The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) has appointed Mel Edwards as training and skills support manager, in a new member-facing role providing support to members across training, skills, recruitment and funding.
With over 35 years’ experience, 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. 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.
“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,” she said.
