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Reminder issued to avoid further competency crisis

Reminder issued to avoid further competency crisis

by | Jan 24, 2023 | Skills

The Construction Leadership Council have issued a statement encouraging and reminding Industry Accreditation card holders to take action to retain their card in light of changes to “grandfather rights” that will be implemented from the end of 2024.  The statement issued was: 

CLC Statement on Industry Accreditation Cards
Building Safety and competence are two of the CLC’s priorities. As an industry, and in accordance with various sets of legislation including the Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) and the Building Safety Act, we must demonstrate to the regulator, our clients, building occupiers and the wider public that those designing, building and maintaining the built environment are competent to do so. The CLC recommendation introduced in 2015 and updated in 2017 and 2020 set an expectation of all CSCS cards being achieved via qualification by the end of 2024.

The different ways in which those individuals who hold a blue, gold or black industry accreditation card (issued by CSCS, via industry accreditation) can move to an appropriate card has been set out. This may be by:

Recognising a qualification they already have.

  • Assessing their competence against the relevant qualification for their occupation.
  • Undertaking any additional training required.
  • For a minority, it may require more extensive training.

Whilst all Industry Accreditation cardholders are required to take action to retain their card from January 2025, it should not be overly onerous for those able to demonstrate their competence and there may be grants and funding available for employers.

Commenting on the upcoming changes and new guidance FIS Skills and Training Lead George Swann stated:

“Companies need to be checking now how their workers are qualified and when this will expire.  As competency checking ramps up in the wake of new legislative requirements, we don’t want to find a new raft of workers becoming unavailable due to administration issues rather than ability.  A green labourer card is not the answer, your skilled workers need to show verifiable proof of competence for their employed occupation to meet the requirements of legislation.  If you need any help getting your workers qualified and carded appropriately for the work they are doing contact the FIS.  The FIS network of Training Provider members give offers and discounts to fellow members you may be surprised at how your FIS membership can support your employees and organisations proof of competence.”

All Industry Accreditation (IA) cards issued from 1 Jan 2020 will expire on 31 Dec 2024 and cannot be renewed.  This guidance is designed to help you understand your next steps to replace your card.  What you need to do next depends on your occupation and what qualifications you may hold.  If you do not visit site regularly, or you have moved into an office-based role you may no longer require a card.  Those needing to obtain a qualification DO NOT need to attend college. The SVQ/NVQ (S/NVQ) can be achieved via various routes and CITB grants may be available.

Further guidance for Industry Accreditation card holders is available at www.cscs.uk.com/ia

For more information please visit the Sector Guide to a Competency Management plan

Demand for construction workers high despite economic uncertainty

Demand for construction workers high despite economic uncertainty

by | Jan 19, 2023 | Skills

Against a backdrop of economic challenge, rising materials and labour costs, new figures from CITB reveal that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027.

CITB’s annual Construction Skills Network (CSN) report shows that:
• 224,900 extra workers (44,980 a year) will be needed to meet UK construction demand between now and 2027
• Construction output is set to grow for all nations and regions, however, recession is expected in 2023 with slow growth returning in 2024
• The major sectors for demand are: – private housing – infrastructure – repair and maintenance
• If projected growth is met, by 2027 the number of people working in construction will be 2.67m

The report highlights that construction is expected to remain a sector where there is demand for workers despite the current economic uncertainty. As a result, recruitment, training, development and upskilling remain major priorities for the industry for 2023 and beyond.

CITB is responding by investing in apprenticeships, launching a range of targeted initiatives and working collaboratively with industry, to help the construction sector have a skilled, competent, and inclusive workforce.

Tim Balcon, CITB Chief Executive said:

“The latest CSN report clearly shows that despite current economic uncertainty, recruiting and developing the workforce remains vital to ensure the industry can contribute to economic growth.

We know the next 18 months won’t be easy, however, I remain inspired by the construction industry’s resilience shown in the pandemic and throughout 2022.

In short, it makes clear that the need to recruit and retain talent in the sector has never been greater. Whether that’s for building the homes the country needs, constructing energy and transport infrastructure or retrofitting the built environment to help drive down energy bills and meet net zero targets.

To bolster industry’s resilience, CITB will strive to attract and train a diverse range of recruits for industry, equipping them with modern skills for rewarding construction careers. I look forward to working with and supporting industry and stakeholders in the challenging times ahead and to emerging stronger when the recession ends.”

To help directly address these challenges and maximise the opportunities which will arise, CITB has invested almost £50m of Levy to support over 22,000 apprentices to help them join the industry; while grants have helped support over 16,000 learners to complete their qualifications.

Direct funding has provided grants over 269,000 training courses and in total £97m has been invested in grant funding by CITB, to make it as easy as possible for employers to recruit and retain their skilled workforce.

CITB continues to provide targeted support to SMEs through grant and funding and through support in accessing training and funding. Since April 2022, CITB’s engagement team has supported SMEs on 26,976 occasions, supporting them to continue to train during the current economic uncertainty.

CITB also offers funding aimed specifically at smaller companies such as the Skills and Training Fund. Companies with fewer than 250 PAYE employees can access up to £25,000 annually (depending on their size). By the end of quarter two 2022, £3.9m had been invested in companies via this fund.

CITB’s Scottish Academy for Construction Opportunities (SACO) commission has awarded £1.3m across the Highlands and Islands; while England Construction Opportunities (ECO) commission has awarded a total of just over £1.8m. This investment will directly help address the construction industry’s skills gap, increase employment retention, and provide vital support to new starters at the beginning of their construction careers, by promoting work experience for new entrants to the industry.

Experience Hubs across England and Wales are creating a talent pipeline to meet the needs of local construction employers and to support construction career opportunities for people from local communities.

Further CITB initiatives range from localised solutions for funding and training like our employer network pilot project, available to more than 3,800 levy-registered construction businesses across five locations in England, Scotland and Wales; to a £10.5m Leadership and Management commission which will provide funded courses for businesses of all sizes to equip supervisors and managers with a recognised Leadership and Management qualification.

Training remains a key focus, which is why CITB has invested in National Construction College (NCC) sites, to meet the industry’s specialist training needs. By focusing the curriculum on unmet demand, we are looking to build capacity for the industry, which has resulted in a 25% increase in the number of people trained to date. Our data shows that 96% of CITB apprentices have secured employment or progressed in education, with over 90% remaining in the sector.

Tim Balcon concluded:

“This coordinated and comprehensive approach to helping recruit, train, develop and upskill talent, whilst continuing to work collaboratively with industry and stakeholders means CITB will continue to play a central role in supporting an industry that is a key driver of the UK economy through these challenging times.”

FIS conducts census to support skills work

To help support this work, FIS is conducting a census of its workforce via its Skills Pulse Survey. This census will provide vital data to help understand where we are at now, target resources, support representational work and provide a framework for organisations to benchmark, and FIS to measure impact and progress.

Submit your response here

Show your support for National Apprenticeship Week

Show your support for National Apprenticeship Week

by | Jan 13, 2023 | Skills

National Apprenticeship Week will take place between 6 to 12 February 2023 and the theme for this year has been unveiled as Skills for Life, reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills

The week will focus on the benefits apprenticeships can have on individuals, businesses, and local communities. We are calling on employers, training providers, individuals and communities to get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help to provide #SkillsForLife.

From virtual career fairs, myth busting talks, graduation ceremonies through to factory tours, the week has something for everyone. You will hear personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own journeys and experiences and why apprenticeships provide #SkillsForLife. We are keen to celebrate the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England.

To support National Apprenticeship Week 2023 individuals, employers, training providers and communities can get involved by encouraging everyone to consider how apprenticeships can help build #SkillsforLife. A toolkit is available to support the apprenticeship community with planning their activity for the week.

You can keep up to date with National Apprenticeship Week 2023 updates by following @Apprenticeships on Twitter and Apprenticeships on LinkedIn and use the hashtags #NAW2023 and #SkillsForLife on social media activity.

To find out more about apprenticeships, visit: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.

 

 

 

FIS conducts census to support skills work

FIS conducts census to support skills work

by | Jan 13, 2023 | Skills

Labour and skills shortages, and an aging workforce remain a key issue for the finishes and interiors sector. There is also a growing requirement to demonstrate competence. To this end FIS is conducting a census of its workforce via its Skills Pulse Survey. This census will provide vital data to help understand where we are at now, target resources, support representational work and provide a framework for organisations to benchmark, and FIS to measure impact and progress.

It should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete this survey and the closing date for responses is Friday 17 February 2023.

Volunteers needed to develop training standards

Volunteers needed to develop training standards

by | Dec 15, 2022 | Skills

FIS is working with CITB to develop training standards for the finishes and interiors sector, these standards will attract Grant Eligible Training, GET code support per candidate as follows:

  • Tier 1     £30
  • Tier 2     £70
  • Tier 3     £120

FIS has been requested to seek subject matter experts to populate standards with the following titles:

TS0200                  Grant Tier 1        British Gypsum Site Managers Certificate Interior Systems Installation (title will probably change to Interior Systems Site Managers Certificate)

TS0203                  Grant Tier 2        Ceiling Fixing Installation

TS1966                  Grant Tier 2        Introduction to setting out and installation of lay in grid systems

TS0198                  Grant Tier 1        Movable Partitioning Installation

TS1963                  Grant Tier 2        The design and selection of correct systems (acoustic/fire/loading and penetrations)

TS1965                  Grant Tier 2        The introduction to identifying laying grid suspended ceiling systems

TS1967                  Grant Tier 2        The repairs and alterations of laying grid system and various types of ceiling tiles

TS1490                  Grant Tier 2        Producing Internal Solid Finishes

TS1491                  Grant Tier 2        Producing External Render Finishes

TS1492                  Grant Tier 2        Applying Plasters to Complex Internal Surfaces

TS1498                  Grant Tier 2        Producing Specialist Plastering Finishes

TS1505                  Grant Tier 2        Applying Projection Plaster and Maintaining Equipment

If you would like to get involved in this work, potentially one day of your time in the new year, please email George Swann georgeswann@thefis.org or if you would like discuss in more detail call George on 07553 874383.

Immerse yourself in training using virtual reality

Immerse yourself in training using virtual reality

by | Dec 8, 2022 | Skills

FIS is supporing a project being led by Hire Association Europe, to provide FIS members the opportunity to experience training delivered using virtual reality (VR). pHAEton is a VR app for mobile phones and tablets and the following modules, applicable to the operations of the sector are currently available:

●       Cordless Drill ●       Hand-Arm Vibration
●       Cut-off Saw ●       Materials Hoist
●       Dangers of Dust, Silica and Asbestos ●       Mental Health at Work
●       Dust Extraction ●       Reciprocating Saw
●       Electrical Safety ●       Safe Use of Ladders
●       Environment ●       Working At Height (Alloy Tower)
●       Generators  

Each module explores the essentials of safe tool and equipment using interactive puzzles, and each one finishes with a short multiple-choice knowledge test.

The app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices and can be run on tablets or using the cardboard headset with a mobile phone for a more virtual experience. Users will be able to provide feedback at a later date.

Search for pHAEton on either the App Store or Google Play

For full access to the app and all of the modules you will require a username and password to get these send an email to fisvr@hae.org.uk including the names and email addresses for all users. Please ensure you include your postal address and we will send a Cardboard VR headset in the post.