Qualifying the specialist workforce

Concrete, Apr 2007 by McGachie, Helen

Training is definitely the buzzword for 2007. For far too long specialist skills such as resin flooring have been excluded from any formal training activities, simply due to the lack of a formal qualification, no recognition from independent awarding bodies and therefore no grant support. The Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA) has been instrumental in setting up NVQ Level 2 training programmes.

Contractors involved in the specialist occupation of resin flooring had no access to external training nor could they gain any advice from training bodies such as CITB as to how they could receive formal training on laying resin floors.

However, this does not mean that training has not taken place; on the contrary, many forward-thinking companies have set up their own internal training as well as benefiting from informal product training through manufacturers.

As the association representing resin flooring, training has been, and indeed remains, FeRFA's top priority. The last 12 months have brought in many changes; with the introduction of a grant-funded NVQ Level 2 in in-situ resin flooring that reflects current practice. This is available to experienced operatives via on-site assessment, where candidates are linked with FeRFA-approved assessors and taken through the assessment process.

Shortage of newcomers

As with many construction skills, the shortage of newcomers to the industry sector is an increasing problem, particularly where there is no defined career plan leading to a formal qualification. To address this issue, FeRFA launched a new Apprentice Scheme in December 2006. The scheme runs over a two-year period and involves both classroom and on-the-job supervised training, leading to the NVQ Level 2 in in-situ resin flooring. As with all apprentice schemes, a great deal of commitment is required from the employer to support the apprentice throughout the twoyear programme. The response to the new scheme from members has been very positive and there is sufficient interest to run a number of schemes in 2007.

A fundamental part of any resin flooring system is the preparation of the substrate prior to application. Sub-floor preparation is another sector that has never received any formal recognition as a specialist skill. Work undertaken by FeRFA and other interested parties will now result in the introduction of a new NVQ Level 2 during 2007, entitled Prepare & Profile Substrates. The qualification will be available to experienced operatives and for trainees through a new apprentice scheme.

The achievement of an NVQ Level 2 is a clear indication of skill and experience, and also entitles the successful candidate to apply for a CSCS Blue Skilled Card. FeRFA has taken this one stage further with its members. All successful NVQ holders are also issued with a FeRFA ID Badge, which clearly states the areas of skill, such as coatings, self-smoothing and screeds, and eventually this will also include sub-floor preparation.

Identifying, sourcing and organising the correct training can be a difficult task for any company. By working in partnership with CITB-ConstructionSkills, FeRFA is able to offer a comprehensive advice and support service to all its members on every aspect of training. Regular updates and training bulletins are an important part of its communication to members.

Concluding remarks

But what does this mean to the client, specifier and end user? It means a commitment from the FeRFA contractor to quality, health and safety, and employee skill development. Choosing a FeRFA contractor gives the client access to specialist skills and experience that have been independently assessed. A qualified workforce raises standards in the industry and gives the client the assurance and evidence of the contractor's ability to undertake the work involved. FeRFA's message to all its members throughout 2007 is to qualify the workforce, and the message to clients, specifiers, end users and main contractors is to support the Association in this aim by choosing a qualified contractor.

HELEN McGACHIE, FERFA