Launch of UKSTT New to Trenchless Industry Network
UKSTT is delighted to announce its new initiative “UKSTT New to Trenchless Industry Network” which will be launched on 1st October at No-Dig Live 2024.
The future is trenchless – but with a skills gap and an aging workforce, it is essential to energise those new to the industry, of any age, to ensure that trenchless technologies across inspection, maintenance, new installation, repair and rehabilitation continue to develop successfully. The UK Society for Trenchless Technology sees an opportunity to further support and develop this demographic, starting with the New to Trenchless Industry Network.
Our goal is:
“To engage with and support those individuals new to the trenchless industry in order to develop an enhanced understanding of trenchless technologies, a connected community and increased awareness of learning opportunities to solve the trenchless challenges of the future.”
Silvana Alfieri, programme lead for the UKSTT [SA1] New to Trenchless Industry Network, explains why she believes this new programme 
within the UKSTT is so important –
“The construction and utility industries are facing an aging workforce and skills gap all around the world and unfortunately, we are not immune from those challenges here in the UK. I wanted to create a space where those new to the trenchless industry can connect with each other and learn about the innumerable aspects of trenchless technologies.
In my experience, groups like these are extremely important to empower those newer to the industry. As a young professional and new to the trenchless industry myself, I view this network as an excellent opportunity to widen my knowledge and understanding of trenchless technologies, both through a focus on skills needed in the industry and building relationships with others. This is essential as we will continue to be faced with the pressing challenges of aging infrastructure and climate change in the future and trenchless technologies are an integral solution.”
We hope that this network will help those new to the industry navigate the ins and outs of trenchless technologies and help you develop professionally. Whether you want to learn more about the variety of trenchless technologies within the industry, identify training/CPD opportunities, access mentorship, or meet others new to the industry, the UKSTT New to Trenchless Industry Network is the right place to start getting involved.
Ian Ramsay, Chair of UKSTT explains why he sees this new initiative as being so important for the trenchless industry
New to trenchless professionals are the heart of the industry and its future. The UKSTT’s mandate is to develop the education and growth within the trenchless industry. By engaging with its new entrants and developing enthusiasm, mentoring and passion we are making a difference and sustaining benefit for the long term. This initiative is fundamental to this, and I am proud to be part of the team.
We’ve got a lot of exciting plans for the UKSTT New to Industry Network that we’ll announce further at No Dig Live in October but as a sneak peek, here’s what you can expect:
– A community for those new to the trenchless industry to facilitate networking and learning opportunities through bimonthly meetings and summits at UKSTT events
– Support and connections with experienced professionals in the industry
– Signposting to training and continuous education opportunities to enhance skills and learning
– Fun social events with other peers in the industry
Want to learn more about the UKSTT New to Trenchless Industry Network?
Stop by the UKSTT stand #108 at NDL, and/or
Join the launch of the network in the NDL conference area next to the UKSTT stand on Tuesday 2nd October at 10:30 am.