CITB launches fire safety in buildings training

CITB launches fire safety in buildings training

CITB has announced the launch of its new Level 1 (awareness) course, which has been developed in partnership with Build UK and fire industry experts. The course is designed to improve an individual’s knowledge of fire safety measures in buildings and is suitable for anyone working in the design, construction, or maintenance of buildings, with a specific focus on installers.

The course is free and is split into five modules:

  • Grenfell
  • Materials
  • Fire protection
  • Competence
  • Installation

Certification lasts five years.

For more information and to register visit https://www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/find-a-training-course/ecourses/#firesafetybuildings

Knowledge of careers in construction remains concerningly low

Knowledge of careers in construction remains concerningly low

As part of the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce Work, educational charity Class of Your Own ran a short survey to gather views of teachers and students in years 8 to 11 from schools in the London area on their views and understanding of careers in construction and sustainability.  The survey highlights some concerning gaps in understanding, but despite this close to 40% of students are interested in careers in construction, with 10% stating that they want to be an architect/engineer or tradesperson.

The Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce was set up to support the aims of the City Corporation’s radical Climate Action Strategy which commits to net-zero carbon emissions across the City Corporation’s operations by 2027, and to support the achievement of net zero for the Square Mile by 2040.  Over 300 organizations have joined the ‘Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce,’ including designers, construction firms, and education providers.

This survey formed part of this work.  Headline findings included:

  • 70% of students and 82% of teachers had no idea that nearly 10% of the UK working population are employed in the construction sector
  • 37% of students surveyed are interested in a career in construction
  • 50% of students are very or extremely worried about climate change
  • 25% of students said that climate change will impact future choice of subject they will study and career
  • 45% of teachers and 30% of students rated their familiarity with careers in construction at 1 or 2 out of 5
  • 10% of students responded that they want to be an architect / engineer or tradesperson
  • The vast majority of teachers (76%) and students (72%) feel they would benefit from local employer involvement in understanding qualification choices and career options in construction

Commenting on the research Iain McIlwee, FIS CEO and Chair of the working group looking at Barriers for Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce stated:

“There are some worrying numbers in this research, but no surprises and room for optimism.  The key stats to hang on to are that close to 40% of students would consider a career in construction and10% are planning to join the industry.  This is something to build on and, whilst knowledge of careers in the sector fall short of what we want, there are signs that teachers and students are open to better direct engagement from employers.

A key challenge is that schools and educational authorities have a fragmented and inconsistent approach to advising on careers – this is an area we need to lobby for change.  In the interim it is beholden on us to redouble our efforts to deliver consistent and joined up information that is well targeted and helps students make informed decisions.
I am excited about the opportunity to work with the City of London to help improve the way industry and education are working together and deliver positive messages about construction so that we can encourage more young people to look in our direction and join us in rebuilding a Sustainable London.”

To help encourage entrants, FIS sponsored a free prize draw where a teacher and student receive a £50 Amazon Voucher.  The teacher price was won by Mr Brown, a Maths and PSHE Teacher from John F Kennedy Catholic School in Hertfordshire.  The winning student was Joseph Cameron from Fulham Cross Academy (pictured with Head of Sixth Form, Alan Jones).

Alison Watson MBE Founder and Chief Executive at Class Of Your Own Limited stated: “It’s great to join forces with such like-minded organisations. Only through collaboration can we bridge the knowledge gap between classrooms and the construction industry, dispelling myths and igniting interest in sustainable careers. By equipping students and teachers with real-world insights, we can show that construction is a dynamic field where STEM, digital skills and climate action intersect.”

Building on this and the wider work of the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce, The City of London Corporation has released a new report urging investment in workers to meet the growing demand for green jobs and skills in decarbonizing the city’s commercial buildings.  Phase 2 of the Taskforce work is to develop an Action Plan to respond to the research with impactful interventions and an industry engagement campaign to promote reskilling and upskilling among the existing workforce, and raising career awareness amongst Londoners, including those from underrepresented backgrounds.

You can read the full Skyline Skills Recommendation report here

 

Get involved in Skills Bootcamps

Get involved in Skills Bootcamps

FIS is looking for employers to offer work trials or employment to candidates that are currently taking part in Skills Bootcamps.

We are currently seeking employers that are:

  • Based in the London or West Midlands area that has vacancies for Drylining, Carpentry or Bricklaying contractors
  • Are happy to offer a two- week work trial on completion of the Bootcamp
  • Can provide an interview at the end of the work trial for a term of no less than 12 weeks

Skills Bootcamps are a Department for Education (DfE) initiative which has been developed in partnership with local employers, training providers and local authorities to help fill skills gaps and vacancies in their areas.

The Skills Bootcamps for construction are open to anyone aged 19 and over, looking to change sectors or progress in their current industry. They offer flexible courses lasting up to 16 weeks and include classroom-based, on-the-job and short courses. All Bootcamp participants are guaranteed a job interview at the end of the course.

FIS member Construction Helpline are offering government funded Skills Bootcamps which are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with an employer.

To get involved in the Skills Bootcamps in your region, contact beenanana@thefis.org

Further information is available at Free Government Funded Skills Bootcamps in Drylining, Bricklaying, Carpentry & Occupational work Supervision. Apply now for free with Construction Helpline

CITB Skills and Training Fund for micro-sized and small construction businesses

CITB Skills and Training Fund for micro-sized and small construction businesses

Did you know you can apply for The Skills and Training Fund in advance of any planned training activities?

To be eligible, you must

  • You are a CITB-registered employer and up to date with your Levy Returns
  • You have up to 99 directly employed staff (in addition to yourself/the business owner)
  • Any previous project paid for by the Fund has been signed off as complete.

How much can you apply for:

  • Employers with CIS only (no PAYE) can receive up to £2,500.
  • Employers with 1 to 49 directly employed staff can receive up to £5,000.
  • Employers with 50 to 74 directly employed staff can receive up to £7,500.
  • Employers with 75 to 99 directly employed staff can receive up to £10,000.

For further information, please contact Marie Flinter: email marieflinter@thefis.org or mobile 07799 903 103.

 

City of London Corporation publishes new report calling for investment in workers to plug the green skills gap

City of London Corporation publishes new report calling for investment in workers to plug the green skills gap

The City of London Corporation has released a new report urging investment in workers to meet the growing demand for green jobs and skills in decarbonising the city’s commercial buildings.

The report highlights a need for a skilled and diverse workforce capable of constructing, retrofitting, and managing sustainable buildings. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) predicts a surge in construction labor demand in Central London, reaching over a quarter of a million by 2027. Additionally, there’s an annual demand for around 35,000 non-construction professionals in the built environment sector.

Over 300 organisations have joined the ‘Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce,’ including designers, construction firms, and education providers. The taskforce emphasises the urgency of addressing the growing demand for sustainable commercial buildings.

The report recommends reforming the Apprenticeship Levy and s106 policies to match the demand for skilled workers. The current inflexibility of the Apprenticeship Levy and inconsistencies in s106 policies have raised concerns within the sector.

There are six main recommendations for government, training providers and the wider industry to address collectively. These include:

  • Developing new entry-level sustainability training, apprenticeships and upskilling courses for emerging job roles;
  • Working with government to set more ambitious green skills strategies for the built environment;
  • Invest in attracting diverse candidates to a wider spectrum of sustainable roles across the built environment;
  • Creating an easily accessible way to collect and share data on the pipeline of projects and workforce skills shortages, so that the industry can prepare for the emerging skills needs;
  • Built environment organisations should develop an Environmental Social Governance (ESG) strategy to support sustainability operations, retrofit, and skills training;
  • Promote the sector’s role in addressing climate change, with wide-ranging career pathways and diverse role models through positive PR and engagement with schools.

 Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transport Committee, Shravan Joshi, said:

“The built environment is critical in supporting central London’s transition to a more sustainable economy. Buildings have substantial carbon footprints, so reducing emissions in the sector will be pivotal for addressing climate change. Ensuring technical education, such as through apprenticeships, offers a range of flexible training routes towards new jobs, which will be essential to delivering on sustainability ambitions.

“I would like to personally invite industry representatives to join the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce, read the new report and to follow the six recommendations to help us build a more sustainable built environment workforce and reshape the sector.”

The Skills for a Sustainable Skyline taskforce has committed to sustained engagement with the government to promote a reformed Apprenticeship Levy and s106 policy, that is more flexible and meets the needs of employers. It will also promote the delivery of a new National Retrofit and Green Skills Strategy for commercial developments. It will also convene with employers, owners, leaseholders, local government and training providers to explore how they can work collaboratively to promote workforce upskilling, expansion and diversification.

Work Academy focused on Drylining

Work Academy focused on Drylining

Sector Based Work Academy – West London College 

Registration – Friday 22nd September, 10am

Starts – Monday 25th September, 10am

Location – Southall Community College , Beaconsfield Road, Southall, UB1 1DP

What we are asking members to do is to support with the work experience and guaranteed job interview

✔Pre-employment training – focusing on requirements for the construction sector

✔Relevant sector ‘tickets’ including Health and Safety

✔Work experience placement – a great opportunity for a business to identify talent and for the individual to cement their knowledge and understanding of the required role

✔A guaranteed job interview or help with an employer’s recruitment process

Sector-based work academies are a valuable resource for those looking to transition into a new field of work. These academies provide training and education to individuals who are currently receiving unemployment benefits, with the goal of preparing them to apply for jobs in a different sector.

The placements offered through sector-based work academies are specifically designed to meet the immediate and future recruitment needs of employers. By providing individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a particular field, these academies help to recruit and sustain a workforce that is equipped to grow and develop a business.

Overall, sector-based work academies are a powerful tool for both job seekers and employers. They provide a pathway for individuals to transition into new fields of work and help businesses to find employees with the right skills to thrive.

The 2 Week program is designed with the aim of preparing individuals for employment in the construction sector. The program is made up of various components including pre-employment training, sector tickets, work experience placement and guaranteed job interviews. These components are put together to ensure that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the construction sector.

Pre-employment training is an important aspect of the program as it focuses on the requirements for the construction sector. During this training, individuals will be taught about the various roles in the sector and the skills required to succeed in these roles. The training will also cover topics such as health and safety, communication and teamwork.

Relevant sector tickets, including health and safety, will also be provided to individuals as part of the program. These tickets are important as they demonstrate that individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the construction sector. Employers in the sector often require individuals to have these tickets before they can be employed.

The program also includes a work experience placement which provides individuals with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the sector. This is a great opportunity for businesses to identify talent and for individuals to cement their knowledge and understanding of the required role.

Finally, the program includes a guaranteed job interview or help with an employer’s recruitment process. This ensures that individuals have the best possible chance of securing employment in the construction sector.

For more information or to sign up to the course please email Beena Nana