Pro Installer February 2024 - Issue 131 | Page 46

Skills
46 | FEBRUARY 2024

Skills

Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk

DHF WARNS OF ‘ 12 MONTHS TO GO ’ FOR CSCS CARDS

Tamworth-based trade association , the Door & Hardware Federation ( DHF ), has sounded the ‘ clarion call ’ with CSCS cards awarded by ‘ Grandfather Rights ’ set to expire on 31st December 2024 . It is predicted that up to 60,000 industry skills cards will terminate at that point and cannot be renewed . In preparation , the renewal of new CSCS cards under ‘ Grandfather Rights ’ will cease on 30th June this year .
“ Most people in construction are familiar with the CSCS card , which can be issued either physically or digitally ,” explains DHF ’ s Commercial Director , Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens . Although CSCS cards are not a legislative requirement
, it is a requirement under the Construction ( Design and Management ) Regulations 2015 ( CDM 2015 ) for contractors to ensure any individual they employ or appoint to work on a construction site has the necessary skills , knowledge , training and experience .
“ CSCS cards are supported by the government and are required by most principal contractors and major house builders in order for construction workers to access their sites . They provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job that they are doing ,” she continues .
The federation launched its government approved CSCS card
partner scheme in collaboration with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association ( ADSA ) at the end of 2019 , and offers various cards for those who work with industrial doors , domestic garage doors , automated gates & traffic barriers and metal or timber doors . As part of this scheme some cards require you to have attended and passed a DHF approved training course . DHF and ADSA also formed the ESA - https :// www . esa . uk . com / - to offer specialised NVQ ’ s in the field of automated gates , industrial doors , dock leveller , loading bay equipment and powered pedestrian doors .
“ DHF supports the CSCS ( Construction Skills Certification Scheme ) Alliance , and in so doing
, reiterated its firm support for the continued demonstration of competence across the construction industry ,” continues Patricia . “ The CSCS Alliance is an organisation comprising 38 different organisations representing not just the traditional construction trades but the many specialist
occupations across the built environment .”
Building Safety and competence are two of the Construction Leadership Council ’ s ( CLC ) priorities . The CLC Industrial Strategy states that only qualifications can provide a consistent means of proving an individual ’ s skills . Therefore , they require everyone working in construction related occupations to obtain a recognised qualification . CSCS is committed to playing its part in delivering a fully trained and qualified workforce . Therefore , the removal of cards issued under IA will assist in meeting industry requirements .
www . dhfonline . org . uk

BUILDING OUR SKILLS ANNOUNCES EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS CLINICS FOR BESPOKE INDUSTRY CAREERS FAIRS IN MARCH FENESTRATION , GLASS AND GLAZING – 50 CAREERS IN ONE DAY

Building Our Skills - Making Fenestration , Glass and Glazing a Career of Choice says that ‘ employability skills clinics ’ are to feature at the first of its series of bespoke industry careers fairs in March .
“ The employability skills clinics should play a major part in attracting schools and students to the fairs ,” says Mark Handley , Building Our Skills ’ Partnerships Manager . He adds :
“ Discussions with local authorities have highlighted just how helpful these clinics will be in helping students to think about the fenestration , glass and glazing industry .”
The employability skills clinics will cover
CV writing skills , top tips for interviews , personal skills assessment , training , qualifications , apprenticeships and other career pathways .
Building Our Skills aims to show the industry to over 1,000 school children and their teachers over the course of two pilot events in March . If the two pilots are successful , these will become annual events enabling the initiative to keep in touch with those who attend as they get closer to thinking about their
careers . It is expected that the events will expand into other areas of the country where Building Our Skills is already working with other local education authorities . ‘ Career Families ’ are another facet of the careers fairs that will help students understand the many career options open to them as they get closer to the world of work .
The eleven ‘ families ’ together encompass over 100 individual roles , demonstrating career progression opportunities , training , qualifications and how students can start out on their career journeys in the industry .
Teachers , parents and students who want more information about the employability skills clinics or career families can email sayhello @ buildingourskills . co . uk and ask for details .
The two pilot events are to be held in March 2024 as a part of National Careers Week . The first will be in South Yorkshire at the Oakwell Stadium , home of Barnsley FC , and the second in Manchester at the Etihad Stadium , home of Manchester City Football Club . Building Our Skills is working in conjunction with the education bodies in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester to bring these events to fruition .
www . buildingourskills . co . uk