Few sectors underpin the UK economy and society as fundamentally as construction. From the homes people live in to the infrastructure that keeps industries moving, its impact is both visible and far-reaching.  

Yet, despite its importance, the sector has often struggled to receive the recognition it deserves, particularly when it comes to the value of vocational training and the people who drive it forward. 

That is beginning to change. With organisations like City & Guilds reinforcing standards in skills and training, and industry bodies such as the National Federation of Builders, (NFB) along with outlets such as Build News are championing excellence through initiatives like the Construction Awards of Excellence, there is a growing effort to celebrate achievement, raise standards, and reshape perceptions. 

Ahead of this year’s awards, Build News Editor, Danny Ball spoke with Jason Howe, Technical Advisor at headline sponsor City & Guilds, about the enduring importance of vocational training, the evolving nature of construction, and why recognising excellence matters now more than ever. 

Q: For those less familiar, how would you describe what City & Guilds stands for and its role in the construction sector? 

City & Guilds has a rich heritage within construction, and that legacy remains central to its identity today. For generations, its qualifications have been widely regarded as a benchmark of quality within the trades. 

“One of the most well-known sayings in the sector is when we talk about a stamp of quality, people say, ‘I’ve got my City & Guilds.’ That has always been the gold standard,” Howe explains. 

That reputation has been built over more than a century. With a history stretching back over 145 years, City & Guilds has maintained a close and consistent relationship with construction, evolving alongside the industry while maintaining its core focus on skills and competence. 

Importantly, that recognition extends beyond the UK. Howe recalls that when seeking work abroad earlier in his career, one of the first questions employers would ask was whether he held a City & Guilds qualification. “That was the rubber stamp of quality,” he says. 

Today, while the sector continues to modernise, the organisation’s role remains rooted in ensuring that qualifications meet real industry needs. “The industry is evolving, digitally and technologically, but there is still a lot of tradition in the trades. We pride ourselves on supporting both.” 

Q: In your view, why is high-quality vocational training so critical for the built environment? 

For Howe, the answer is straightforward. Construction underpins everything. 

“Everything stops and starts with construction,” he says. “You can talk about digital industries or advanced technology, but all of that has to be manufactured somewhere, and those facilities are built by construction.” 

From housing and hospitals to transport networks and energy infrastructure, the sector is fundamental to both economic activity and daily life. Its influence extends globally, and its resilience has been proven in times of crisis. 

“The sector helped pull us out of recession and played a huge role during COVID,” Howe notes. “If construction slows down globally, the impact is enormous.” 

Given that importance, he believes vocational training should be treated with greater respect. “There’s sometimes a perception that construction is a fallback option. That needs to change. This is a sector people should be proud to be part of.” 

That pride is something he actively encourages in learners and apprentices. “Wear your high-vis with pride,” he says. “What you do matters, not just economically, but socially as well.” 

Q: How does City & Guilds ensure its qualifications genuinely reflect industry needs? 

Maintaining relevance in a fast-changing sector requires close collaboration with employers and industry bodies.

At City & Guilds, that is achieved through structured engagement and ongoing dialogue. 

“We have employer and industry boards that bring together voices from across the sector,” Howe explains. “That includes large organisations, SMEs, and professional bodies.” 

This breadth of input is essential. By gathering insight from a wide range of stakeholders, City & Guilds can ensure that its qualifications and assessments are aligned with current practices and future demands. 

“It’s about making sure what we produce supports learners on their journey and prepares them for real work in construction,” he says. 

Alongside formal structures, the organisation also fosters engagement through events, roundtables and its growing construction community, an initiative designed to bring together industry and training providers more closely. 

Q: What does your role as a Technical Advisor involve on a day-to-day basis? 

For Howe, variety is one of the defining features of the role. 

“No two days are the same,” he says. “I work with colleges and training providers, supporting staff who deliver our qualifications and helping them prepare for assessments.” 

That work often involves travelling across the country, engaging directly with educators and learners. He also delivers continuing professional development, supports new training centres, and contributes to internal development by feeding back insights from the sector. 

“I bring information from providers and industry back into the organisation so we can improve what we do,” he explains. 

The role also includes collaboration with industry bodies and participation in events, ensuring that City & Guilds remains closely connected to the realities of construction. 

Q: How has your own career shaped your perspective on the industry? 

Howe’s journey into construction began at a pivotal moment in his life. After pursuing a career in football, he found himself uncertain about his next steps at 17. 

“Construction gave me everything,” he reflects. “I was lost at that point, and getting an apprenticeship changed my life.” 

Starting with a carpentry apprenticeship, he gained hands-on experience across a wide range of projects. The work was demanding, but it built both skills and resilience. 

“I was tested early on, working in all conditions and doing tasks beyond what you might expect from an apprentice. But looking back, that experience was invaluable.” 

Over time, his career evolved, from working on site to running his own business, and eventually moving into education and training. Each stage reinforced his appreciation for the sector. 

“If it wasn’t for construction, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he says. “It opened doors I never imagined.” 

That belief underpins his advocacy for apprenticeships. “They are some of the best opportunities available. The skills, the experiences, the progression, it’s incredible what they can offer.” 

Q: Why did City & Guilds choose to become headline sponsor of the Construction Awards of Excellence? 

The decision followed firsthand experience of the awards and their impact. 

“We attended a few years ago and came away massively inspired,” Howe recalls. “The stories, the achievements, it was incredible.” 

For City & Guilds, becoming headline sponsor was a natural progression. The organisation’s longstanding connection to construction aligned closely with the values celebrated by the awards. 

“It was a no-brainer,” he says. “We wanted to be more closely involved and support what the NFB is doing.” 

Beyond visibility, the partnership offers opportunities for meaningful engagement. “You meet people, hear their stories, and build relationships. It’s not just networking, it’s genuinely inspiring.” 

Q: What role do awards play in raising standards across the sector? 

While awards recognise excellence, Howe believes their broader impact lies in changing perceptions. 

“They help raise the profile of the sector,” he explains. “They show what construction really achieves and the standards that are being met.” 

This is particularly important in challenging outdated stereotypes. By showcasing innovation, quality, and social value, awards highlight the sector’s complexity and importance. 

“They put respect back onto construction,” Howe says. “They remind people that this is something to be celebrated.” 

At the same time, they foster a sense of pride within the industry itself. “When you hear the nominations and see the work being done, it’s inspiring, whether you win or not.” 

Q: How would you define excellence in construction today? 

For Howe, excellence is not easily reduced to a single definition. 

“It’s about commitment, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes in whatever role you’re in,” he says. 

That could mean delivering high-quality projects, developing skills through training, or progressing within the industry. It also reflects the sector’s broader contribution to society. 

“Construction is essential to everything we do,” he adds. “That in itself is a form of excellence.” 

Importantly, the sector offers diverse pathways for progression. “You can start in one role and move into another, there are so many opportunities to develop and grow.” 

Q: What do you hope City & Guilds’ involvement will bring to the awards? 

Howe hopes the organisation’s presence reinforces the importance of the event and the achievements it celebrates. 

“I want people to see how much it means to us to be involved,” he says. “It’s about giving something back to the sector.” 

He also believes that City & Guilds’ reputation adds an additional layer of recognition. “If we’re supporting these awards, it highlights their significance.” 

Ultimately, he hopes it encourages more participation. “The stories you hear at these events are incredible. More people should be putting forward nominations.” 

Q: What excites you most about the future of construction and City & Guilds’ role within it? 

Looking ahead, Howe is optimistic about the sector’s continued evolution. 

“The integration of new technologies alongside traditional skills is really exciting,” he says. “Construction never stands still.” 

At the same time, City & Guilds remains focused on supporting that progress through training, collaboration, and innovation. 

“We’re involved in apprenticeships, industry boards, and events that bring people together,” he explains. “It’s about making sure we continue to meet the needs of the sector.” 

While challenges remain, he emphasises the importance of adaptability and learning. “We won’t always get everything right, but we learn, and we improve.” 

Construction is an industry built on skill, resilience and collaboration. As this conversation highlights, its success depends not only on technical expertise but also on the people who shape it, from apprentices and tradespeople to educators and industry leaders. 

Initiatives like the Construction Awards of Excellence play a vital role in recognising those contributions. By celebrating achievement and raising standards, they help ensure that the sector continues to evolve while maintaining the values that define it. 

As Howe puts it, the message is simple. “Be proud of what you do. This sector changes lives, and it deserves to be recognised.”