The timber frame industry is one of the few supply sectors in UK building to have a complete range of programmes to deliver a fully-trained workforce by 2010. But given the current recession, how realistic is it to prioritise skills and training?
Anyone with memories of the last recession knows why it’s so important. As Richard Lambert at the BWF said recently, “Abandoning training when times get tough is a huge mistake… if businesses cannot invest in anything else, they should invest in training.”
Fortunately the timber frame industry, is getting the message. In fact, we’ve noticed an increase in candidates for its qualifications programmes, notably the City & Guilds certificate for timber frame designers we launched last autumn, which has received a special quality commendation from City & Guilds.
Many companies, like Taylor Lane, Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Pinewood Structures, Walker Timber, Deeside Timber Frame and Robertson Timberkit, are putting many, if not all, their timber frame designers through the UKTFA programme. And even smaller firms like T Fleming Homes know it makes sense. They also know that changes to the CDM Regulations 2007 put much greater emphasis on design skills. The old HNCs simply don’t cover it.
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are also recognised as a key qualification for proving occupational competence and form the basis for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). And the UKTFA has been working to develop and improve NVQs (and their Scottish equivalent, SVQs) for the timber frame industry. Most recently, it succeeded in updating the standards that underpin the Level 2 NVQ, lobbying for changes that will mean timber frame erectors are given the opportunity to demonstrate competence in the placing and fixing of sole plates, something not covered before. This makes it a much more relevant, useful qualification.
The standards that underpin the NVQ are also likely to be reclassified in the ‘wood occupations’ category as opposed to ‘industrial buildings’. This may make the qualification easier to spot for joiners and other industry workers looking to get formal skills recognition. In England it may also unlock funding, as ‘wood occupations’ are currently seen as a priority training area.
As a result of growing interest in skills development, more training suppliers are coming into this market. For example, the NHBC has recently launched its latest NVQ for the timber frame sector, offering builders access to the CSCS timber frame erector red or blue card. And thanks to funding from the government’s Train to Gain scheme, NHBC is effectively offering the programme free to eligible builders in England.
A popular option among many people is to take an NVQ qualification at level 2 or 3 as part of an apprenticeship – or ‘modern apprenticeship’ as they’re now dubbed. These offer people aged over 16 the chance of paid employment combined with the opportunity to train for jobs at craft, technician and management level. They are a useful way of gaining skills and qualifications without having to study full-time.
Like all modern apprenticeships, the timber frame version is being developed by the industry itself. This will be a two-year programme, hopefully delivered through colleges from late this year. We have had early interest from colleges, and I’m working to ensure tutors are up-to-date with timber frame construction and the standards the industry needs to achieve.
To find out more about skills and training opportunities in the timber frame industry, contact Ray Curran on 01259 272140.
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Timber frame companies are recognising the importance of training |
