CIBSE Unveils the Manly Trust Skills Hub

Why It Matters

By creating a permanent training and networking venue, the Manly Trust Skills Hub directly tackles the chronic shortage of young engineers in building services, safeguarding the sector’s future competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

• Manly Trust funds new CIBSE Skills Hub for engineering education.
• Trust pledges upfront capital for building and long‑term program delivery.
• Hub aims to attract school groups and future building‑services engineers.
• Initiative addresses industry shortage of young talent and diverse skill sets.
• Trustees invite additional donors to accelerate the hub’s launch.

Summary

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) announced the opening of the Manly Trust Skills Hub, a dedicated centre aimed at advancing education and training for building‑services engineers. The hub is funded by the Manly Trust, a charitable arm established over three decades ago by the Manly family, whose members have long served CIBSE leadership roles.

The trust is providing a sizable upfront donation to cover the hub’s physical construction and, crucially, to underwrite the delivery of long‑term programmes—workshops, networking events, and industry‑school collaborations. Its founders stress that the facility is more than bricks and mortar; it is intended to become a sustainable pipeline for young talent in a sector facing a skills shortage.

Graham Manley, former CIBSE president and founder of the trust, is quoted emphasizing the project as a “legacy” that can shape future generations. The trustees also appeal to other philanthropists, urging them to match the initial contribution so the hub can become operational “as quickly as possible.”

If successful, the Skills Hub could revitalize recruitment, foster interdisciplinary skill development, and strengthen the UK’s building‑services ecosystem, delivering long‑term economic and environmental benefits for the industry.

Original Description

CIBSE unveils the new Manly Trust Skills Hub at its headquarters in London.

The Manly Trust’s contribution of £1.2 million will play a central role in shaping a space designed not only for today’s professionals but for future generations of engineers. The Manly Trust Trustees have expressed a strong interest in ensuring the Hub delivers long-term impact, particularly in equipping emerging professionals with the skills needed to work with AI, digital tools, and rapidly evolving technologies across the built environment.

#WeAreCIBSE #skillsofthefuture #skillshub