A Question of Risk: Episode 3

15th September 2023

A Question Of Risk

a CHAS Podcast

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Episode Three: How do you find labour during a skills shortage?

In the third episode of the ‘A Question of Risk’ podcast we discuss the construction skills crisis and look at some of the measures businesses can take to counter the current skills squeeze.

Podcast host Alex Minett, Head of Global New Markets at CHAS, is joined by special guest Natalie King, Operations Director and Vice Principal of AccXel, the UK’s first industry-led construction school. Natalie talks through what AccXel are doing to tackle the skills crisis and explains how businesses can get involved by becoming employer partners.

Natalie also talks about AccXel’s special whole person approach which has been key to the scheme’s success.

Your Host

Alex Minett
Head of Global New Markets At CHAS

Alex has managed safety on iconic projects such as the London 2012 Olympic games, supported Facebook on their innovative data centres established on the artic circle, overseen the dismantling and re-erection of the historic chimneys of Battersea power station, and collaborated with the main investors, the IFC World Bank on the world’s largest solar project in Benban Egypt. He’s also embedded safe working practices for the construction and delivery of the Saudi Aramco Petroleum Polytechnic in Saudi Arabia.

When Alex isn’t immersed in the world of risk management, you can find him juggling the roles of a husband and father of three and enjoying the simple pleasures of socialising, taking leisurely walks, and engaging in epic battles of wits during family board game nights.

Episode Guest

Natalie King
Operations Director and Vice Principal of AccXel

Natalie King is the Operations Director and Vice Principal of AccXel, the UK’s first industry-led construction school.

In October 2020, Nicola & K W Bell Group were awarded £1.96m by HM Government and GFirst LEP via the ‘Getting Building Fund’ to build and create AccXel, the UK’s first co-funded Construction Skills Accelerator Centre.

AccXel is not just a training school, it is an ideology based upon experience, data, strong values and the aspiration of future proofing the industry.