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!
Autumn and Winter aren't normally the seasons for birth and growth, but a few exciting things are taking shape right now.
Labourers. It is obvious that industry wants its long-term ‘labourers’ – who actually mostly should be classified as ‘skilled without recognition’ – to achieve the Level 2 NVQ they deserve.
For those who are truly labourers, applying for the new green CSCS Labourer card recently became more involved.
Firms like my own facilitate one day training sessions recognised by CSCS as an equivalent to the new level 1 qualification.
Apprentices. 1 & 2 December saw module one for the new intake of learners starting their Specialist Apprenticeship Programme in Facade Preservation.
This is now the eighth intake that David Priestman, the programme author and lead instructor, has started. David says: “Learners are joining the programme from around the country for the two-year employer mentored, 20 day off-site training programme.”
Programmes kick off in the third quarter of each year for the disciplines of stone cleaning, stone restoring and stone fixing.
And the news is that firms registered with CITB received grants higher in value than the fee charged!
Up-skillers. The Natural Stone Industry Training Group (NSITG) is continuing to produce courses that fill the industry’s needs for skilled people. Now, I'm not a representative of the group, but for many years I have enjoyed participating in the forum of the NSITG.
I am happy to report that after a concerted effort by forum members and officers of the group, November saw the launch of a Natural Stone Professional Practice programme.
For the next year, learners from across the country will receive training from industry experts and be assessed for the Level 3 NVQ in Construction Contracting Operations, which permits them to apply for the CSCS Gold card.
The pilot programme has received generous funding support from CITB.
Ian Major, NSITG’s Training Officer, tells me: “The programme was designed for two audiences. Firstly, time-served masons up-skilling to roles such as estimator and draughtsman. Secondly, general construction professionals needing an in-depth understanding of working with natural stone.”
Of course, I'll tell you in this column when a new cohort of learners can enrol. Personally, I feel this is a programme to get excited about!
You can keep tabs on the activities of the NSITG at www.nsitg.org.uk
Experienced Workers. The On-Site Assessment & Training route to NVQ achievement remains popular. It is designed to assess the candidate in their normal work environment. This approach minimises disruption to normal work and project activities.
There is plenty to look forward to and I wish you well in the year ahead as you continue your pursuit of qualifying your workforce.
Mark Priestman is a Partner at Priestman Associates LLP, a leading façade preservation project consultancy. From stonemasonry and heritage skills through to Site Supervision and Conservation Management, the partnership is trusted by the leading brands of the sector as an NVQ provider for experienced, upskiller and apprentice workers.
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