Immingham-based Barry Taylor has been appointed Chair of the ECITB Regional Forum for Yorkshire and Humber for a second time after approval by the Board of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).
Barry, who is Managing Director at engineering design consultancy OLG, previously served as chair between 2015-2017. He takes over from Andrew Mitchell, who has stepped down after more than seven years in the role.
Regional Chairs ensure the needs of employers in a region are represented in decisions around skills and workforce development programmes and enable the ECITB to forge closer connections to regional businesses across the engineering construction industry (ECI).
“Having spent 33 years in engineering construction, starting out as an apprentice and operating in senior leadership roles for the last 15 years, I believe my experience of the region and its industry can support the ECITB’s ambitions,” said Barry, who recently gained chartered status with the Institute of Directors.
“Having also previously served as Regional Chair for Yorkshire and Humber, I feel my experience can support members to align our regional skills aspirations.”
Common goal around skills
The ECITB’s latest predictions from its Labour Forecasting Tool reveal that the ECI workforce in Yorkshire and the Humber could increase by 39% in the next five years, growing by more than 2,300 by 2030.
The revised predictions were possible thanks to a record response rate from industry employers for the latest iteration of the ECITB Workforce Census 2024, which gathered data on more than 6,400 workers in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The ECI plays a crucial role in the UK meeting its net zero ambitions, spanning sectors that focus on the construction, maintenance and decommissioning of heavy industry, including oil and gas, nuclear, power generation, renewables, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and water treatment.
Established in 1982, OLG has a wealth of experience supporting projects in most of these sectors, such as heavy industry and energy clusters in Humberside.
OLG delivers consultancy, front-end engineering design, detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, project and construction management services from its four bases across the UK – which include Grimsby and Immingham in North-East Lincolnshire.
Barry says the company is keen to work collaboratively in the area with other supply chain businesses to “achieve greater outcomes”, which is why he was happy to take on the role for a second time.
“There are much repeated statements about the thousands of workers needed in industry and we as businesses need to respond.
“There is huge ambition and positivity in this region, but as an industry we need to be more aligned on skills to help each other.
“One of the fundamental parts of this role is to connect with businesses in the region and try to align a common goal around skills development and learning. We’ve all got an opportunity to create a legacy, but if we don’t all play a part then we’re going to miss the chance to make a difference.
“One of the things we’ve discussed is developing a more collaborative approach to apprenticeship growth to ensure we’re developing a talent pool of high-quality skilled workers for the longer term.”
Barry Taylor
OLG Managing Director and new ECITB Regional Chair for Yorkshire and Humber
Regional chairs helping ECITB address skills needs
ECITB’s Regional Chairs bring industry expertise and build better connections with client and contractor companies across the regions. They help contribute to the skills agenda in their region through their understanding, knowledge and relationships with local industry.
“I am delighted to welcome back Barry as Regional Chair for Yorkshire and the Humber. His experience and passion will be a massive asset to drive forward the skills agenda in the region. I would also like to thank Andrew Mitchell for his valuable contributions since taking over the role in 2018.
“Forging these close links with industry, through the ECITB’s Board, Council and regional fora, is the cornerstone of how the ECITB operates to ensure we understand the needs of ECI employers across Great Britain.
“The Yorkshire and Humber industrial cluster, in particular, will play an important role in helping the UK hit its net zero goals, such as with the work being done in the region around new technologies like carbon capture.
“Our Census findings revealed that 75% of ECI employers in Yorkshire and the Humber are experiencing challenges hiring workers. It also highlighted an upcoming wave of possible retirements, with the share of workers in the region over 60 sitting at 16.3%.
“We recognise that addressing skills shortages in the region requires a collaborative approach and so it is great to hear Barry’s ambitions to work side by side with industry to help ensure the ECI has the skilled workforce it needs both for now and the future.”
Andrew Hockey
ECITB Chief Executive
