Winter 2025/2026 Welcome to Our Winter 2025/2026 Newsletter! Explore how people, knowledge, and performance are shaping the future of construction in 2026 — from upskilling teams to boosting efficiency and driving industry growth. People Developing the next generation of site managers Knowledge What to Know About Upskilling for 2026 Performance UK Construction at a Crossroads - Recovery and Risk www.pragmatic-consulting.co.uk
Welcome to the Winter Pragmatic Newsletter! Making Training More Accessible We’re pleased to bring you the latest edition of our newsletter, highlighting key developments in construction and utilities training as we look ahead to 2026. In this issue, you’ll find insights into emerging workforce priorities, updates on flexible and affordable training courses, and practical guidance to help your teams stay skilled, compliant, and ready to perform on site. In addition to expanded scheduling, Pragmatic Consulting has lowered prices on selected courses. The move reflects the company’s commitment to removing barriers to professional development, helping more individuals and teams access essential skills at a sustainable cost. We’ve also included the latest open course dates, plus a closer look at trends in performance, knowledge, and people development that are shaping the industry for the year ahead. Thank you for reading. Responding to Industry Needs “The construction and utilities sectors are facing rapid changes, from updated safety standards to increased demand for skilled workers,” said a company spokesperson. “By expanding our course availability and making training more affordable, we can support our clients in meeting these challenges head-on.” Pragmatic Consulting’s training offerings are fully accredited, combining regulatory knowledge with practical skills that can be applied immediately on site. This approach ensures that participants not only achieve certification but also gain confidence and competence to perform safely and efficiently in their roles. The Pragmatic Consulting Team Pragmatic Consulting Expands Training Options for 2026 Pragmatic Consulting has announced significant updates to its training calendar in response to client feedback and evolving industry requirements. With more open-date courses, new offerings, and reduced prices, the company is aiming to make professional development more flexible and accessible for construction and utilities professionals heading into 2026. Looking Ahead to 2026 As the industry adapts to new regulations, technology, and workforce requirements, investing in training remains critical. Pragmatic Consulting’s expanded calendar, flexible scheduling, and competitive pricing position it as a key partner for organisations seeking to upskill their teams & maintain compliance in the year ahead. Flexibility to Fit Busy Schedules Understanding the challenges of managing training alongside day-to-day operations, Pragmatic Consulting has expanded its open-date courses. Key programmes now available across multiple dates include: • SHEA Conversion Courses – Helping supervisors and managers meet health and safety leadership requirements. • City & Guilds 18th Edition Full Course (3 Days) – Keeping electrical installation professionals up to date with the latest standards. • More SCO Renewal Courses – Ensuring site control operatives maintain compliance and safe working practices. By offering multiple dates, the courses allow clients to schedule training without disrupting ongoing operations, ensuring teams remain certified and competent throughout the year. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg2 Winter 2025/2026 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg3 Winter 2025/2026
Developing the Next Generation of Site Managers The construction industry continues to evolve, and with it, the expectations placed on site managers. Today’s leaders on site must balance safety, compliance, coordination, and communication; all while guiding teams through increasingly complex projects. As a result, formal training has become an essential step for anyone looking to move into site management or strengthen their existing capabilities. Why Structured Training Matters While many skills can be learned through experience, the modern construction environment demands a consistent understanding of legislation, best practice, and risk management. Structured courses provide individuals with the knowledge required to make informed decisions, lead teams responsibly, and ensure that work is carried out safely and efficiently. Current training standards emphasise: • • • • • Understanding of health and safety regulations Risk assessment and mitigation Effective communication with workers and stakeholders Environmental considerations on site Leadership approaches in high-risk environments These courses not only support personal career growth but also contribute to safer, bettermanaged construction sites across the industry. Who Benefits from Site Manager Training? Training in site management is relevant to a broad range of professionals, including: • Supervisors seeking promotion into management • Tradespeople aiming to expand their responsibilities • Site managers requiring formal certification • Project professionals wishing to strengthen their safety knowledge • Business owners managing small or growing teams For many, these qualifications provide a recognised benchmark of competence that supports career progression and demonstrates commitment to safe working practices. These areas form the foundation of good site management and help individuals transition confidently into leadership roles. Key Training Pathways for Site Managers A number of accredited routes are available to support people progressing into supervisory or management positions. Among the most widely recognised are: Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS): A comprehensive programme covering health and safety legislation, industry regulations, and safe site operation. It is commonly undertaken by site managers, project leads, and those preparing for senior responsibilities. Building a Confident, Capable Workforce With ongoing changes to industry standards and increased focus on safety and compliance, training remains one of the most effective ways to develop people within construction. Whether an individual is preparing for their first supervisory position or seeking to update their knowledge, accredited programmes offer clear, structured pathways to support longterm professional growth. Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS): A shorter course designed for those stepping into supervisory roles, focusing on safety responsibilities, communication, and practical oversight of on-site activities. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg4 Winter 2025/2026 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg5 Winter 2025/2026
What to Know About Upskilling for 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, upskilling in the construction and utilities sectors is becoming more than just a "nice to have", it’s a strategic imperative. Rapid technology adoption, tightening skills supply, and evolving energy infrastructure are reshaping the workforce requirements for the near future. 1. Growing Demand & Skills Gap • According to the latest UK Employer Skills Survey, 34% of vacancies in the utilities and primary sector are now classed as “skills shortage” roles, particularly within skilled trades. • Forecasts suggest over 300,000 new roles in the UK utilities sector may be needed by 2030, driven by decarbonisation, grid modernisation, and retirements. • The CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook (2025–29) underscores this urgency, highlighting that meeting future infrastructure demand will require sustained investment in training. • On-the-Job Learning: Employer-led training, apprenticeships, and dedicated upskilling programmes remain vital, especially with a large share of workers potentially needing retraining. • Partnerships & Collaboration: Close coordination between employers, training providers, and government bodies will be key to aligning training with future demand. 4. Why It Matters for 2026 • The aging workforce is a significant risk: many experienced professionals are likely to retire in the next few years, creating urgent replacement needs. • Failure to upskill now could threaten delivery of major infrastructure and net-zero projects, costing time, money, and progress. • Upskilling isn’t just capacity-building — it also boosts safety, efficiency, and innovation within companies, making teams more resilient and future-ready. 2. Priority Skills for 2026 • Digital & Technological Literacy: Proficiency in BIM (Building Information Modelling), automation tools, and data-driven project management is increasingly central. • Green & Sustainability Skills: As net-zero goals become non-negotiable, workforce capability in lowcarbon construction, retrofit, and energy-efficient methods is critical. • Vocational Skills: Skilled trades (e.g., welding, piping, excavation) continue to be in very high demand. • Soft Skills / Leadership: Project management, problem-solving, and effective communication remain essential, especially as roles become more technically complex. 3. Upskilling Strategies That Make Sense • Modular Qualifications: Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and HNCs (e.g., in construction, modern methods of construction) are proving valuable. • Digital Training & Bootcamps: Skills Bootcamps are being used to fast-track digital, green, and retrofit skills. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg6 Winter 2025/2026 Three Key Upskilling Priorities for 2026 1. Digital Skills for Everyday Work Digital tools are now standard across construction and utilities. In 2026, workers will increasingly need confidence with BIM platforms, mobile site-management apps, and digital reporting systems. Building basic digital capability across all roles will improve accuracy, communication, and project efficiency. 2. Green & Retrofit Competence Net-zero targets continue to drive demand for low-carbon and retrofit skills. Training in energy-efficient methods, sustainable materials, and retrofit processes will help organisations stay compliant and competitive as environmental requirements tighten. 3. Stronger People & Leadership Skills With multidisciplinary projects on the rise, effective communication, coordination, and safety leadership are essential. Strengthening these core people skills helps teams work more smoothly, reduces risk, and ensures technical plans are delivered safely and consistently. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg7 Winter 2025/2026
UK Construction at a Crossroads — Recovery and Risk The UK construction industry is navigating a complex performance landscape in 2025 and heading into 2026. While signs of recovery are emerging, structural constraints and headwinds continue to cast a shadow over sustained growth. Mixed Output Signals According to the ONS, total construction output in Q1 2025 showed zero growth versus the previous quarter. • In March 2025, output grew by 0.5% month-on-month, driven by private housing and infrastructure. • Growth continued in April, with a further 0.9% monthly increase; again, infrastructure and housing maintenance were key contributors. • By the three months to July 2025, construction output had risen 0.6%, notably underpinned by a 1.0% rise in new work. • However, for the three months to August, output growth slowed to 0.3%, with declines in new work offset somewhat by stronger repair and maintenance activity. Despite healthy-to-improving demand, growth may be held back by a profound labour shortage: • A recent industry analysis estimates the UK will need over 250,000 additional construction workers by 2028 to deliver on major infrastructure and housing commitments. • This gap is made worse by ongoing hiring challenges, particularly for skilled trades and specialised labour — a long-standing issue as older workers retire and recruitment remains difficult. This mismatch between demand and workforce capacity could limit productivity gains and delay project delivery, even as investment ramps up. Strategic Implications & Performance Levers With performance oscillating and labour supply a major constraint, companies and stakeholders should consider: These patterns suggest recovery, but with fluctuations, a cautious rebound rather than a full-blown surge. Forecasts Point to Moderate Growth… With Risks Economic analysts are cautiously optimistic about what's ahead: • PwC projects construction real output to grow by around 1% in 2025, accelerating through 2026–27, driven by public investment in infrastructure like water and power • According to government commentary, the Construction Products Association (CPA) expects industry output to increase by 3.7% in 2026. • The Experian forecast also supports growth: they estimate 3.4% in 2026, particularly in infrastructure and repair/maintenance sectors. So while the short-term recovery is fragile, the medium-term outlook remains relatively positive, assuming investment continues and market sentiment holds. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg8 Persistent Labour Constraints Winter 2025/2026 • Focusing on productivity: Adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC), digital tools, and more efficient project delivery could help unlock performance gains even with labour constraints. • Targeting repair & maintenance: As this part of the sector shows resilience and steady growth, it may offer a more reliable short-term pipeline for work. • Building workforce capacity: Investing in training, retention, and recruitment is essential to avoid bottlenecks and ensure the pipeline of major projects can be delivered. • Leveraging infrastructure investment: With public spending still a primary driver, firms should align capabilities to capitalise on government-backed infrastructure projects. Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg9 Winter 2025/2026
City & Guilds Confined Space Training Courses Our courses are designed to support skill development, ensure compliance with industry standards, and provide practical knowledge that can be applied on the job. Below are details of some of our most popular open courses available in the coming months. These courses can be booked online and are open to individuals and teams. Courses are available at a variety of locations, depending on course requirements: Stoneleigh Park (SP), Trafford Park (TP), or Online (O) CITB Accredited Training Courses Course Location City & Guilds 6160-09 - Working in Medium Risk, Entrant & Entry Controller Confined Spaces Stoneleigh Park 2 Days Course Location CITB SMSTS - Site Management Safety Training Scheme Online 5 Days December 8th - 12th January 12th - 16th £427 CITB SMSTS-R - Site Management Safety Training Scheme Refresher Online 2 Days December 10th - 11th February 4th - 5th £325 CITB TWCTC - Temporary Works Co-Ordinator Training Course Online 2 Days December 16th - 17th January 15th - 16th February 12th - 13th £410 £385 CITB TWSTC - Temporary Works Supervisor Training Course Online 1 Day February April CITB SSSTS - Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme Online 2 Days December 17th - 18th January 21st - 22nd £267 CITB HSA - Health & Safety Awareness Course Online 1 Day February April £117 3rd 21st December January February 10th - 11th 26th - 27th 24th - 25th Cost £435 Cost Our Utility Construction training courses cover essential areas such as excavation, installation, and reinstatement, offering practical and theoretical instruction to enhance workplace competence. £265 6th 9th Next available dates Utility & Construction Training Courses Below are details of some of our CITB-accredited courses, designed to support professionals in the construction industry. Next available dates Confined space training courses tailored to meet the needs of professionals across various industries. Course Location BESC AME Overhead Lines Stoneleigh Park 1 Day December 5th £355 Stoneleigh Park 1 Day December December January January February 8th 12th 9th 15th 12th £355 EUSR Category 1 - Locate Utility Stoneleigh Park Services & HSG47 Radio Detection 1 Day (CAT & Genny) December December January 2nd 15th 18th £200 £170 December January 3rd 9th £285 BESC AME Substation Next available dates Cost Stoneleigh Park 1 Day EUSR HSG47 - Avoiding Dangers Underground Services - HV Substations This is not an exhaustive list of dates, you will find more dates available to book on our website. EUSR Category 2 - Implement Safe (Digging) Excavating Practices Trafford Park 2 Days January February February 15th - 16th 5th - 6th 26th - 27th £345 EUSR Endorsed Butt Fusion Welding Stonleigh 2 Days February 10th - 11th £695 EUSR Endorsed Electrofusion Welding Stoneleigh 2 Days EUSR Endorsed Gas Detection Stoneleigh Park and Personal Gas Monitor Training Half Day Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg10 Winter 2025/2026 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg11 December 9th - 10th January 26th - 27th February 25th - 26th £445 January £136 7th Winter 2025/2026
EUSR SHEA Passport SHEA Conversion Courses The EUSR SHEA training courses focus on raising awareness of key health, safety, and environmental issues, helping delegates understand their responsibilities while working on-site or in operational environments. The SHEA Conversion courses are designed for delegates who already hold a valid SHEA card and now require registration for another utility sector, shorter courses removing the requirement to repeat core units and focussed on industry specific units only. Course Location Next available dates EUSR SHEA Water Online 1 Day December January January February 16th 8th 20th 5th EUSR SHEA Water Renewal Online Half Day December January February 5th 12th 12th EUSR SHEA Gas Online 1 Day December December December December 8th 12th 15th 23rd Cost Course Location £195 £150 EUSR SHEA Water Conversion Online Half Day January February 7th 4th £135.50 £155 EUSR SHEA Gas Conversion Online Half Day January February 7th 4th £135.50 EUSR SHEA Power Conversion Online Half Day January February 7th 4th £135.50 EUSR SHEA Telecoms Conversion Online Half Day January February 7th 4th £135.50 £195 Online Half Day December 5th December 9th December 19th January 9th EUSR SHEA Power Online 1 Day £195 EUSR SHEA Power Renewal Online Half Day December 9th January 5th February 11th £155 EUSR SHEA Cross Country Pipelines Online 1 Day December 15th January 13th January 27th February 9th £215 £150 EUSR SHEA Core Online 1 Day January February £195 £150 EUSR SHEA Waste Online 1 Day December 3rd January 21st £195 £150 EUSR SHEA Drains & Sewers Online 1 Day December 4th January 22nd £195 £150 EUSR SHEA Telecoms Online 1 Day January January February February Cost £155 December 18th December 22nd January 5th January 7th Next available dates £195 £150 EUSR SHEA Gas Renewal Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg12 12th 25th 15th 26th 11th 26th Other Water Courses Other popular courses required to work in the water industry. Course Winter 2025/2026 Location EUSR National Water Hygiene (NWH) (Blue Card) Online Half Day EUSR National Water Hygiene (eLearning) (NWH) (Blue Card) Next available dates 12th £140 eLearning In your own time £145 EUSR Safe Control of Mains Connection (SCMC) Water Course Online Half Day December 17th January 16th February 13th £240 Thames Water Passport Course Online Half Day December 4th December 6th £70 £80 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg13 February Cost Winter 2025/2026
Safe Control of Operations (SCO) Gas Training Courses The Safe Control of Operations (SCO) scheme ensures that individuals working on the gas network are trained to do so safely by understanding gas network procedures and correct permitry. Technical / Bespoke Training Courses Course Bellow are a selection of our popular Technical and Bespoke training courses designed to meet the unique requirements in the construction and utilities industries. Course Location EUSR Impressed Voltage Awareness Stoneleigh Park Half Day EUSR Impressed Voltage for Designers & National Grid Supplier Requirements (SR/234) Overview Training Stoneleigh Park 1 Day EUSR Impressed Voltage for Stoneleigh Park Managers & National Grid Supplier 1 Day Requirements (SR/234) Overview EUSR Impressed Voltage for Managers & National Grid Supplier Requirements (SR/234) Overview & IVDE (ECP/EAP) Training Stoneleigh Park 2 Days National Grid CDAE/PD Supplier Requirements SR/106, SR/107, SR/135, SR/141, SR/162, SR/163, SR/175, SR/183, SR/188, SR/193, SR/212 & SR/215 Awareness Training Stoneleigh Park 2 Days National Grid PCSM Supplier Requirements SR/106, SR/107, SR/135, SR/141, SR/163, SR/183, SR/188, SR/234 & SR/241 Awareness Training Stoneleigh Park 2 Days CDM 2015 Awareness & National Grid Supplier Requirements (SR/163) Overview Training Stoneleigh Park 1 Day Next available dates January January February February 8th 29th 27th 4th Cost £335 £485 December 4th January 12th January 22nd February 5th £485 December January January February 4th - 5th 12th - 13th 22nd - 23rd 5th - 6th £995 February 9th - 10th December 18th - 19th February 2nd - 3rd February 16th £2,494 £2,494 £480 Location Next available dates Cost EUSR SCO (Safe Control of Operations) Module 3: Non-Routine Operations (NRO) (Was previously SCO4) Stoneleigh 1.5 Days January 22nd - 23rd £330 EUSR SCO (Safe Control of Operations) Module 4: Routine Operations (RO) (Was previously SCO5) Stoneleigh Half Day January 22nd £255 EUSR SCO (Safe Control of Operations) Modules 1, 2 & 5: Core, Permit to Work and Form of Authority (Was previously SCO 1&2) Stoneleigh 1 Day December 9th January 21st February 19th £330 EUSR SCO (Safe Control of Operations) Modules 1, 2 & 5: SCO Core, Permit To Work and Form Of Authority (Previously known as SCO 1&2) Renewal Online Half Day December 5th December 19th £300 EUSR SCO (Safe Control of Operations) Modules 1, 2, 4 & 5: SCO Core, Permit To Work, Routine Operations and Form Of Authority Renewal Online 1 Day December 5th December 19th £400 EUSR SCO (Safe Control of Operations) Modules 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5: SCO Core, Permit To Work, Non Routine Operations, Routine Operations and Form Of Authority Renewal Online 1 Day December 5th December 19th £450 Health and Safety Training Courses A selection of our most popular Health & Safety training courses designed to empower professionals across various industries. Course January 28th - 30th Find out more & Book Online! Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg14 Winter 2025/2026 NUCO - Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) - FAA Level 3 (1 Day Accredited) Stoneleigh Park 1 Day January February 12th 2nd £90 NUCO - First Aid at Work (FAW) FAA Level 3 (3 Day Accredited) We also have an upcoming open course date for City & Guilds 18th Edition (Full 3 day course) Location Stoneleigh Park 3 Days January 12th - 14th £330 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg15 Next available dates Cost Winter 2025/2026
Compliance Training Pragmatic Consulting offers a range of closed courses for Compliance Training. These courses can be scheduled at your convenience, either at one of our training centres or on-site at your location. If there is sufficient interest, we can also arrange open courses to accommodate individual participants. Courses include: • EUSR Endorsed Asbestos Awareness • EUSR Endorsed Fire Warden • EUSR Approved Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Awareness • EUSR Endorsed Gas Detection and Personal Gas Monitor Training • EUSR Endorsed Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Awareness And many more For more information on all courses check out our website: www.pragmatic-consulting.co.uk Update on Pragmatic Consulting's Charity of the Year Myton Hospice We’re proud to continue supporting The Myton Hospices as our Charity of the Year. From 1st May up until 31st October, your bookings have helped us raise £903.00 to support their vital palliative and end-of-life care across Coventry and Warwickshire. For the rest of the year, we’ll continue to donate £1 from every eligible course booking from the following programmes: • • • • • • EUSR SHEA Water & Renewals EUSR SCMC Water EUSR National Water Hygiene Thames Water Passport All C&G Confined Space training CABWI NCO Water Every booking helps make a difference — thank you for your support! To discuss availability or your specific training needs, get in touch: Find out more at: www.mytonhospice.org support@pragmatic-consulting.co.uk Celebrating Our National Living Wage Accreditation Group bookings Did you know... We offer closed courses for any of our training courses, allowing companies to book group training tailored to their needs. These sessions can be delivered at one of our training centres or onsite at your location, providing flexibility and convenience. If you have a team that requires specific training, we can arrange a dedicated course to ensure everyone gains the necessary skills in a focused learning environment. For more details or to discuss a group booking, please get in touch we’re happy to help find the right training solution for your team. Pragmatic Consulting is proud to be an accredited National Living Wage Employer, ensuring everyone working with us earns a wage based on the real cost of living, not just the government minimum. Recently, our team attended the Living Wage Week celebration in Birmingham, joining other businesses in recognising the importance of fair pay and responsible employment practices. We remain committed to fairness, respect, and building a stronger, more sustainable workforce for the future. Find out more at: www.livingwage.org.uk Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg16 Winter 2025/2026 Pragmatic Consulting Newsletter Pg17 Winter 2025/2026
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