Today saw the launch of a 10 point action plan for improving skills in the highways and transportation sector at the CIHT Skills Summit in London.

David Gibby, CIHT President launched the plan to an audience of over 100 invited industry representatives. The action plan outlined 10 ways in which CIHT would help to improve the skills capability and capacity within the sector.

David Gibby, CIHT President said:

“These actions provide a platform for CIHT to take the lead in helping to improve the skills base within the sector. We have looked at what skills are needed from both a client and supplier perspective and wish to highlight the real need for our sector to take action.”

“CIHT will be using this action plan to work collaboratively with industry partners and other key stakeholders to tackle the skills issues there are.”
The CIHT Skills Summit provided an opportunity for the highways and transportation sector to review and discuss what the major issues were and how they could be overcome. CIHT will be releasing more detail about the day in due course.”

The CIHT 10 Points for Action are:
RECRUIT, RETAIN & PROGRESS
1.    Continue to work with Engineering UK and others on raising awareness of engineering and related transportation professions as careers for young people
2.    Develop schools resources
3.    Contribute to the development of apprenticeship schemes and provide routes for progression for apprentices
4.    Introduce a CIHT mentoring programme for early career professionals
5.    Develop an HE and FE forum to strengthen links between CIHT and educational establishments
6.    Raise awareness of, and participation in, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities
7.    Encourage all CIHT Corporate Partners to sign up to the WISE Industry Ten Steps (to improve women’s retention and progression)
8.    Develop the diversity toolkit
9.    Share good practice and learning through profiling winners of CIHT Skills award
10.  Bench marking the sector every 3 years to track progress

ENDS
 
Notes for editors
 
Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation
 
CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 13,000 people who work in the highways and transportation sector.
 
CIHT members plan, design, build, operate and maintain best-in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.
 
CIHT supports its member's professional endeavours by:
• offering training, information, professional development and support
• promoting the value added to society by the profession
• being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.
 
For more information please contact:
 
Daniel Isichei, Director of Communications
e: daniel.isichei@ciht.org.uk  t: +44(0)20 7336 1567 m: 07912 122573 www.ciht.org.uk