The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) has given its support to a bid to establish a University Technical College in Harlow specialising in environmental engineering. JCT is the UKs leading contract drafting body, with membership which spans both sides of the construction industry.
Four out of every five building projects in the UK use a JCT form of contract. Members include the British Property Federation, Contractors Legal Group (made up of National Federation of Builders (NFB), Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) and the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), Local Government Association, National Specialist Contractors Council, Royal Institute of British Architects, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Scottish Building Contracts Committee.
Peter Hibberd, JCT Chairman, said: One of Harlow UTCs key areas of specialisation will be environmental engineering as this is an area of increasing importance for property and construction, and one that JCT has been addressing, having been the first to introduce sustainability provisions and guidance within its contracts.
“With the upcoming Green Deal implementation next year, the industry’s focus will increasingly shift to retrofitting the existing housing and commercial property stock in order to meet the Governments carbon reduction obligations. Harlow UTC will help enable the industry to meet those obligations by providing students that fulfil the needs of the work place.”
Education and training
Earlier this year JCT launched an education and training initiative as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations. The aim is to ensure that everyone entering the industry, especially at trade level, has an understanding of contracts, procurement and the supply chain.
Peter Hibberd continued: JCT continues to recognise the importance of education in construction. Better understanding of contracts and the implications actions have along the supply chain will help the industry operate more efficiently.
JCT will provide that important link between the UTC and the construction industry, helping to bridge the gap between education and training. It will also facilitate additional help and support, and provide guidance to assist the UTC in providing what the industry needs.
Harlow MP, Robert Halfon, said: “I am very pleased that JCT has decided to support our bid. As one of the construction industry’s leading organisations, it is well placed to provide the guidance and support needed by this new college.