UKATA marks the conclusion of its Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign, an initiative that brought together UKATA members to support unemployed adults, including young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), by providing access to free certificated asbestos awareness training.
Delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the campaign demonstrated the collective commitment of UKATA members to improving employability, addressing skills shortages and promoting safer working practices across the construction industry. Together, participating members pledged almost 1000 hours of free asbestos awareness training, helping to equip individuals with the knowledge and confidence needed to begin their careers safely.
UKATA Member and Managing Director of Kentec Training, Steve Booker said:
"We're proud to once again support UKATA's Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign! Having been involved in previous years, we've seen first-hand the impact the campaign has had in raising awareness and saving lives. Asbestos is ruthless, dangerous, and doesn't discriminate between the lives it affects, so safety isn't a liberty we can afford to compromise on, and initiatives like this play a vital role in protecting lives across our industry."
Business Development Director Emma Griffiths of Act Associates Ltd said:
“At ACT, we are proud to support UKATA’s Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign. As a UKATA-approved asbestos awareness training provider, we believe it is essential to help spread awareness of the risks associated with asbestos and ensure that individuals entering or returning to the workforce have access to vital safety training. By working together, we can help create safer workplaces, protect lives, and reinforce the importance of asbestos awareness across all industries.”
Department for Work and Pensions, Anne Pavey added:
"We'd like to sincerely thank UKATA and their members for committing to offer free training hours to unemployed adults, including young people who are NEETs. This is a great start, and a powerful example of how industry and government can work together to support people into sustainable jobs.
This certificated training gives DWP customers an important boost - helping them stand out to employers. The skills challenge facing the construction sector is significant, and while no single intervention can solve it, initiatives like this play a vital role in equipping people with the knowledge, confidence and credentials they need to enter the industry safely and successfully.
By working together, we can open up opportunities, strengthen the workforce, and change more lives."
UKATA extends its sincere thanks to every member who pledged their support to the campaign. Their willingness to contribute their time, expertise and training resources demonstrates the strength of collaboration across the asbestos training sector and a shared commitment to improving both safety standards and employment opportunities.
UKATA, a leading association, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.
Published on Thursday 16th July 2026