Mark Priestman has more than 20 years’ experience in the natural stone sector. He plays an active role in the development and delivery of training in this specialist environment. Along with his father, David Priestman, he runs a training consultancy whose mantra is: Qualify the Workforce!
Well, I am back from vacation. The plan worked. I am reinvigorated and raring to go… go back on vacation that is.
No, seriously… for the first time in many years I feel ready for autumn. There is only so much sunshine and feta this Englishman can take.
So, back to training for the trade. I have described previously the key training needs to assist firms with winning tenders and submitting successful PQQs (Pre-Qualification Questionnaires).
- I highlighted the following:
- First Aider Training (see the June column)
- Fire Safety Training (see the July column)
- Manual Handling Training (July)
- Asbestos Awareness Training (July)
- Site Safety Training (August).
In each column I attempted to provide you with information about the appropriate legislation or industry standard so that compliance could be spotlighted in your own PQQ and tender submissions.
This time I want to turn my attention to two vital aspects of compliance for any contractor’s training plan:
- NVQ/SVQ (National or Scottish Vocational Qualification)
- CSCS Cards (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
Britain’s Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 are defined and discussed by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) on its website. The gist is: People making appointments have to take reasonable steps to make sure those appointed are competent in what they are expected to do.
Naturally, an independent endorsement that a worker reaches a national standard of competency – such as an NVQ or SVQ – is a powerful method of proving that people employed on the project have demonstrable competency. Other groups, such as the UK Contractor Group, back these qualifications as a route to the CSCS card.
For some time the CSCS card system has been regarded as well policed on larger projects in London only. But this is changing quickly. Spot checks are being carried out nationwide not just for card possession but for relevant card possession.
The HSE website notes that “employers need to be careful that the trade or work occupation on the card matches the work activity to be carried out and that the actual level of qualification, experience and training of the individual is sufficient”.
The predominant route to achieving a CSCS card is through an NVQ or SVQ. But clients and regulators are becoming increasingly wised-up to the need to have workers doing site work that matches the skills on their card. Ownership of a card is less often an ‘access all areas’ pass. Increasingly, operatives need to show on the back of their card at least a level 2 NVQ (or equivalent) for the work they are doing. It is not good enough, for example, for an operative to be listed as a ‘stone fixer’ but be working as a restorer.
If an operative is working on an English Heritage project, for example, or a firm wishes to tender successfully for this type of work, operatives will need CSCS cards that show a level 3 NVQ in a heritage skill. In the stone sector, level 3 NVQs are available for: Stone Mason, Façade Cleaner, Façade Restorer.
If any operative fulfils a supervisory role (having responsibility for one or more other person), they should have the level 3 NVQ or equivalent qualification in supervision on their card.
Firms with senior staff holding the level 6 ‘Construction Site Management: Conservation’ NVQ, or the level 6 ‘Construction Contracting Management’ NVQ, are finding it advantageous when tendering as they can report they have an appropriate black CSCS Manager’s Card on their submissions.
Employees and employers should be sure to highlight such achievements in their ‘shop window’ – website, marketing literature, PQQs, tender submissions… in fact, anywhere there is an opportunity to mention it. Because if you have got it, it will only give you a competitive advantage if you make sure everyone knows.