FM CAREERS - TRAINING
NEW CARD SCHEMES AIM TO
IMPROVE CONSTRUCTION TRAINING
Two new card schemes have been launched to help
FEBRUARY 2021 53
address safety, training and qualifications within the
construction sector.
FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) the trade
association and training body for the safety netting and
temporary safety systems industry, has teamed up with
CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme), the leading
card scheme for the UK construction industry that provides
proof that individuals working on construction sites have
the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they
perform.
The partnership between FASET and CSCS covers working at
height, specifically installers of safety nets, stair towers, edge
protection (tube and fitting) and platform decking.
Commenting on the news Tony Seddon, Managing Director
of FASET, said: “The partnership between FASET and CSCS
is a huge step forward for temporary safety systems on UK
construction sites. If someone arrives to install safety nets,
stair towers, edge protection or platform decking, the site
manager can easily check they’re qualified just by viewing the
details on their FASET card.
“Anyone holding this card has considerable experience
and knowledge of temporary safety systems. Gaining
industry-wide recognition of their specialist skills and level of
qualification was a logical move with a big impact on height
safety.”
Graham Wren, CEO of CSCS, added: “CSCS holds an
important place in our industry, providing evidence of
qualifications and training thousands of times a day. FASET
has been maintaining safety, standards and best practice for
many years and I am pleased to welcome them as the latest
CSCS Partner Card Scheme.
“This is positive news for the industry, FASET cards
displaying the CSCS logo align with the objectives of the
Construction Leadership Council and are another example of
the industry working together to achieve a fully trained and
qualified workforce.”
www.jobs.fmj.co.uk/blog/view/612/index0/Faset-Cscs-
Partnership-O ers-Benefits-For-At-Height-Workers
Meanwhile, one of the construction industry’s largest skills
certification registers is launching a special card for engineers
with degrees and other higher-level qualifications.¥
Engineering Services SKILLcard, which has over 64,000
card holders across the UK, has developed the Academically
Qualified Person (AQP) card so individuals with higher level
qualifications can visit construction sites to help them gain
more practical experience.
SKILLcard, which is managed by the Building Engineering
Services Association (BESA) and is part of the constructionwide
CSCS scheme, is used by heating, ventilating, air
conditioning and refrigeration operatives to provide proof of
qualifications, skills and experience.
“This new card will provide an essential bridge for
individuals who hold higher level qualifications but don’t
have enough workplace experience for the PQP card,” said
BESA’s Director of Certification Rachel Davidson. “Holding a
SKILLcard is not a legislative requirement, but many larger
clients and contractors now insist on one for site placements
or employment – and this is the best way for an engineer to
provide evidence of their qualifications.”
The card was developed in partnership with London South
Bank University (LSBU) who stressed the important role it will
play in allowing newly qualified engineers to gain site access
and build their experience.
“Graduates will need this card during the transition period
between graduating and acquiring the appropriate experience
for the PQP card, normally while working towards chartered
engineer status,” said Tony Thomas, visiting professor of workbased
learning at LSBU.¥“This card provides a much-needed
imprimatur which will be progressively essential for graduates
to gain employment or placements on construction sites.”
For full details and to apply for a SKILLcard go to:
www.skillcard.org.uk
Skills boost
required
to achieve
net zero
buildings
Almost half (48 per cent)
of electrotechnical and
engineering services
employers say there is
‘insuffi cient training’
available to enable
electricians and other
installers to deliver the
technologies necessary to
achieve Net Zero Carbon,
such as renewable energy,
heat pumps, electric vehicle
charging, and energy
storage.
The Skills4Climate
industry report, which
surveyed a range of
businesses in the
electrotechnical and
engineering services
sector, showed that despite
overwhelming support from
respondents (88 per cent)
for a green UK economic
recovery following the
Coronavirus crisis, a quarter
(25 per cent) said they would
struggle to fi nd workers
with the necessary ‘green’
skills to meet demand.
The report highlights the
need for more eff ective
collaboration between
installers, manufacturers,
the education and training
sector and Government to
defi ne and deliver the low
carbon skills for Net Zero
Carbon.
Andrew Eldred, ECA’s
Director of Employment
& Skills said: “Despite a
powerful consensus in
favour of transition to a
low carbon economy, skills
policy and delivery in this
area remain sub-optimal.
“A more inclusive and
strategic approach is
required to encourage
more engineering services
employers to upskill their
current workforce to deliver
a low carbon revolution,
and to recruit and train the
next cohort of school leavers
for secure and meaningful
careers for the future.”
https://bit.ly/36y2fnh
CASH INCENTIVE TO
TRAIN UP YOUNG
APPRENTICES
Employers can now apply for a £1,000 cash boost to
help them take on new trainees. The new scheme
aims to support young people to gain the skills and
experience they need from the very start, helping
them to get a job, an apprenticeship, or pursue further
study. The cash boost – which is available until 31 July
2021 - will help businesses with the cost of providing
a high-quality work placement for a trainee. This
includes providing facilities, uniforms or helping with
travel costs. Businesses o ering new traineeship
opportunities will receive the £1,000 bonus for every
trainee they take on with up to a maximum of 10
trainees. Employers can claim the cash incentive for
all work placements that have been completed since 1
September.
www.gov.uk/education/apprenticeships-traineeshipsand
internships
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/www.skillcard.org.uk
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/apprenticeships-traineeships-and-internships
/apprenticeships-traineeships-and-internships
/apprenticeships-traineeships-and-internships
