Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper says the multi-billion-pound Universal theme park, its first in Europe, will offer training opportunities for young people.

The creation in the UK of one of Europe’s biggest theme parks will be good news for the construction industry, with the creation of 20,000 new jobs in the sector and a rise in training and apprenticeships, says insulation specialist Actis.

The multi-billion-pound 476-acre Universal Studios theme park, which is awaiting planning permission, is predicted to create around 28,000 jobs across construction, hospitality and AI between 2026, when work is likely to begin, and its opening in 2031.

In addition to the construction of the attractions, a 500-bedroom hotel and retail complex, the project will require major infrastructure work to improve the road and rail network to service the 8.5 million visitors predicted to visit in its first year.

One element which delights Actis, a long-term champion of encouraging young people into the industry, is the fact that Universal is pledging to work with colleges and universities to provide training and apprenticeships throughout the construction and resort phases.

Actis’ own ongoing outreach programme aims to instil a passion for a career in construction among young people, with its team visiting schools and colleges to offer insight into career options and training days.

Actis UK and Ireland sales director Mark Cooper says the latest news is another boost for the industry, following the government’s recent announcement of a £625 million injection into training 60,000 construction workers to help reach housebuilding targets.

In addition to its youth outreach initiatives, Actis, whose Hybrid range and two-in-one Eolis HC are an increasingly popular choice for specifiers looking for impressive thermal efficiency and ease and cleanliness of use, also helps upskill existing construction professionals. 

Its free RIBA-approved CPDs, Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards and Addressing the performance gap with reflective insulation, provide essential advice for architects, specifiers, building control officers and builders.