The sector 'trailblazers' are part of the government's plan to put employers in the driving seat in the development of qualifications and apprenticeship standards to ensure they are fit for purpose.
Several companies have signed up to help develop the standards for wood occupations and assembly technicians. Organisations involved include Laing O’Rourke, Carillion Construction, Lovell Partnerships, Seddon, Kier, Balfour Beatty, Royal Engineers, H&H Joiners & Builders Ltd, K&M McLoughlin Decorating, the Chartered Institute of Building, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Civil engineering in the rail sector is also one of the 29 categories, to develop the standard for a rail design technician.. This initiative is led Jacobs Engineering, Arup, Atkins, CH2MHill, Hyder Consulting, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Tony Gee & Partners, URS, WSP, the ICE) and the Institution of Engineering technology (IET).
Laing O’Rourke is introducing a new apprenticeship scheme for construction assembly technicians. “We are designing a new apprenticeship to respond to not only the present needs of the construction industry, but those of the future as well,” said Alison Lamplough, head of operational training at Laing O’Rourke and chair of the steering group working on construction apprenticeships for the Trailblazers initiative.
“Laing O’Rourke’s construction assembly technicians will be multi-skilled, delivering the modern methods of construction such as Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DfMA) and digital engineering, leveraging new technologies.
“Trailblazers will allow construction companies to work together to assess the skills we know we’ll need. As a major employer, we believe it is important that apprenticeships are developed to recognised standards and are relevant to employer needs, while at the same time providing an exciting route for young people into the construction industry.”
A construction assembly technician’s primary role is to assemble and install DfMA components including precast concrete, steel, associated formwork, falsework and propping to the required specification.
Carillion Construction is leading the development of the new standards for apprenticeships in wood occupations.
Carillion Training Services director and general manager Ray Wilson said: "As the largest provider of apprenticeships in the construction industry we are delighted to be taking a leading role in this important task. Working with other employers and professional bodies we are committed to being at the forefront of construction learning excellence and creating a standard which will deliver the next generation of skilled craftspeople."
On completion of their 18 month apprenticeship, individuals will achieve a recognised qualification such as Assembly Technician Level 2 NVQ diploma, a Level 2 Diploma knowledge qualification and additional training modules for Slinger/Signaller, IPAF, PASMA and working at heights. Apprentices will also have achieved English and Maths at level 1 or equivalent.
The construction trailblazer group will continue working together over the next 3-6 months developing the framework.
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