Bristol’s construction bonanza prompts recruitment drive at city builders

Bristol’s construction bonanza has prompted city builders Helm Construction to accelerate its recruiting programme.

The firm’s recruitment plans are aimed at attracting former construction workers shed during the downturn back to the industry.

Chief executive Gary Sheppard said the latest construction sector performance figures revealed an industry hitting activity levels not seen since 2004.

With tenders tripling in six months Helm Construction have called on experienced workers who had left the construction sector to take up their trowels once again.

He comments: “Age isn’t a barrier to what we do. While we have built a reputation for encouraging youngsters into the industry it’s sometimes good to call on different skillsets.

“The construction sector shed hundreds of thousands of workers during the recession so there is a whole generation out there that can help us fill the gap.”

Mervyn Hames is among Helm’s latest recruits – although over the official age of retirement he has just taken up a part-time position with the firm’s after sales customer service team.

He comments: “This is an increasingly important role for us as it’s key to our reputation that we not only complete projects on time and to a high finishing standard but ensure that we have the skill and resource to follow up on any minor snags that may occur promptly and efficiently.”