The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has appointed Mel Edwards as Training and Skills Support Manager, in a new member-facing role created to provide practical support to CPA members across training, skills, recruitment and funding.
With well over 35 years’ experience in the construction training and skills sector, Mel brings extensive knowledge of training and certification, funding and grants, as well as first-hand experience of working with employers and training providers.
Her new role will see her working directly with CPA members to understand their skills and training requirements, identify suitable training and funding opportunities, and provide guidance and support to help businesses develop their workforce.
Mel will also work closely with training providers, colleges, awarding organisations, and other industry bodies to identify opportunities and develop potential partnerships that benefit CPA members. The role will support CPA’s wider work to promote careers in the plant-hire sector, helping to attract new talent and highlight the diverse career opportunities available across the industry.
Mel began her career with CITB, initially working in administration and support for plant card and certification schemes, including CTA and CPCS. She went on to provide guidance on plant grants and funding before establishing the CPCS Logbook Monitoring Programme, which involved regular face-to-face visits with employers.
She subsequently moved into CPCS scheme development and delivery, supporting the development and implementation of the scheme, before joining CPA member Falcon Cranes as Training Manager. There, she was responsible for establishing and managing its Training Centre, gaining extensive experience in sourcing and managing training and certification requirements, as well as funding and grant claims.
Commenting on her appointment, Mel said: “I am very much looking forward to working with CPA members and helping them navigate training, skills, recruitment and funding opportunities and making the process as straightforward as possible. I’m really looking forward to listening to what members need and working with them to help their businesses and people develop.”
Mel will also support CPA’s increasing focus on careers and sector promotion, working alongside the Association’s careers and apprenticeship teams to promote plant-hire as an attractive career choice to people of all ages.
CPA warmly welcomes Mel to the team and looks forward to the additional support her experience and expertise will bring to members.
