Judged by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the theme for this year’s conference was Recruitment, Retention, Training and Skills – subjects that UltraCrete are particularly passionate about.

It is well documented that there is a skills shortage within the highway sector, and it remains a huge challenge for employers to attract, train and retain employees. UltraCrete are passionate about training and have been advocates and supporters of providing opportunities for enhanced learning and education for many years.

With that in mind, in 2022, they launched their industry-leading accreditation scheme UCARS – a systematic training guide to installing high specification ironwork reinstatement materials.

Consisting of both classroom-based theory and practical experience, the career progression and benefits are clear to see. Since its launch two years ago, 161 Managers, Supervisors, Operatives and Apprentices from 27 contracting firms, councils and leading UK infrastructure companies are now UCARS Accredited.

On completing the course, John Hastilow, Drainage Area Manager at Kier was asked if he would recommend UCARS, he responded: “Yes, this method should be made an industry standard.”

John continued: “We have not had a failure of ironwork since carrying out this course. It really benefited the apprentices and new starters and put them on the right track.”

On winning the Employment and Skills Award, Richard Moss, Head of Civils at Instarmac, commented: “We are really proud of our UCARS course and to see its value recognised by the RSTA and CITB really means the world to us.”

This award comes just weeks after UltraCrete announced their partnership with Salford City College Group. This union will see all students working towards their Highways Maintenance Skilled Operative Apprenticeship become UCARS Accredited.

UCARS is held regularly throughout the year at UltraCrete’s training facilities in Tamworth or at Salford City College’s bespoke Highway Maintenance Academy. To find out more about UCARS and to register for an upcoming UCARS event, please visit instarmactrainingacademy.co.uk.

Can’t find a date to suit you and your business needs? Email [email protected] to arrange a training date that works for you.