Skills Archives - Page 22 of 56

CITB increases grant to support transition from industrial accreditation CSCS cards

by Clair Mooney | 23 Feb, 2023 | Skills

To support construction workers to transition from an Industry Accreditation (IA) card to a qualification, CITB is increasing the grant for specific supervision NVQ Diplomas/SVQs to £1,250 and specific management NVQ Diplomas/SVQs to £1,500 for achievements from 1 April 2023 as listed below

Supervision	Management
Level 3/SCQF Level 6 in Built Environment Design	Level 6/SCQF Level 10 in Construction Site Management
Level 3/SCQF Level 6 in Construction Contracting Operations – [any subcategory]	Level 6/SCQF Level 9 in Built Environment Design Management
Level 3/SCQF Level 6 in Site Inspection	Level 6/SCQF Level 9 in Construction Contracting Operations Management – [any subcategory]
Level 3 in Surveying, Property and Maintenance	Level 6 in Senior Site Inspection
Level 4/SCQF Level 7 in Construction Site Supervision	Level 7/SCQF Level 11 in Construction Senior Management
Level 3/SCQF Level 6 in Built Environment Design	Level 6/SCQF Level 10 in Construction Site Management

CITB registered organisations have been able to claim £600 for each trade vocational qualification (VQ’s) completed for PAYE and LOSC people. Organisations can claim this regardless to whether they meet the construction industry levy threshold and pay the levy, you just need your CITB registration number.

There is an additional £400 for Rainscreen Cladding VQs achieved from 1 April 2022, on top of the usual £600, giving a total grant value of £1,000. There’s £300 for each achievement of a plant related Level 2 VQ unit, up to a maximum of three per individual. The plant VQ unit achievements are also included in the cap of four Level 2 achievements per individual e.g., Interior Systems VQ’s for Dryliner can include, Fixer plus Boarder plus Finisher plus Fire resistant wall installer making four level 2 ahievements.

The Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) has announced its plan to move all Industry Accreditation (IA) cardholders to a recognised qualification. You can find more information on the withdrawal of Industry Accreditation by visiting the CSCS website here.

If you need any help to secure funds for the training you provide for employees have a look at the FIS web site: Skills and Funding or give Marie Flinter a call on 0121 707 0077 or email marieflinter@thefis.org

CITB consults on where they should prioritise investment

This is your chance to tell CITB what matters to you and the support that you need. By sharing your views, you will help shape CITB future priorities and the support they provide.

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CITB consults on where they should prioritise investment

by Clair Mooney | 21 Feb, 2023 | Skills

The CITB Strategic Plan will set out where they focus their efforts from 2024-2028 and they are seeking feedback about where CITB should prioritise investment.

This is your chance to tell them about what matters to you and the support that you need. By sharing your views, you will help shape CITB future priorities and the support they provide.

Complete our short online survey to have your say.

This is an opportunity for FIS members to contribute to what CITB invest the construction industry levy in, an opportunity that should not be missed. If you would like to discuss this further, contact FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org

About the Strategic Plan
CITB’s Strategic Plan 2021-25, published in September 2020, sets out the key skills challenges for construction and what CITB will do to address them.

Amid an unpredictable landscape, CITB have focused on a smaller number of priorities to help modernise construction and increase productivity, collaborating with industry, governments and further education (FE). As well as providing direct support to employers, CITB will use this period to help fix the system, making it easier to recruit workers into the industry and to access training.

The Strategic Plan supports employers to bring people into work and provide the training they need. The Plan includes expanding work experiences, creating a new pathway from FE into apprenticeships and jobs, and boosting the numbers of apprentices completing their programmes.

Highlights from the Strategic Plan include:

Investing £110m to support apprentices and employers, on top of grant support, to increase overall numbers and completion rates.
Support for 28,000 taster experiences and investment in Go-Construct to give people the chance to see the wide range of opportunities construction offers and how to access them.
Using the Grants Scheme and other funding to help employers invest in training to first rebuild after the pandemic and then to modernise and raise productivity.

The Strategic Plan was developed during discussions with employers, employer bodies and CITB Board and Nation Council members.

Read the Strategic Plan here

CSCS addresses queries regarding Industry Accreditation

by Clair Mooney | 16 Feb, 2023 | Skills

CSCS will cease renewing cards issued via Industry Accreditation (IA) from 30 June 2024, while all IA cards issued from 1 Jan 2020 will expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will not be renewed. Below, CSCS have provided responses to some of the common queries and questions around IA, as well as information on how they can be resolved.

IA was a mechanism by which workers could obtain CSCS cards on the strength of an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification. CSCS stopped issuing new cards under IA back in 2010, but if you previously held a card under IA, the scheme rules allowed you to continue to renew.

CSCS together with our 37 partner card schemes, are bound by the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) requirement that all construction industry card schemes must operate with nationally recognised qualifications (usually NVQs and Apprenticeships) in place for all occupations. This requirement is particularly important when addressing the IA issue. Further details on the withdrawal can be found here.

To satisfy the Construction Leadership Council’s requirements, CSCS announced plans to withdraw cards issued under IA, which include:

IA cards issued from 1 Jan 2020 will expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will not be renewed
CSCS will cease renewing IA cards from 30 June 2024.

There are four ways to move off IA:

Vocational qualifications already achieved: cardholders who have achieved the qualifications for their occupation can renew their card for the full five-year term as normal.
Academically Qualified person card: This card is available to people who have completed certain construction related degrees, HNDs, HNCs, CIOB Certificates and NEBOSH diplomas.
Professionally Qualified person: This card is available to competence assessed members of CSCS approved Professional Bodies of which CIOB is one.
Not everyone needs a card: There will be IA card holders who no longer require their CSCS cards. For example, you may have moved into a management role, become a director, or rarely visit site. In these scenarios, you do not require a CSCS card.

Those unable to fit into these four scenarios will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024. Those without qualifications will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024, however this does not mean attending college. Assessments can take place on site, remotely or via a professional discussion depending on the individual circumstances.

Costs will vary depending on a range of factors such as the training provider, qualification and assessment method. However, CITB grants are available to employers to assist with the cost involved. Those impacted are advised to read up on the options available to them and follow the interactive flowcharts available via CSCS Applying For Cards Industry Accreditation CSCS would also urge employers, trade associations, awarding organisations and training providers to put plans in place to support the workers affected ahead of the December 2024 withdrawal.

George Swann Skills and Training Lead said:

“if you are an AI card holder without a qualification FIS has Training Provider members who can help get the qualification applicable to your role. Contact FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org and we may be able to get you your qualification free of charge”.

Shining a light on apprenticeships

by Clair Mooney | 16 Feb, 2023 | Skills

Last week saw the annual celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. The theme for 2023 was ‘Skills for Life’ and the week reflected on how apprenticeships could help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and help businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future.

The week brought together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

To be interactive and engaged with our members, FIS published daily polls, following the themes of the day to understand members awareness of apprenticeships. Our poll results were inspiring and positive, demonstrating that FIS is working hard for its members to ensure they have the most up to date information and support on apprenticeships.

The results indicated we are getting the message out about apprenticeships, however, we could do more to influence our members in relation to those who may be hesitant to take apprentices on. 80% of businesses that took part in our poll have recruited an apprentice in the past and 57% are considering hiring an apprentice.

The FIS skills team will be proactive and follow up with those who were not quite sure about taking on apprentices (43%) to discuss benefits they bring, and any funding attached.

FIS has links with many education institutions, where member views are represented to make a change in the sector. It is good news that the Interior Systems Installer apprenticeship is preparing to be reviewed, with input from our members taken on board to ensure it is fit for purpose and adds value.

An area where a little more work is required is the awareness around T- Levels, with 55% of respondents not aware what a T-Level is. T-Levels are relatively new to the sector and FIS is on hand to offer advice and guidance to its members on how these qualifications can be integrated into their organisation to fill the skills gaps.

National Apprenticeship Week is an important tool in raising the profile of apprenticeships with schools, parents and young people who may not have considered apprenticeships as a viable career route. The week also highlights the value apprentices bring to employers. Our members who have recruited apprentices, have found great value and pride in making a difference to participants.

FIS is a great believer in celebrating success and showcasing the great benefits that apprentices bring to individuals and employers is no different. We have celebrated apprentices at our recent awards, where apprentices have won and shone a light on how undertaking an apprenticeship has enabled them to fulfil their ambitions and how they have been successful in their achievements.

Skills Hub

The Skills Hub provides information on sector careers, apprenticeships and funding, as well as access to e-learning, CPD and other training. It also brings together details of courses specific to the finishes and interiors sector, making accessing and booking training quick and easy.

Click Here

CPA seeks SME contractor perspective for development of construction products competence standard at BSI

by Clair Mooney | 16 Feb, 2023 | Skills

Last year, the Construction Products Association (CPA) published the document Built Environment – Proposed construction product competence standard – white paper, proposing new competence requirements for all those using or otherwise working with construction products, and is now gearing up to develop a British Standard at BSI. This standard is due to have impact on the entire supply chain, and the CPA is keen to have input in the development from small contractors as well as large to ensure its practicality and usability.

The CPA is seeking a voluntary perspective to join the development group. The project will likely last between 18 months to two years, and though meeting frequency and input will vary according to the task, it will likely have a meeting at least once a month for two hours. The CPA appreciates that SME contractors may have limited resources, so would be willing to have a conversation exploring options as to levels of contribution.

To enquire about the position, or for further information, please contact Hanna Clarke by COP 3 March 2023.

Young workers’ safety highlighted during National Apprentice Week

by Clair Mooney | 8 Feb, 2023 | Health and Safety, Skills

National Apprenticeship Week is a timely reminder to enusre young workers are receiving the training and supervision they need. Workers are as likely to have an accident in the first 6 months at a workplace as they are during the whole of the rest of their working life.

Apprentices could be facing unfamiliar risks and are more likely to be new to the workplace. The HSE website has information on health and safety for apprentices. There is also a wide range of guidance on its young people at work website, including: