The construction industry is dynamic and constantly evolving, as a result of changes in legislation, technologies, tools, and techniques. Continuous training ensures that construction professionals stay competent, efficient, and safe in such a fast-paced environment.
It’s no different when it comes to installing facades. Standards must be maintained in a highly regulated industry to protect and prevent unsafe building practices, safeguarding those working on-site and the people occupying these buildings.
Here, we look at the importance of training and how we’re meeting the new requirements ahead of industry-wide change, which will happen in January 2025.
Preparing for industry change
Continuous training is not just a requirement but the key to success in the ever-evolving construction industry. With advancements in building regulations, safety protocols, and construction methods, ongoing training equips teams with the knowledge and skills to execute their work effectively and safely, enhancing professional growth and value in the industry. One change on the horizon is around Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) cards. CSCS cards provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do, thereby helping to improve standards and safety in UK construction.
The upcoming changes are significant and include the expiration of CSCS Industry Accreditation (IA), which was obtainable for skilled and experienced individuals without traditional qualifications but valuable contributors to the industry. However, these are set to expire in December 2024, and a relevant NVQ or SVQ qualification will need to be obtained to meet the new requirements. It’s crucial to be prepared for these changes to continue working in the industry.
We’re ahead of the curve
Adapting to these changes requires forward planning, and a willingness to adapt to the evolving industry. At Eden Facades, we are ahead of the curve in this regard – we have carried out a lot of training, and it continues to be an ongoing process within the team to continue upskilling and ensuring that they are equipped to carry out all duties.
We’re actively working with our dedicated teams to be ready for the upcoming CSCS card changes, providing staff with the necessary time and resources to obtain their NVQ qualifications.
When asking Tony Hill, Managing Director at Eden Facades, about meeting these new standards, he commented:
“We are proactively working towards upskilling our team. As part of preparing for industry change and adapting to the new requirements, we’re ensuring our team has all the necessary training to deliver and maintain the high standards we set.
“Some qualifications our team are currently working towards include the NVQ Level 3 Diploma in occupational work supervision, NVQ 6 in project & construction site management, and NVQ 7 in construction project management, to name a few.”
Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme (SEATS)
Regulatory changes are often led by industry governing bodies and regulators, but sometimes, changes can become requirements for certain contractors to meet their own ambitions and goals.
Kier Group, for example, is a leading provider of Infrastructure Services, Construction, and Property developments, and one of its key objectives is to sustainably deliver vital infrastructure to the UK. To support this, in 2020, Kier launched their sustainability framework, Building for a Sustainable World, revised in 2023 following its success.
As part of their framework, Kier now requires subcontractors to be qualified in SEATS (Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme). The course has been developed with site managers and supervisors in mind, providing them with the knowledge to identify, control and minimise the environmental impacts of their work and, where possible, identify environmental improvement opportunities.
Ensuring that we act sustainably and responsibly within our work is a value we share at Eden Facades. Our team is now trained in SEATs, enabling us to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability on-site, and support the wider goals of contractors such as Kier.
Investing in the future
An experience and knowledgeable team is the backbone of our success as a business, and we proactively seek opportunities for training, development, and mentorship to ensure our employees are well-equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
By supporting our workforce through these industry changes, we demonstrate our dedication to excellence and the well-being of our employees. We fully grasp the challenges that accompany transitional periods and continuously work towards building a supportive and inclusive environment where our employees can thrive and develop their skills.
As an employer, we are committed to providing guidance, resources, and financial assistance for our workers to obtain NVQs wherever possible.
Tony added, “We look forward to supporting our workforce in any way we can so they can continue to deliver the outstanding quality to clients we see on every project.
“Whether supporting our clients’ goals, our own ambitions, or continuing to improve our service and expertise, we apply a can-do approach to facilitate this.”
If you would like to know more about how we work, or would like our help with an upcoming project, contact us on 01268 744 199 or office@edenfacades.co.uk.
