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Preparing for Large Jobs with a Construction NVQ

Coventry University - Construction NVQ

When it comes to major projects involving millions in funding, every construction worker wants to get his foot in the door.  Major projects assure that you will stay busy for a set amount of time, which is difficult to find with the current state of the economy.  Needless to say, you do not want to be passed up because you are lacking the necessary certifications.

Construction NVQs for Big Construction ProjectsOne such project that is taking place right now is the building of a house for the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at Coventry University. This is a project being headed up by Arup Associates and Balfour Beatty that will provide the engineering department with 2,100 square feet of lecture halls, labs, classrooms, workshops, and office spaces

As an addition to the design, the building is also completely green. Solar thermal energy will be used as a way to conserve energy and utilize natural resources. Rainwater harvesting will also be a major component of the building’s design. The completion date is estimated to be early in 2012.
Being Prepared with a Construction NVQIf you are an established construction worker with years of experience under your belt, let’s hope that you have heard about this project and are trying to find a spot for yourself in it.  If, however, you are just reading about it and do not currently have your NVQ in construction, you have one more step to take before any doors will be opened to you.

Your NVQ in construction is vital to being selected for projects such as this. These involve major investments, tight budgets, and strict deadlines—construction workers that are not the absolute best are only seen as a potential roadblock. But how do you prove that you are as good as you say you are? With your Construction NVQ in one hand and your CSCS card in the other, you have very little left to prove.

Because safety is a major concern during these projects, it is vital that your CSCS card accompanies your NVQ in construction. Both of these certifications showcase your competence and training, but they do so in very different ways.

With the economy in a downturn and construction being one of the hardest hit industries, you really can’t afford to be passed up for prime opportunities such as this. Take the small amount of time it requires and make sure you get your NVQ in construction. Don’t wait—you never know when the next project is going to come around.

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Being Prepared for Budget Cuts – Roofing NVQs

Roofer - Roofing NVQ

When did it become alright to put peoples’ lives in danger for the sake of saving money? Every day there are workers putting their lives on the line to perform some of the world’s most dangerous jobs and what appreciation do they receive? They get told that they will now be in even more danger because funds are tight and cutbacks had to happen somewhere.

The Health and Safety ExecutiveDuring the course of an Annual Spending Review, officials concluded that funding cuts had to be made somewhere and decided that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would be the ones to take the hit. While they don’t think it will have any significant effect, the Union of Construction, Allied Trades, and Technicians (UCATT) say that there is no doubt that these cuts will put lives at risk unnecessarily.

Apparently, just days before this announcement was made, Lord Young had completed a health and safety report. His recommendations stated that there did not need to be any changes to the safety laws that were currently in place for “dangerous industries.” Did the fact that these reports showed no problems with the safety of the construction industry have to do with the decision to cut funding? It’s probably safe to assume so. But on the contrary, if the reports had shown serious flaws within the system, would that have meant more funding to the HSE? It’s probably safe to assume not.
Being Individually Prepared with a Construction NVQClearly the workers whose lives are being toyed with because of money have very little say in the matter, which is both ludicrous and unfortunate. These men are performing dangerous jobs while others sit safely behind a desk where their biggest physical risk is getting a paper cut. Was there really no other possible place to cut funding than from the monies that ensure the safety of the workers who build our homes, businesses, bridges, and all the other structures we take for granted?

Because workers have little say in these matters, it’s imperative that they take the initiative to personally prepare themselves. This means getting any and all safety training and professional certifications available to them. For example, if every roofer made sure to take the time to acquire at least a Roofing NVQ Level 2 they would know that regardless of budget cuts, they are as prepared as possible.

Roofers perform some of the most dangerous work since they are always working at considerably great heights and often in inclement weather. By taking the time to have an assessor watch them on the job as part of their Roofing NVQ certification, and evaluate their skills and competency they are ruling out any possible mistakes they may have unknowingly made otherwise. An NVQ in Roofing is so easy to acquire, and with that and your CSCS card in hand, you are prepared for cutbacks of any kind.

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Preventable Tragedies – Painting NVQs

Painting NVQ

Every field within the construction trade has its fair share of dangers and a high risk of accidents. Every construction worker is aware of the risks when he or she chooses this career path and many become the victims of tragic accidents.

The StoryIn February of last year, two painters fell to their deaths within hours of one another. One man, 52-year-old Robert MacDonald was a painter working on the Forth Bridge and had been in this line of work for most of his life. The actual cause of the fall was never determined, but he did fall about 150 feet where he landed on scaffolding. Emergency crews were called out immediately but unfortunately he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Less than 10 hours later, 44-year-old David Rodger, who was working as a painter on the Tay Bridge also fell to his death. Reports say that he fell approximately 6 feet from a ladder onto a ledge that runs under the Tay rail. He was a contractor for the same company as Mr MacDonald, and while their deaths occurred in two separate places the fact that they occurred so close together in such a similar manner was quite unnerving to local authorities.

David Simpson, who is the Scotland Network Rail route director offered several statements about the deaths of the two men and assured reporters that, “…Such events have become extremely rare in the last decade as a result of rigorous safety regimes…”
Prevention of Construction Tragedies – Construction NVQs and CSCS CardsThe efforts to prevent tragedies such as these are what have led a substantial number of construction companies to really raise their requirements when it comes to the workers they hire. CSCS cards and NVQ certifications in painting are being made mandatory by many employers as a result of this and other tragic incidents involving painters working at great heights.

A Painting NVQ certification reassures employers that you are completely competent and have been sufficiently trained and are able to prove it to a professional assessor. Proper training and certification can be the difference between a successful project and a tragedy – requiring an NVQ significantly reduces the risk of employee error being the cause of accidents.

In the past, employees who had a level 3 NVQ in Painting were often given better projects or benefits for being certified but no one was required to have one. But is it fair for the other employees who do not have an NVQ in Painting to work alongside those who have not been certified and could be putting them in danger? By requiring each and every employee to have their level 2 Painting NVQ before being put on the job, you are ensuring the highest possibility of an accident free company.

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A Greener London – Tiling NVQs

Tiling NVQ

London is investing substantial amounts of time and money to bring small and medium sized businesses to an awareness of green building. The Green Deal is a major project being launched in 2012 and focuses on carbon reduction and retrofitting.

FLASHThe FLASH program will be running until April of 2012 and will make companies aware of green building as well as introduce them to a number of retrofitting projects. The hope is that these projects will not only lead London into a greener lifestyle, but encourage economic growth and development as well.

The Green Deal, launching in 2012 will provide the funding necessary for the retrofitting projects- an estimated 600,000 homes need retrofitting each year, which means that this is no small chore. The retrofitting helps to meet the goal of the Government for carbon reduction and that goal requires over half a million homes annually need to be retrofitted.

There are several companies working together to make the FLASH project happen. Their main goal is making sure that only the most qualified professionals are included in the program- which includes suppliers as well as workers.
What This Means for ProfessionalsAs you read, only the professionals with the most qualifications and highest credentials will be permitted to take part in this project. It is an enormous undertaking with all of the retrofitting that needs to be done, so it’s safe to assume that a significant number of workers will be required.

If you are not currently certified in your field of work, you must accept that you will not even be considered. Projects like this that are backed by the government and receiving funding from several outside sources do not have room for error. This means that they do not have room for workers who cannot provide proof of complete competency.
Construction NVQsFlooring is going to be a major part of these projects, and as a tile specialist it would serve you well to begin right now to get a Tiling NVQ. If you already believe you are competent in all aspects of your work, all you need to do is schedule an assessor to come and do an on the job evaluation. He will determine if you should receive your initial Tiling NVQ level 2 or if you need to do further training.

Opportunities like this one do not happen all the time and it would be a shame to be the best tile worker there is but not have the Tiling NVQ to back up your claim and therefore be passed  up for the job. Take the time to get certified, your NVQ in Tiling is right within your reach and could be the key to getting you into any Tiling job you want.

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Ensuring the Safety of Your Clients – Plumbing NVQs

Plumbing NVQ

There is a lot of time and money spent trying to ensure the safety of today’s construction professionals. Their well-being is a top priority and new endeavours are always underway to make sure that they are never put in an unnecessary danger. But what about the safety of the clients these professionals are serving? Who is taking their well-being into consideration and making sure that the workers who go into their homes are not leaving them with something that could turn tragic.

Unfortunate Safety ProblemsIt is unfortunate to have to report that every year there are plumbers held responsible for the deaths of clients they have served. Improper installation of gas appliances, carbon monoxide poisoning, and asbestos exposure are a few classic examples of how plumbing can be deadly.

While it is human to make mistakes, plumbing professionals must be able to own up to the fact that there is no room for mistakes when you are dealing with peoples’ lives. One error, no matter how small, can mean death or serious injury to the family in whose home you are working. It also means a lawsuit for the company you represent and the end of your career.

Regrettably, many of the plumbers performing potentially dangerous jobs are not even properly qualified to be performing them. Plumbers often believe that just because they are eventually able to figure out how to do the repair means that they are capable and competent – this is not the case. Plumbing is complex and is not meant to be handled by anyone who has not been properly trained, had supervised experience, and gained certifications.
What You Need to Do – the Plumbing NVQThough it may not be instantly evident, you as a plumber truly are responsible for the lives of others. When you are sent to perform a repair, the client trusts you and is counting on you to fix their problem and leave them better off than you found them.

Make sure your clients have a reason to trust you; get your Plumbing NVQ Level 3. If you really care about those you serve you will prove it by proving your competency in your job. An NVQ in  Plumbing means that you have been assessed and found to be skilled in every aspect of your work and your safety procedures. A Plumbing NVQ tells your clients that they can and should trust you because you truly do have their best interests at heart.

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Raising Safety Awareness – Dry Lining NVQs

Joinery NVQ

With the economy in a downturn and more and more construction professionals finding themselves without work, there is still a jobsite fatality rate that is far too high. Reports released in 2010 show that workers are still being killed at an average of one per week. There is so much that can be done to prevent these fatalities as well as other injuries, and construction workers are beginning to take the matter into their own hands.

Working Safely TogetherLast year, in an effort raise awareness about construction jobsite safety, a new awareness group was formed and goes by the name of Working Well Together North East. The sole purpose of this group is to raise the level of knowledge that people have about health and safety issues within the construction industry.

They have been holding events in which they invite everyone who works in the industry to come out and hear what they have to say. They offer statistics, advice, and information about keeping workers safe and reducing the number of job related deaths and injuries. Their hope is that through education and training, workers will learn how to keep themselves and other safe on the job.

The group also held a free presentation at Wynward Park where other industry related suppliers, distributors, and individuals were also invited. These people also shared their point of view of protecting construction workers and offered ideas and information.

A Construction NVQ Shows You Care About the Work You DoWhile groups like Working Well Together do all that they can to raise awareness, it is ultimately up to the workers themselves to keep themselves and their co-workers safe on the job. This means that each individual is responsible for making sure they are as prepared as possible. It only takes one negligent person to put everyone else in serious danger.

Take a dry liner, for example. These men work at fair heights with potentially dangerous equipment. If they are not all properly trained, the mistake of one could mean the death or injury of another. A dry liner with a Dry Lining NVQ is someone you can feel safe working with. Being assessed for an NVQ in Dry Lining is a relatively simple process but without displaying competency in all aspects of skill and safety in their job, the Dry Lining NVQ will not be awarded.

If you have a Level 4 or higher Dry Lining NVQ, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to make sure you are employed with others who have taken the time to become certified and ensure the safety of all. If you have not received your NVQ, it’s time to take the initiative, protect yourself and those you work with, and make sure your techniques are not going to lead to tragedy.

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Joinery NVQ and Awards for Outstanding Apprentices in the Construction Industry

Joinery NVQ

All too often, apprentices are thought of as nothing more than rookies and not given anywhere near the recognition they deserve.  Kier Building Maintenance recognises the positive impact that apprentices can have on their companies and have helped their apprentices to celebrate their successes at awards ceremonies across the UK.

Construction NVQs – Construction Awards Ceremonies for Apprentices

Awards in several different categories were given at each ceremony.  The Young Builder of the Year, Achievement in the Face of Adversity, and Apprentice of the Year are some of the most well known and prestigious awards.

The awards are given to those who have truly made an effort- they are in no way easy to achieve.  The Young Builder of the Year is required to spend hour after hour week after week working on projects and proving his skills.

The Achievement in the Face of Adversity is awarded to someone who has made substantial accomplishments in their field all while dealing with difficult personal circumstances.  These are people for whom their chosen trade is much more than just a part time job-it’s their whole life.

Construction NVQs – The Future for Trainee Construction Workers

Not only do the Kier Building Maintenance ceremonies recognise the progress that trainees have made and the milestones they’ve achieved, they also showcase the formal qualifications they have made.   Simon Bullen, the East regional managing director for Kier Building Maintenance stated that they are happy to take on apprentices because they “…provide us with invaluable fresh talent which drives our business forward…we are always looking for enthusiastic youngsters…”  The apprentices who took part in the ceremonies this year were at all different ages and stages, yet were all on the same path towards becoming expert professionals in their fields and acquiring industry recognised certifications.

Many of the apprentices present were specialising in the field of joinery.  At just 16 years old, Jordan Dean was named Young Builder of the Year in his age group.  He began his apprenticeship last August with Kier Sheffield and is furthering his joinery skills working on portable cabins.  By the time he has finished his apprenticeship, Dean will be ready for an on the job assessment to receive his Joinery NVQ – something that most professionals spend years trying to acquire or never acquire at all.

Employers Want To See a Joinery NVQ

Imagine you are an employer interviewing Jordan Dean- he has been the recipient of a prestigious award, has years of experience, is young and full of fresh perspective, and he has an  NVQ in Joinery in his pocket.  Needless to say, Jordan Dean will never have trouble finding employment if he sticks to the path he’s currently on.

Too many professionals today underestimate the importance of an NVQ.  As a joiner, having a Joinery NVQ Level 3 tells prospective employers that you genuinely care about your field of work and have taken the time to prove it to yourself and to them.

Kier Building Maintenance is a company that is always ready and willing to accept new apprentices.  In fact, they took on 19 new apprentices in 2010 alone.  Their only stipulation is that you truly have a desire to excel and progress in the industry and are willing to work towards certifications such as the Joinery NVQ Level 2 to make sure that the time they invest in you is worthwhile and no opportunity passes you by.

 

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It Pays to be Prepared with a Construction NVQ – Welding NVQ

Even in the face of economic downturn and the government’s push to employers to do more hiring, nearly one fifth of construction companies in the UK are planning to cut back on training.  Training is taking up too much time and money that cannot afford to be spent- especially when it comes to jobs that require very specific training and safety preparation, such as welding.  If you cannot prove that you are completely competent and the company does not have to invest in further training for you, where does that leave you?

Construction Industry Cuts

Last year, a quarter of all businesses cut training as a result of the terrible economic downturn and are continuing to make further cuts this year.  It’s unfortunate that new trainees who truly have a passion for their field are being cut because of funding, but that’s the way it has to be.  Less experienced employees may also start seeing themselves cut as well if the economy doesn’t soon take a turn for the better.

As mentioned, specialised fields such as welding that require not only extensive job skills but safety skills as well are seeing the biggest hit.  Training for these jobs takes more time and money and businesses just don’t have it.

The Importance of Gaining a Construction NVQ

If you look at it from a business owner’s perspective, it makes perfect sense.  When times are tough cutbacks are necessary and the employees who are the most dispensable (though it may sound harsh) are trainees and apprentices.  These are the employees that require constant supervision, ongoing training, and cannot be expected to complete projects without problems.

The well-trained certified employees show up, do their job, and go home.  They do not have to be told what to do, receive training, or be under constant direction.  These employees are where the profits are at when the funds are tight.  Furthermore, the employees who have had more extensive training, acquired certifications and have taken the time to invest in themselves as professionals are the ones that employers are going to want to invest in as well.

Welding NVQ

This is where it will pay to be one of the welding professionals who has an NVQ in Welding to show for themselves.  This certification shows that you are competent and well rounded. A Welding NVQ shows that you are able to perform any task on the job with skill, efficiency, and proper safety techniques.

Employees who can show a certification will be the first in line to stay on board because employers know what it takes to acquire a Welding NVQ Level 3 and they can trust that none of their time or money will be spent providing further training.

If you’ve been paying attention, you will hopefully get in touch with one of Construction Support Line’s experts online or by phone on 0203 598 1037 and get your Construction NVQ scheduled and done.  Don’t wait until cuts are being made in your company and you are left standing with nothing to show for yourself.  Protect yourself, invest in yourself and get your Welding NVQ to ensure that you are seen as a valuable asset that your company cannot do without.

 

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The Importance of Safety… Is it Going Too Far?

Plastering NVQ

A great too many construction professionals are not taking workplace health and safety seriously- either for lack of knowledge or improper training.  The UK, however, takes safety so seriously that they have even come up with policies that end up costing them more and really don’t appear to make sense.  Somewhere there has to be a happy medium.

Local Councils and Safety Regulations

While we can see that the council had the best interests of the workers in mind, it remains to be seen if they went about it the right way.  You can be the judge for yourself.

In order to protect workers and further reduce the risk of injury, council bright sparks banned the use of ladders by maintenance workers.  The main job of these workers; changing light bulbs.  Ladders may not be the safest invention the world has to offer, but these workers still needed some sort of lift in order to complete their job.  The solution was scaffolding.  It was decided that scaffolding was a safer option and the only thing allowed to be used to change light bulbs.

Bless them for looking out for our maintenance workers, but the bill they received for this generous act… provided by Kier Stoke- £423,000.  Kier Stoke is responsible for the maintenance of over 20,000 homes and 500 commercial buildings and are required to use scaffolding for even the simplest projects.  While we can understand and appreciate the concern, taxpayers have paid £1.4 million to cover the costs.

Another problem is that while scaffolding may be safer, it is not as easily accessible or readily available as ladders are, so people are left waiting for a ridiculous amount of time just to have a light bulb changed.  City Independents deputy leader Councillor even joked that he’s warned his wife not to let the bathroom bulb burn out or they’ll have to put up scaffolding.

Construction NVQs and Safety in the Workplace – Plastering NVQ

While this story probably has you laughing and even rolling your eyes, it is a testament to how seriously the UK takes the safety of its workers.  Even maintenance workers are often required to take extra trainings to further their certifications and make sure they are properly prepared in safety issues.

Now consider your own field of work; perhaps you are a plasterer.  Your job requires being able to reach high places; if ladders were no longer acceptable would you be able to adjust?  What if the new requirement were different; what if you were suddenly required to have a Level 3 Plastering NVQ before continuing to work?  We know that too many professionals take too little interest in NVQ’s but would it be different if it were required?

While it may not be mandatory at this time, an NVQ in Plastering is a certification to the validity of your skills and knowledge.  It lets everyone you come in contact with; employers, council members, clients, and others know that you truly are competent in your field.

Even though the Council who made the decision with the scaffolding may have stretched a bit far to protect workers, their next move may not be such a stretch and you may find yourself without work because you didn’t invest the tiny amount of time it takes to get your Plastering NVQ.

Be prepared and invest some time in bettering yourself.  It will help to have your NVQ no matter what the situation may be.  If a Plastering NVQ Level 2 were to become mandatory, you would be a step ahead and happily working while others are left wishing they had followed suit.

 

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Trainees are Beginning to Recognise the Importance of NVQs

SkillBuild2011 was an excellent opportunity for tradesmen trainees to showcase their skills and be seen by potential employers.  If you are a trainee, especially in the carpentry industry – you truly missed out.  Taking part in SkillBuild2011 really displays a trainees commitment to training, ongoing learning, and potential for certification.

The SkillBuild 2011 Trainee Construction Worker Competition

14 regional heats took place between March and May this year and forthcoming trainees were put through the ringer.  Those who win will continue on to the September final in Leeds.

Trainees are expected to follow detailed instructions, produce quality work, and meet budgets and deadlines- the same expectations there are for professionals in the real world.  Not only does the competition offer a fun and competitive environment, it also allows trainees a real taste of what it’s like to work in the construction field.

Arran Roberts was the gold winner for carpentry at last year’s competition and has since secured a job with RJ Smith & Co.  He stated that the expectations were high but the competition covered all the skills he would be required to use on a daily basis.

What SkillBuild Prepares You For in the Construction Industry

To reiterate, SkillBuild2011 truly does prepare you for what you will come face to face with each day for the rest of your career.  It also prepares you for certifications such as the Carpentry NVQ, which is becoming mandatory in an increasing number of companies.

SkillBuild2011 also prepares you to work under the scrutiny of your superiors, as there are several professionals and employers who come to watch.  A great perk is that it gives you the chance to really show off your skills and be noticed by big names in the industry.

Construction NVQs and Work Experience – Carpentry NVQ

Even once you have completed your training, you will still be considered a ‘trainee’ by your employer until you have sufficiently proven yourself.  Furthermore, it is very difficult to gain employment if you have not had any actual work experience.  The best thing you can do for yourself is prove to your employer ongoing training and certifications are as important to you as they are to them.

While you may not be ready to take a Carpentry NVQ Level 3 right out of training, it is definitely a goal you will want to keep in mind.  An NVQ in Carpentry is essentially an on the job assessment by a professional assessor to measure your skills and knowledge.  Acquiring an NVQ in Carpentry tells you and any future employers you may have that you are competent in your field, you take pride in what you do, and you care enough to invest the time to become certified.

A Level 2 Carpentry NVQ is a relatively small way to make a large statement about yourself and it is something you should carry with pride.

 

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