Speakers

Apart from representing almost 1,400 Master Builders in London, Annie is Chair of the FMB Training Group and has a deep interest in inspiring young people into the construction industry.

Too often the construction industry is seen as a last-resort route if a young person cannot do anything else and Annie is keen that the construction industry changes that perception to meet the current and growing skills shortage.

Annie has been a member on the Steering Group for the Build Academy, which is a pilot project developing a new way of supporting young people into employment.  FMB London Members have been working in collaboration with Shooters Hill 6th Form College to develop the curriculum, offer work experience opportunities, and ultimately to offer a job.  With partial funding from CITB, the students learn construction skills, how to be a good employee, get sent to on-site work experiences, and build their confidence.

To meet the needs of SME construction companies, Annie also chairs the Trailblazer Group for a new General Builder Apprenticeship standard. Under this two-year programme, apprentices will learn four key skills: bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, and painting.