a Graduate Construction Manager with Lidl Ireland - I started in September 2024 at their head office in Dublin. The role essentially involves setting out how the stores and warehouses in IE and NI will look and feel. We also work on how they will be...

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