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Issue 04 / Spring 09
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The effect of the current economic climate on the engineering construction
industry is being tracked closely by stakeholders and members of the
Board. OCA and ECIA members are indicating a reduction of work in 2009.
BCECA members are still reporting shortages of people overall, but with
some slowing expected this year.
There are differences in the regions too but the overall market view is that
there will be a temporary drop in demand in the coming months, by 2014,
the industry will need to expand to around 80,000 people.
To achieve this and replace retirees, the industry will need to recruit, train
and retain 44,000 between now and then, across the entire skills range.
At current projections the ECITB’s investment will be around £100 million
over the next five years and will support the training of around 6,000
apprentices, 5,000 craft and technician personnel, 5,000 supervisory and
project management personnel and a further 10,000 people in a range of
approved skills modules.
2008 was a very strong year for the industry with an overall manpower growth from 2007 to 2008 of 5% for On-site and 20% for Off-site. 2006-2007 was 5% and 25% respectively.
Welcome
Many employers are striving to ensure training continues at the high levels
needed and the ECITB’s plan is to support 720 new apprenticeships in
2009 and increase across management and supervisory and skills and
technical programmes. This will be a challenge and to assist, the Board has
authorised an additional £2 million that can be bid for by employers working
through their ECITB Regional Account Manager.
Following the recent signing of the Train to Gain Compact, we have
appointed Duncan Weeks as Train to Gain Manager to help employers
access a further £18 million of Government support to help achieve the
challenging targets.
Recognition of the strategic importance of the engineering construction
industry is gaining impetus at senior government level. Lord Mandelson
and John Denham MP have commissioned a review on productivity in the
industry to identify solutions to improve skills and productivity, improving
competitiveness. The ECITB, employers and stakeholders are making a full
contribution on the skills and training issues.
Yours, David Edwards,
Chief Executive
2 Operational Targets
3 Skills & Technical
3 Apprenticeships
4 Management & Professional
5 Offshore
6 Scotland
7 North East
8 North West
9 Yorkshire & Humberside
10 Midlands
11 Wales & South West
12 South East & East
13 Off-site
14-15 Research & Development
16 Awards & Qualifications
2
Issue 04 / Spring 09
Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP Tel: 01923 260000
In total, we expect to support approximately 10,000 learners, award
approximately 2,000 National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications and issue
50,000 ECITB Safety Passports in 2009.This is a deliberately conservative
estimate in these difficult times.
We are attempting to maintain the level of training support achieved in 2008
in the face of the current economic climate. However, if the projects such
as the Olympics, the new nuclear power stations, the decommissioning of
existing nuclear power stations and the other power related projects that
have been planned are to be implemented then the skills shortage that was
highlighted in 2008 will actually be worsened if we do not maintain, if not
increase training in 2009.
Our regional model has highlighted the fact that there are differences across
the country. The NE and South Wales have been badly affected by the
downturn, whereas the SE&E and Scottish based companies are increasing
their level of training in preparation for the upturn.
Through a consultation process with our stakeholders, we have simplified
the way that our products and services are identified;
• Apprenticeships (associated with the training and support of apprentices)
• Skills & Technical (associated with the training and support of work
based learners)
• Management & Professional (associated with the training and support
of managers and engineers within our industry)
• ACE (associated with assuring competence in the Engineering
Construction Industry through an assessment process)
The ECITB Research & Development team, in consultation with our industry
has developed the training support materials, known as TECSkills that is
used to deliver these programmes. These programmes are delivered through
a network of accredited training providers. Our in-scope companies receive
grant support when they train learners through these accredited providers.
This approach has proved very successful with our Apprenticeship and
Skills & Technical programmes and it is our long-term goal to use this
support mechanism for most of our programmes.
Our Supervisory Management Training & Development (SMTD) programme
has changed to this mode of delivery as of 1st April. In addition to making
delivery easier and more flexible and providing greater training capacity, as
requested by our stakeholders, this approach also enables the ECITB to
earn income from out-of-scope companies that use these programmes.
Income generated is fed back into the ECITB to enable additional support
for our in-scope companies.
We are continually looking at ways to improve the quality of the products
and services that we deliver and increase the amount of training that is
supported. With this in mind our regional model will assist us in delivering
bespoke solutions to regional requirements. We have discovered in these
hard times that one sized doesn’t fit all!
Thank you for your support, please contact me or my colleagues in your
region to discuss how we can work with you to improve the quality of the
products and services we deliver and the amount of training we support.
2008 was an incredibly successful year for the ECITB; we supported over 12,500 learners, awarded over 1,500 National/
Scottish Vocational Qualifications and issued over 50,000 ECITB Safety Passports. It was our best year ever. Thank you to
all learners, employers, training providers and staff concerned for the hard work put in to achieve these results.
2009 is a different proposition. Please consider our targets in comparison with our 2008 achievements:
SKIllS & TecHNIcAl – TARGeT 860Region Off-site Offshore Scot NE NW Y&H Mid W&SW SE&E Total
Number of Learners 40 330 110 80 60 55 45 40 100 860
APPReNTIceS – TARGeT 721Region Off-site Offshore Scot NE NW Y&H Mid W&SW SE&E Total
Number of Learners 70 125 122 100 70 63 90 36 45 721
mANAGemeNT & PRoFeSSIoNAl PRoGRAmmeS – TARGeT 3700Region Off-site Offshore Scot NE NW Y&H Mid W&SW SE&E Total
Number of Learners 875 845 330 450 400 200 200 250 150 3700
ReGIoNAl DIScReTIoNARY GRANTS – TARGeT 2560Region Off-site Offshore Scot NE NW Y&H Mid W&SW SE&E Total
Number of Learners 50 1500 50 150 200 250 100 140 120 2560
Ace (Assuring competence in engineering construction) – TARGeT 1300Region Off-site Offshore Scot NE NW Y&H Mid W&SW SE&E Total
Number of Learners 50 300 150 300 150 150 200 1300
oPeRATIoNS UPDATe
Dr. A. M. Featherstone Director of Operations, ECITB
3
Issue 04 / Spring 09
For more information please visit www.ecitb.org.uk
SKIllS & TecHNIcAl
APPReNTIceSHIPSThe ECITB launched its national recruitment drive in February, with the key objective of recruiting 720 apprentices by the end of 2009.
The campaign, launched during National Apprentice Week, is designed to promote the wide variety
of opportunities available within the engineering construction industry and demonstrate how ECITB
apprenticeships provide solid foundations for careers.
The drive is already well underway with apprenticeships being promoted nationwide – including a
newspaper advertising campaign nationally, a highly successful radio campaign in the North East and a
number of career events across the regions.
Our registered companies’ commitment to developing young people through apprenticeships is
unwavering. Over 1,700 apprentices are currently being trained for the industry with the invaluable
support of around 200 companies. Although these are clearly difficult times for everyone, recruiting
apprentices remains a significant commitment and we still anticipate demand for apprenticeships to
be very high in 2009.
ecITB eNDoRSemeNTDemand for the ECITB to endorse training
providers’ short courses started in 2008 with
one and two day bolt tightening courses based
on the TECSkills training specifications. This
proved very successful in the Offshore region
with over 420 certificates being issued in 2008.
This new option allows training providers to offer
short training programmes derived from the
TECSkills training unit specifications, ensuring
the training received is to industry standards.
We intend to build upon this success in 2009
and are currently in discussion with a number of
organisations on short training programmes for
existing craft and technicians.
ecITB APPReNTIceS TAKe PART IN WoRlDSKIllS 2009Held in Calgary, Canada in September
2009, the biennial WorldSkills challenge
represents the height of excellence in
skilled trades and technologies training.
Currently, two ECITB welding apprentices
– Andrew Johnston and Jack Heaton of
Doosan Babcock – have been shortlisted
for the event, with the final Team UK
members to be announced in June. The
team will be travelling to Calgary with 1,000
other competitors from over 50 countries
and more than 200,000 spectators are
expected to attend.
In 2009 Blair Barclay the ECITB’s Head of Skills & Technical, along with Brian Marchant,
Work-based Learning Manager, will be working with companies, training providers, stakeholders
and learners to achieve the following:
• Increase learner completion rates within TECSkills programmes
• Work with accredited TECSkills centres to strengthen relationships and improve learning
practices by sharing good practices with all centres
• Produce new operating procedures to simplify the registration and completion processes
• Continue to work with the prison services in Scotland and England to develop
opportunities to train offenders with TECSkills programmes
• Develop and launch a new online knowledge course for coaches
Last year saw the launch of new training support material for coaches to administer with the
learners, as well as the simplification of TECSkills by removing the mandatory requirement of
having to use the performing units when a learner was also registered on an N/SVQ.
Blair and Brian will be assisting the ECITB monitors to focus more on the training quality and
delivery in 2009, which will in turn assist learners once they are ready to under take
N/SVQ assessments.
BE IN DEMANDcoNSTRUcT YoUR lIFe eNGINeeR YoUR FUTURe
Set yourself up for the future with a paid Advanced/Modern Apprenticeship in engineering construction.
There are amazing careers to choose from and a skills shortage means you’ll always have great opportunities.
4
Issue 04 / Spring 09
Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP Tel: 01923 260000
This year’s ECITB ACTIVE Cup has had a record attendance, with 12 teams taking part from some of the UK’s leading engineering and construction businesses. Now in its 13th year, the competition asked teams to play the role of contractor in the execution of the Environmental Defence Project edition of the Proaction® Project Management Simulation, an advanced training method used on MBA and specialist Masters courses at Cranfield University School of Management.
The challenge is designed to develop a greater understanding of the key elements of project management
using ACTIVE principles, which focus on the aspects of successful project management. By applying these
to an intense, protracted project, participants learn how to assess their own team-working strengths and
weaknesses over a project life cycle and how to bring out the best in their team members.
The winning team, Foster Wheeler, was presented with their award by ECITB Chief Executive David
Edwards, who commented: “Year on year this event proves highly successful in helping more and more
businesses understand the value of ACTIVE principles within project management. The competition
was intense and each and every team performed exceptionally well. I would also like to offer my thanks
to Cranfield University for their support and very much look forward to the next ECITB ACTIVE Cup
competition in July 2009.”
SmTD UPDATeFrom 1st April the new system of delivering
SMTD (Supervisory Management Training
and Development) comes into force. The
system has been introduced to provide
employers with an increased degree of
flexibility in accessing SMTD and provides
opportunities for integration of in-house
training programmes within SMTD
training modules.
cAD RevIeW ReSUlTS ANNoUNceD AT oFF-SITe FoRUmIn order to ensure that ECITB courses
continue to deliver to industry needs we
organised a consultation group consisting
of participants from several companies
within the engineering construction industry
to review current courses on offer. We’d
like to thank those who participated in
the review, especially Steve Venton at
WorleyParsons and Nick Simmons at
Foster Wheeler for facilitating and helping
to interpret the share point survey. As
a result, we have identified courses the
industry does not want the ECITB to fund
as well as widening the range of courses
and suppliers available. Details of the new
course offering will be available in April and
further information can be found online at
www.ecitb.org.uk.
mANAGemeNT & PRoFeSSIoNAl PRoGRAmmeS exPANDeDECITB Management & Professional
programmes now support learners studying
for an MBA, an MSc in Project Management
and courses to develop learners from BEng
to MEng and then onto Chartered status.
This expansion enables us to offer learners
and ECITB companies an even wider
scale of support through a diverse and
comprehensive suite of programmes.
mANAGemeNT & PRoFeSSIoNAl
ecITB AcTIve cUP PRoveS moST SUcceSSFUl To DATe
5
Issue 04 / Spring 09
For more information please visit www.ecitb.org.uk
cAReeR eveNTS PRove HIGHlY SUcceSSFUl The Offshore team has been busy promoting
ECITB products and services to local school and
college leavers. We attended two career events in
March, reaching hundreds of young people within
the Offshore region. The first, jointly organised by
Careers Scotland and Banff & Buchan College, was
attended by secondary pupils from local schools
during the day and the general public in the evening.
Our stand was one of the busiest at the event,
and details on a variety of ECITB products were
requested, in particular the UOGITTS (Upstream Oil &
Gas Technician Training Scheme) which is especially
relevant to the region.
The Offshore team also exhibited at the Energise
Your Future careers event held at the Metro Arena
in Newcastle. The 2-day event brought together
private and public companies, training providers
and academia to showcase the regions oil, gas and
energy sectors as exciting and vibrant industries
that offer real career opportunities both now and in
the future. Attracting more than 1,800 school pupils
and 300 members of the public, it follows on from a
similar event held in Aberdeen in 2008.
The pupils had the opportunity to try their hand at
industry related activities, such as testing offshore
survival suits and construction challenges.
The interactivity of the event carried through onto the
ECITB stand, where visitors had the chance to win
MP3 players by taking the “Giant Jenga Challenge”.
Susan Smart, Offshore Regional Account Manager
comments: “Both events proved to be highly
successful. We have spoken to hundreds of young
people about apprenticeship opportunities and look
forward to taking their enquiries to the next stage.”
oFFSHoRe ReGIoN DeSIGN & DRAUGHTING moDeRN APPReNTIceSHIP An industry work group has been meeting
regularly to agree a common ‘off-the-job’
programme for the E&I and Structural and
Piping disciplines in Design and Draughting.
Angus College is managing this programme
and providing assessment and verification
services. We currently have 87 individuals on
the programme and it is predicted that we will
see the first of those completing their modern
apprenticeship by the summer.
I start my comment in the first of the newsletters
for 2009 by reflecting on 2008. This was the
most successful year yet for the ECITB delivery
to the Offshore sector in that we achieved the
highest number of learners to the programmes
we delivered. We assisted some 3,084 learners
undertaking 5,508 training initiatives in 2008 and
initiated grants for those undertaking skills-based
training courses.
The Offshore region started 2009 in good heart
with an extremely strong delivery position and
I’m pleased to report that we have set the same
levels of grant for the skills based courses. The
Specialist Bolting training courses will now also
attract grants at the same level as the other skills
based grants.
We now have 87 people on the Design and
Draughting Programme moving towards their
Level 3 NVQ and have embarked on the Project
Control Programme that will have 31 people on
board by summer 2009.
The grants for the Atlas Interactive e-learning
modules will continue at the same level as 2008
and we will consider additional units for inclusion
in the programme when we undertake a review
later in 2009. It is an asset for the sector to use
this initiative to deliver cross discipline learning
and as a method of induction for their personnel.
The Offshore region is fortunate that additional
funding has been allocated from reserves in 2009
and we are currently drawing up a programme
of further initiatives that will assist and sustain
development of the workforce in the sector.
My sincere thanks go to all of you and your
companies for using so many of these initiatives
and I look forward to an equally successful and
impressive 2009.
George Beattie
OFFSHORE CONTACTS
CHAiR: George Beattie
REGiONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Susan Smart m: 07896 416625 t: 01224 289734
ACCOUNT MANAGERS:
• Vince Dutch m: 07970 412848 t: 01224 289734
• Anne-Marie Wilson m: 07896 416582 t: 01224 289734
• Carol Sinclair m: 07890 895890 t: 01224 289734
REGiONAL ADMiNiSTRATOR: • Allison Ballantyne t: 01224 289734
A commeNT FRom THe cHAIR
OffshOre
PRojecT coNTRol PRoGRAmmeLearners on the pilot programme for
Project Control are progressing well, and
the second cohort is due to start by the
summer of this year. The programme is
being closely evaluated by the Employers
Steering Group and recent feedback has
been very positive. We are now engaging
with City and Guilds in order to agree a
qualification for this programme. We will
keep you updated in future newsletters.
6
Issue 04 / Spring 09
Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP Tel: 01923 260000
2008 was a very good year for the Scottish
Region. The Skills and Training Charter has
continued to go from strength to strength.
We now have 21 signatories supporting the
charter and look forward to welcoming more
companies and clients onboard in 2009.
The region supported 109 apprentices in
2008 which was a fantastic result. We will be
working with employers in 2009 to ensure
that we can continue to support these types
of numbers despite the economic situation so
that when the economy improves companies
have the necessary numbers of trained people
to meet demand.
We are also looking forward to working with
companies to utilise the Management &
Professional Programmes and the Regional
Discretionary Grant to train as may of their
employees as we can, ensuring they have a
robust skilled workforce to meet the demands
of the future.
I am confident that 2009 will be another
productive year within the region and that we
will continue to meet the needs of the industry.
John Mellon
ecITB ScoTlAND WelcomeS NeW ReGIoNAl AccoUNT mANAGeRJoanne McAlpine has now taken over as
Regional Account Manager for the Scottish
region. Joanne took over from Blair Barclay on
1st January this year, with Blair moving into his
new post as Head of Skills & Technical. Joanne
comments: “I’ve been made very welcome by
everyone on the team. I’d like to thank Blair for
all his hard work and am really looking forward to
ensuring this year is as successful as the last.”
INAUGURAl ecITB ScoTlAND AWARDS ceRemoNY celeBRATeS SUcceSSThe Scottish region has hosted an awards ceremony to celebrate the success of their graduating apprentices. The event, held at Falkirk Community Football Stadium, brought together more than 60 apprentices who had achieved a qualification in an ECITB programme through either TECSkills, ACE, NSDS, Apprenticeship and SMTD. Also present were representatives from ECITB companies and training providers. Awards were presented by John Park MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife and Marilyn Livingstone MSP for Kirkcaldy, both strong supporters of apprenticeships.
In addition to the presentation of awards, a further four companies signed up to the Skills and Training Charter at the event. Wood Group, Applus RTD, Motherwell Bridge and BP were all presented with their certificates.
Joanne McAlpine, ECITB Scotland’s Regional Account Manager attended the event: “This is the first year we’ve held the ceremony and we’re delighted to see such a strong turnout. We’ve had lots of positive feedback from everyone involved, and with additional signatories to the Charter the event has really proved itself to be a great success. We look forward to hosting the ceremony again next year”.
SCOTLAND CONTACTS
REGiONAL CHAiR: John Mellon
REGiONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Joanne McAlpine m: 07929 352573 t: 01555 870949
ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Richard Stewart m: 07976 755181 t: 01324 558345
REGiONAL ADMiNiSTRATOR: • Mandy Weir t: 01324 492733
A commeNT FRom THe cHAIR
scOtland
7
Issue 04 / Spring 09
For more information please visit www.ecitb.org.uk
The North East forum was held on 18th
March at the Middlesbrough Teaching and
Learning Centre and was very well attended.
I updated the forum on the key items of
debate which arose during the recent
Regional Chairs Meeting in Manchester and
advised that the concept of the Supervisor
Academy was unanimously approved and
that funding is available. Also, if the North East
were to successfully pilot the scheme,
it would be rolled out nationally.
The forum provided the perfect opportunity
to formally introduce Mark Rae, the newly
appointed North East Account Manager who
has replaced Brian Marchant; who has moved
to a more extended role as Work Based
Learning Manager.
Several issues were highlighted at the
forum which pointed to a serious change
in engineering construction business
opportunities in the region. We are under no
illusion that we face hard times on the back of
National and Global financial problems. There
are several examples where the downturn
is having a serious effect, only six months
ago, the main reason cited for the lower
than predicted take up of training places,
particularly TECSkills, was the high workload
in the region so the corollary should be true
in 2009. We have funding for 100 employed
apprentices this year and approximately 800
applications; interviews and selections are
well in hand.
It was pleasing to note that the additional
£100k funding by the Board for regional
discretionary grant purposes had been almost
fully taken up and a further equivalent sum is
being made available. We can all benefit but
need to commit before the 1st July 2009.
In conclusion, I congratulated Don Atkinson,
Regional Account Manager, on his and his
team’s efforts over the past 12 months.
The fact that the NE Region came top in the
National Customer Survey supports the praise
- what do we aim for next year?!
NoRTHUmBRIA WelDING DINNeR celeBRATeS SUcceSSThe Northumbria Welding dinner was held at the Civic Centre in Newcastle on 31st January. The evening proved to be a great success with almost 180 people attending to celebrate the achievements of welding apprentices throughout the region.
Don Atkinson, Regional Account Manager comments: “The dinner has become a regular and very popular event with companies, training providers and learners throughout the region. It’s important to recognise the hard work apprentices put into their training, the awards given out at the dinner acknowledge their achievements and celebrate their success.”
The North East’s radio campaign promoting
apprenticeships has resulted in more than
600 enquiries.
The four-week advertising campaign aired
throughout the region in February, promoting
apprenticeships to young adults. The adverts
prompted would-be apprentices to text in
for further details; an approach which proved
highly popular generating more than 600
responses, all of which will be sent application
forms and contacted for interviews.
The campaign culminated in an open
evening at Middlesborough Football club,
where almost 400 young adults had the
opportunity to meet local training providers
and companies, including Aker Solutions and
C&A Pumps.
The North East’s Regional Account Manager
Don Atkinson commented:” This is the third
year we’ve run the radio campaign and we’re
delighted with the results – in just over four
weeks we’ve had contact with almost 1000
people interested in apprenticeships. We’re
now looking forward to taking these enquiries
to the next stage and recruiting apprentices
for our 2009 intake.”
RADIo cAmPAIGN GeNeRATeS UNPReceDeNTeD ReSPoNSe
A commeNT FRom THe cHAIR
nOrth east
NORTH EAST CONTACTS
REGiONAL CHAiR: John Hornby
REGiONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Don Atkinson m: 07971 438720 t: 01642 777719
ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Mark Rae m: 07976 427913 t: 01642 777716
REGiONAL ADMiNiSTRATOR: • Linda Young t: 01642 777713
ecITB DoNATeS To AFRIcASpare ECITB safety wear supplied to local
training provider NETA is being donated
to workers in Africa. The joint ECITB and
NETA project will supply hundreds of pairs
of boots and overalls to workers in Malawi,
ensuring they’re well protected in their
working environment.
John Hornby
8
Issue 04 / Spring 09
Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP Tel: 01923 260000
The ECITB’s commitment to increasing customer
engagement is evidenced by its recent work
with Interface Contracts. The ECITB has been
supporting its JIB electrical apprentices with
apprentice completion grants and this year is
working closely with the company to access
skills and support training through the Regional
Discretionary Grant scheme.
The ECITB continues to build on its relationship
with local training provider Maritime Engineering
College North West, which has recently
extended and improved the pipefitting and
welding workshop facilities currently being used
by its 2008 apprentice intake. MECNW is now
delivering ECITB apprenticeships, TECSkills and
ACE and is looking to develop its portfolio of
ECITB products and services in the future.
nOrth east cOnt’d
nOrth West
locAl ScHoolS GeT INvolveD IN eNGINeeRING
NORTH WEST CONTACTS
REGiONAL CHAiR: Tom Jones
REGiONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Mark Bullock m: 07976 753150 t: 01254 505080
REGiONAL ADMiNiSTRATOR: • Diane Greenwood t: 01254 505080
Engaging with school leavers is fundamental to the ECITB’s Attract strategy, which is why the North East team recently supported the Youth Challenge. This annual event organised by NETA is designed to inspire young people across the Tees Valley and increase awareness of career opportunities in engineering construction.
This years’ event, part sponsored by the ECITB, involved a project to manage and build a light, one-man hovercraft. Working alongside 26 young apprentices based at NETA, pupils from six local schools had a chance to get involved with the build; learning about project management and engineering skills. The challenge proved so popular that not only did the team complete the four metre hovercraft, they built a five metre trailer to transport it too!
Each school involved in the project will now host events to display the hovercraft and inspire the next generation of engineers.
I am very pleased to report on a successful
2008 for the North West region. During the
year all targets were met and in many areas
exceeded. There was a significant increase
in the numbers of apprentices recruited
and trained in the region at the Maritime
Engineering College North West and Gen2 in
Cumbria. TECSkills and ACE registrations have
started to increase significantly as a result of
the collaboration with Train to Gain brokers
in the region, numbers on SMTD courses
have gone up and the Sellafield SMTD course
being assessed against the NVQ level 3 in
Management is nearing completion.
One particular area that should be highlighted
is the take up of Regional Discretionary Grant
funding; during 2008 over 1500 people
received support for a variety of training
courses against a target of 200.
Attendance at Regional Forums has continued
to grow and the atmosphere is inclusive with
participants actively participating in the direction
the region takes.
There have been manpower resource issues
in the region that have been overcome with
additional support from ECITB staff from other
regions. Rachael Sewell, Account manager for
the south of the region has now transferred into
the ECITB Research & Development team as a
Project Manager; I would like to thank Rachael
for her contribution to the region.
Finally, I declined to stand for re-election as
regional chair. I have enjoyed my period as
North West regional chair and would like to
thank you all for the support and assistance
given during the last three years. I wish the
region well with its plans going forward.
Tom Jones
A commeNT FRom THe cHAIR
cUSTomeR eNGAGemeNT SUcceSS SToRY
STReNGTHeNING TIeS WITH locAl TRAINING PRovIDeRS
9
Issue 04 / Spring 09
For more information please visit www.ecitb.org.uk
RecoRD TURNoUT AT cAReeRS oPeN eveNING
ex-oFFeNDeRS TRAINeD To FIll SKIllS GAPThe Yorkshire & Humberside team have joined
forces with HMP Lindholme to train ex-offenders
in engineering construction skills.
The pilot programme will give ex-offenders
the chance to train to NVQ Level 2 standard,
giving them the skills and qualifications needed
to find permanent employment within the
engineering construction industry. The benefits
of the scheme are numerous; not only will it help
address the industry-wide skills shortage, but it
will also give ex-offenders the chance to learn
a trade and find employment, which has been
proven to reduce the chance of re-offending.
The first group of carefully selected learners will
start their training at Lindholme Prison within the
next few months. If successful the programme will
be rolled out to other prisons in the area, including
HMP Everthorpe, HMP Wolds and HMP Hull.
We’ll keep you updated in future newsletters.
DemAND FoR TecSKIllS DoUBleS IN 2008The Yorkshire & Humberside region has more
than doubled the predicted registrations for
TECSkills in the last year. The region had
47 registrations for NVQ Level 2 and 92
registrations for NVQ Level 3 qualifications;
proof that companies are realising the benefits
of up-skilling their workforce and integrating the
work-based learning system.
The regional team has been working hard to
promote TECSkills to companies across the
region such as Fabricom, which has a number of
employees registered on TECSkills programmes.
Yvonne Day, HR Manager at Fabricon
comments: “TECSkills enables us to develop our
semi-skilled workforce and help them become
skilled. The benefits are two-fold, our employees
learn new skills and progress their careers and
we have a better qualified and happy workforce”.
ADDITIoNAl TRAINING PRovIDeRS AccReDITeD FoR ReGIoNThe DETA training in Doncaster has been
accredited to provide ECITB NVQs and the
CCNSG Safety Passport and Yorkshire Training in
Elmet has been approved to deliver ECITB NVQs.
Jason Riley, ECITB’s Yorkshire & Humberside
Regional Account Manager comments: “The
addition of DETA and Yorkshire Training brings
our total number of regional training providers to
five. We’re delighted to offer ECITB companies
an even wider range of training products.”
yORkSHiRE & HUMBERSiDE CONTACTS
REGiONAL CHAiR: Mike Jex
RAM/Head of ACE:
• Jason Riley m: 07967 653556 t: 01469 552852
ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Val Porteous m: 07791 709982 t: 01469 552851
REGiONAL ADMiNiSTRATOR: • Susy Shields t: 01469 552850
• Emma Mitchell t: 01469 552834
NeW ReGIoNAl ADmINISTRAToR joINS THe TeAm Emma Mitchell has been appointed as
the new Regional Administrator for the
Yorkshire & Humberside region. Emma will
be based in the regional office at CATCH
where she will work on a part-time basis
alongside Susy Shields. We would like
to welcome Emma to the team and look
forward to working with her.
More than 470 people attended the ECITB
regional open evening at CATCH on 9th
February. The annual event gives young
adults the opportunity to meet ECITB
staff, local companies and talk to those
already undertaking their apprenticeships.
The Yorkshire & Humberside team, along
with members of the North East team and
seven ECITB companies were on hand to
answer questions and promote the variety of
opportunities available within the industry.
Everyone involved was delighted with the
turn-out, our largest to date.
During 2008 we saw record numbers of people training in the Yorkshire & Humberside region.
Undoubtedly 2009 will be more challenging due to the difficult economic circumstances. It is
important however, that we maintain the momentum of getting new people and skills into the
industry so that this region can meet the increasing demand of clients as the economy recovers.
I would encourage companies to continue investing in training so they can emerge from the
recession in a competitive position.
Mike Jex
A commeNT FRom THe cHAIR
YOrkshIre & humbersIde
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Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP Tel: 01923 260000
mIdlands
MiDLANDS CONTACTS
REGiONAL CHAiR: Martyn Fletcher
RAM/Head of Careers:
• Colin Grimes m: 07976 200458 t: 01788 575933
ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Alan Edmunds m: 07870 153071 t: 01788 575933
REGiONAL ADMiNiSTRATOR: • Marilyn Tovey t: 01788 575933
coNSTRUcTIoN oF WARWIcKSHIRe colleGe’S NeW £35m ceNTRe UNDeRWAYThe ECITB recently attended the signing-off ceremony of Warwickshire college’s new £35m
centre in Rugby, which will house the resource centre for the Midlands region and provide
state-of-the-art facilities for students, including 1000 sq metres of engineering space,
1050 sq metres of construction training facilities and a new Power Academy, which will
train technicians from around the UK to staff the power industry of the future.
Colin Grimes, ECITB Midlands’ Regional
Account Manager attended the ceremony, and
commented: “We’ve worked with Warwickshire
College for a number of years now and are
delighted the college has gained approval for
the new Power Academy. We fully support
this initiative and look forward to working in
partnership to develop the training needs of all
stakeholders within our industry.”
The college will open its doors next year
with the first cohort of students starting in
September 2010.
The Midlands held their latest forum in February,
where many battled through the snow to gather
and see the Hydratight training facilities in
Wednesbury: an excellent venue provided by
our hosts. Despite the current global economic
climate, the skills issues are continuing.
Short-term economic drivers are leading some
employers to re-assess their ability to recruit
apprentices to the same level as 2008, but the
general picture is still of healthy demand and a
medium term need for increasing capacity.
A highlight in the region is the pilot proposal
to deliver an Advanced Apprenticeship in
Project Control. The Midlands pilot is hoped
to be through the NVQ3 qualification and
scheduled to complete the initial off-the-job
phase prior to site placement. Warwickshire
College are currently reviewing their capabilities
and costings before this project can be finalised.
Site staff training continues to be in big demand
within the region with uptake out-stripping the
supply capacity for the early part of 2009, and
the option of employer led delivery has been
widely welcomed by most as a way of unlocking
additional capacity to complement the very
good service Phoenix training continues to
deliver to the industry.
ACE delivery is forecast to move on quickly in
2009, but we have experienced a slow start
due to the target assessment locations being
seasonal repair and maintenance projects.
Funding of traditionally unfunded assessments
is one area being targeted for investment
through the ECITB’s enhanced Regional
Discretionary Fund, made available this year.
Companies are encouraged to contact ECITB
staff for more information on how to secure
support through this initiative.
Developing and improving on customer value is
a key theme for the ECITB Midlands team. So
in addition to continuing to develop the uptake
from existing companies we hosted two events
aimed at smaller organisations and those not
currently engaged with the ECITB on the 21st
April at The George Hotel, Stamford, Lincs and
24th April at The Village Hotel, Walsall, West
Mids. Feedback from the companies in the
region in 2008 showed some key themes for
improvement. With our regional staff significantly
depleated through significant periods of the year
I am confident that bringing the team back to full
strength will allow us to meet the expectations
of our customers.
It is heartening to see many Midland companies
seizing the opportunity of the economic
downturn to invest in training and building
both capacity and capabilities. It is hoped
this will position us favourably to maximise
opportunities, when the recovery commences.
Martyn Fletcher
A commeNT FRom THe cHAIR
mIDlANDS ReGIoN exPANDS ITS TRAINING NeTWoRKSutton Coldfield College is the latest training
provider accredited to deliver ECITB NVQ’s.
The College will be awarding Advanced
Apprenticeships in Engineering Construction,
within which they will run NVQ level 3 courses
in Welding (Pipe and Plate) and Installing Plants
and Systems (Mechanical).
The first group of students have recently
completed their first year off-site, where they
completed their BTEC level 3 National Award
in Engineering. They are now undertaking their
first year work placement, working towards their
NVQ qualifications.
Mike Townsend, Apprenticeship Development
Advisor at Sutton Coldfield College comments:
“The accreditation process for ECITB Training
Providers is very thorough. We worked closely
with the ECITB over a number of months to
achieve approval and are delighted the first year
of apprentices are doing so well.”
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Issue 04 / Spring 09
For more information please visit www.ecitb.org.uk
ecITB SHoWS SUPPoRT FoR locAl comPANIeSThe ECITB and Institute of Technology in Carlow have joined forces to offer business guidance
to 20 local ECITB companies. The European funded project named WISE (Wales and Ireland
Sustainable Enterprise) has been established to improve the sustainability of engineering related
SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises) in Wales and Ireland. The scheme will offer advice and
support to companies in a number of ways, including business planning, marketing, innovation
and environmental best practice.
Martyn Johnson, Regional Account Manager for Wales and the South West has been
instrumental in implementing the project across the region: “The WISE project is the first of its
kind for our region” Martyn comments: “We’re in the first phase of the project, having selected
the consultants who can identify where businesses need help and then go onto offer support
where it’s needed most. We’re well on our way to making a real difference to smaller companies
and doing everything we can to assist them in times of economic uncertainty.”
Wales & sOuth West
WALES & SOUTH WEST CONTACTS
REGiONAL CHAiR: John Jones
REGiONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Martyn Johnson m: 07870 153070 t: 01443 218681
ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Roger Sage m: 07976 752307 t: 01453 791081
REGiONAL ADMiNiSTRATOR: • Sue Pickett t: 02920 663812
leARNeRS AWARDeD The Wales and South West region recently held its annual awards ceremony in Cardiff. More than 50 learners, companies and training providers joined the ECITB to celebrate the success of graduating learners, who are all going onto work with local companies.
Awards were presented by former England
goal keeper Peter Shilton, who also acted as
guest speaker at the event. Martyn Johnson,
Wales & South West Regional Account Manager
attended the ceremony and comments: “We had
a great response to the event. It’s a real boost to
see so many learners graduate, move into jobs
and establish their careers.”
The take up of ACE in Wales & South West has improved thanks to additional funding from the
ECITB. A total of £100,000 has been allocated to ACE, which means that the initiative is currently
free of charge to all inscope levy paying companies in the region. I would urge all Wales & South
West contractors that haven’t already done so to register their interest in ACE by calling ECITB’s
Sue Pickett on 029 2066 3812.
Our region held its first learner award ceremony on 27th February to celebrate the success of
ECITB apprentices, ACE, TECSkills and SMTD learners. The event was very well attended and
I again offer my congratulations to all learners on the completion of their awards.
It is most encouraging to see that despite the current difficult economic climate the industry
continues to recognise and invest in the benefits of training.
John Jones
A commeNT FRom THe cHAIR
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Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP Tel: 01923 260000
Companies within the South East & East region
continue to increase their uptake of products
and services, which was evident when all of
the 2008 targets were either met or exceeded.
Going forward, we have the opportunity to
further expand engagement with both in-scope
companies and the clients on whose sites
they operate.
The regional forums play a vital part in allowing
companies to have their say in how the region
is run and how the budget is utilised. I urge all
companies to send a representative to these
events during 2009.
We are engaging with an increasing number of
training providers who can deliver our products
on a more local level. This will have a positive
impact on the local economy, and ties in with
the ECITB ethos of ‘recruit locally: train locally:
employ locally’. This will also help increase
the pool of competent and trained personnel
available to us all and will better position us to
deliver when the major capital projects come
on line during 2009.
In Kent we now have a solid foundation on
which to build thanks to the work of Tracey
Shelley and although Duncan has moved to
a new position within the ECITB, we can still
count on him to assist with further developing
the skills base within the region. I’d like to take
this opportunity to personally thank Duncan for
his commitment and hard work during his time
in the region and wish him well in his new role.
I would like to reaffirm my pledge that it is
only through the continued support and
involvement of companies within the region
that we can ensure the success of the
Engineering Construction Industry throughout
2009 and beyond.
Tim Millard
A commeNT FRom THe cHAIR
APPReNTIceSHIP exTRAvAGANzAThe South East & East team recently
exhibited at the Apprenticeship Extravaganza
in Southampton. Held to coincide with
National Apprentice Week at the end of
February, the event was attended by local
secondary school pupils who were given the
opportunity to learn what apprenticeships
involve, try their hand at some practical tasks
and meet local training providers.
The event, organised by SETA (Southampton
Engineering Training Association), was also
attended by John Denham, Secretary of
State for the Department of Innovation,
Universities and Skills. Mr Denham, a strong
supporter of apprenticeships, spoke at the
event about how the government is putting
apprenticeships higher up the agenda.
The Extravaganza is just part of the ECITB’s
national recruitment drive, which includes
campaigns and events across all regions to
promote apprenticeships and opportunities
available within the engineering construction
industry as a whole.
NeW Role FoR SoUTH eAST & eAST AccoUNT mANAGeRDuncan Weeks, South East & East Account
Manager has recently moved into his new role as
the ECITB’s Train to Gain Manager. Train to Gain
funding has been made available to the ECITB for
the first time this year and will be distributed across
all programmes throughout the English regions.
Dug Harrison, Regional Account Manager for
the South East & East region commented:
“Duncan has been a true asset to the region
and although it is sad to lose him, I’m sure he
will continue to contribute to the success of the
South East & East as part of his new role”.
eNvIRoNmeNTAl SUcceSS FoR oFFSHoRe comPANYECITB company CLS Offshore has received its ISO14001 accreditation. Based in Great Yarmouth,
CLS employ up to 200 staff during peak periods and provide a large range of products and services
to the oil, gas and energy industries worldwide.
This latest accolade adds to an already impressive collection, including five British Safety Council
Awards. CLS’s Financial Director, Sid Anverali commented: “We are very proud to announce that after
a long assessment and audit process, we have been accredited with ISO14001 for our environmental
management system and are delighted to now be working within the Renewable Energy Sector”.
FUTURe FoRUm DATeSSouth East & East forums are being held
on the following dates:
• 2nd July, Kent
• 8th July, Norwich (provisional)
• 14th July, Southampton
• 10th November, Southampton
• 17th November, Norwich (provisional)
• 24th November, Kent
For further details please contact the South
East & East regional office.
SOUTH EAST & EAST CONTACTS
REGiONAL CHAiR: Tim Millard
REGiONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Dug Harrison m: 07971 687862 t: 01493 789168
ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• Tracey Shelley m: 07896 416312 t: 01622 736193
REGiONAL ADMiNiSTRATOR: • Alison Tridgell-Wyatt t: 01923 402136
MP for Great Yarmouth Tony Wright (left) presents Malcolm Searle (HSEQ) with the ISO 14001 certificate. Also pictured are Steve Johnson – MD (back row left) and Sid Anverali (back row right).
sOuth east & east
13
Issue 04 / Spring 09
For more information please visit www.ecitb.org.uk
I am very pleased to announce that the
Off-site region had a very good 2008 in terms
of numbers of learners attending and company
participation across the full range of courses
and programmes provided by ECITB. Targets
were exceeded by 65% whilst keeping within
planned budget expenditure and achieved by
the effective use of resources.
For 2009, the Off-site region has introduced a
range of new products and services including
grants for CEng and Eng Tech achievement,
MBA course grants and MSc in Professional
Engineering course grants. Under development
and available later in the year are new Plant
Layout courses, Estimator courses and
qualifications, as well as further graduate
development initiatives.
Many of these have been initiated through our
Off-site Forum Working Groups, requested
by Off-site Forum companies and assisted/
led by industry representative experts from
these companies. Many thanks are due to the
participating company representatives as well
as the ECITB Development Team.
It is the intention of the Off-site region to
continue to respond to company requirements
and establish Forum Working Groups and
other initiatives in a range of new products
and services subject to Off-site company
requirements and budget availability.
TECSkills for Design and Draughting and
Project Control are being well received and
a number of Off-site companies and training
providers are actively participating in this
training system which can help learners to
achieve NVQ level 3 in their chosen disciplines.
TECSkills is a work based training system
designed to suit learners of any age in any
situation and as such is particularly suited to
the Off-site environment.
The Engineering Industry, like many others,
faces major challenges in the year ahead. We
look forward to working with our companies
to help them to further develop the skills and
abilities of their staff through a comprehensive
rage of products and services developed with
the Industry, for the Industry.
Richard Leamon
A commeNT FRom THe cHAIR
OFF-SiTE CONTACTS
REGiONAL CHAiR: Richard Leamon
REGiONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER:
• John Edwards m: 07976 752298 t: 01202 672705
REGiONAL ADMiNiSTRATOR: • Alison Tridgell-Wyatt t: 01923 402136
Richmond College learners from Air Products, MW Kellogg, WorleyParsons and KBR.
Off-sIte
oFF-SITe STUDeNTS oN TRAcK FoR SUcceSSWe are pleased to report that all 16 of this years’ Basic Technician Training (BTT) learners are doing extremely well on their course. The students based at Richmond College are coming to the end of their first year and finalising their group projects.
The students will be rewarded for all their hard work at an ECITB graduation ceremony, held at
Richmond College in June. Awards will be presented in recognition of their achievements and
include prizes for the best group project and best apprentice.
leARNeR NUmBeRS exceeD TARGeTThe Off-site region has surpassed its 2008
learner target by more than 65%. An upsurge in
interest has been seen across all programmes,
including learners for Apprenticeships, Skills
& Technical, Management & Professional and
Regional Discretionary Grants.
The increased demand from companies has
been a direct response to the expanded
range of products and services offered. John
Edwards, Off-site Regional Account Manager
comments: “We have invested heavily in
research and development and this hard work
is now paying off. Not only are we also working
towards our companies’ present needs, but
future requirements as well.”
NeW oFF-SITe PRoDUcTS AND SeRvIceS lAUNcHeDThe ECITB has developed new products and
services specifically for the Off-site region.
From the 1st January this year we are able to
offer grants across a number of programmes,
including: MBAs, MSCs in Professional
Engineering for Electrical and Mechanical, Civil
and Chemical Engineering.
Grants are now also available for achieving
Chartered Engineer status and Engineering
Technician status. The achievement of
Incorporated Engineer status has also been
requested by ECITB companies and is currently
under consideration.
In addition, the Off-site region is expanding its
range of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and
related training courses, more details of which
will be available from April.
ecITB GRADUATe RoUTe mAP IN FINAl STAGeSAn interactive “route map” of CEng status will
be available within the next few weeks. The
comprehensive “map” will be made available
on CD and offer detailed information and links
helping graduates from the majority of disciplines
achieve Chartered Engineer status.
14
Issue 04 / Spring 09
Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP Tel: 01923 260000
ReSeARcH & DeveloPmeNT
What are Occupational and Functional Maps? How are they developed? What are the benefits?
occUPATIoNAl AND FUNcTIoNAl mAPPING oF THe eNGINeeRING coNSTRUcTIoN INDUSTRY
FUNcTIoNAl mAPA Functional Map maps out the functions or areas
of competence that are required to carry out
key occupational processes and breaks down
the identified functions or areas of competence
into individual work activities that make up the
function or area of competence. For example
within the engineering construction industry, a key
business process is Design and Engineering. This
process could be broken down in a Functional
Map as follows:
A Functional Map analyses functions and activities to a depth that enables the relevant Standard
Setting Body to develop National Occupational Standards that are endorsed by the industry. Functional
Maps enable industry bodies to map occupational roles and job titles to activities and functions; this
helps in qualification and training programme design.
BUSINeSS PRoceSS FUNcTIoN oR AReA oF comPeTeNce
AcTIvITIeS
Design and Engineering Develop design options and
complete design packages
for construction
Communicate design options
Develop design options
Complete chosen engineering designs
Prepare the technical specification of
requirements
Review technical information
about the requirement
Read and extract information from
specifications
Identify factors that impact on design
Review technical information to produce
detailed engineering drawings
Implement a project brief
mAP RevIeW PRoceSSThe ECITB are confident that the existing Standards are robust and valid as there is a significant take up of qualifications, and the recent Qualification
Strategy consultation from 2008 received feedback to that effect. However the way personnel are deployed within the engineering construction industry may
have changed since the last Occupational Map was carried out in 2001 and it is important that the Occupational and Functional Maps are reviewed; this
was particularly relevant as it has emerged that there may be a need for Level 2 Qualifications within the engineering construction industry to qualify industry
personnel working in an assisting capacity.
BUSINeSS PRoceSSeS
Levels of occupation Bidding Planning Design & Engineering Commissioning Construction
Management job title job title
job title job title
Supervisors job title job title
job title job title
Technicians job title job title job title
job title
job title
Operators job title
job title
Assistants job title job title
job title job title
occUPATIoNAl mAPAn Occupational Map identifies the structure of the sector; the range of occupations carried out, the characteristics of people working within the sector and
the training and career progression opportunities open to them. For example within the engineering construction industry a sample of the Occupational Map
could be as follows:
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Issue 04 / Spring 09
For more information please visit www.ecitb.org.uk
ReSeARcH & DeveloPmeNT
NeGoTIATIoN SKIllS FoR FUTURe eNGINeeRING PRoFeSSIoNAlS Reaching the next generation of engineering construction professionals is fundamental to the ECiTB’s work, which is why we were delighted to meet with undergraduates at the recent Negotiation Skills for Engineers workshop held at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London.
The event focused on the importance of
negotiation and how it gives graduates entering the
industry the upper hand, helping to progress their
careers. Representatives from Off-site company
Foster Wheeler and the ECITB were on hand to
share their experiences of the industry and help
students in a very popular negotiation simulation
devised by Alan Solomans from Foster Wheeler.
Mr Solomans, Foster Wheeler’s Manager of
Purchasing and Contracts commented: “It was
a great opportunity to promote our industry,
introduce Foster Wheeler to the attendees and
further stimulate their appetite for what we do.
The students themselves all appeared to be high
grade individuals who we would be interested in
considering to join our graduate scheme”.
David Edwards, Chief Executive of the ECITB
commented further: “The event was extremely
successful, giving us the opportunity to speak
directly with some of the country’s leading
under-graduates and future engineers. We were
delighted to be involved with the workshop and
hope we can continue to support future events and
help raise the profile of engineering construction as
a post-graduate career opportunity”.
“A thank you to all those that were involved
in making the day a success, especially Alan
Solomons from Foster Wheeler, Mathew Harrison
and Usman Akram from the Royal Academy of
Engineering and Andy Brown of the ECITB”.
mAP RevIeW PRoceSS cOnt’d
The review of the Occupational and Functional Map for the engineering construction industry aims to achieve the following 3 outputs:
• Identify occupations not covered by existing Standards
• Validate our existing Standards and highlight any gaps
• Establish any Standards development requirement
In producing the Functional Map, the Project Team set up an Industry Steering Group, to advise them. The Project Team decided to use the Project Life Cycle as the Key Processes element of the map and to establish areas of competence against the Project Life Cycle processes, this approach was endorsed by the Steering Group.
The ECITB has carried several job interviews and job analyses during site visits, particularly looking at the assisting level occupations and started to assign occupations and job titles to functions to compile the Occupational Map The first draft of the Occupational and Functional Map was produced by 12 Feb 09 and reviewed by an engineering construction industry representative group in Aberdeen, with a second iteration being produced after a workshop in Teesside in March. At the time of writing this report the Occupational and Functional Map data is being collated with an Off-shore specific workshop planned for 15 April.
This project is funded by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and is ongoing. It is recognised by the Project Team that to be of any benefit the Occupational and Functional Maps have to be accurate to ensure we have a comprehensive framework that can be used as an asset for future skills development. The Project Team would like to thank all industry representatives who have contributed so far.
Issue 04 / Spring 09
16
AWARDS & QUAlIFIcATIoNS
The development of ECITB qualifications to
meet the requirements of the new national
Qualifications and Credit Framework is
progressing to schedule. Controlled by the
new Qualifications Regulator, Ofqual, the new
framework will be fully implemented during 2010.
Qualifications within the framework will be
awarded through the accumulation of credit
for the completion of combinations of newly
defined Units of Assessment, each of which will
have specified learning outcomes, assessment
criteria and credit and level values. Similar
to the current, less flexible NVQ units, the
new Units of Assessment will be based upon
National Occupational Standards. They are now
progressively being developed in accordance
with the qualifications strategy and related
implementation plan defined in 2008 that laid the
foundations for compliance with the new national
regulatory framework.
In January 2009, the ECITB held a two day
consultative workshop attended by employers,
training instructors and assessors, at which
Units of Assessment for the Level 3 Pipefitting
qualification were defined. This highly successful
pilot workshop provided a model for a series of
workshops through which Units of Assessment
for other qualifications are now being developed.
The workshops will be held at approximately
monthly intervals, with Moving Loads completed
in March and Welding Plate scheduled for
April. The main users of each qualification will
be invited to nominate delegates for related
workshops, although nominations from
registered companies with a particular interest
in a specific qualification are also welcome.
UNITS oF ASSeSSmeNT FoR ecITB vocATIoNAl QUAlIFIcATIoNS
For further information contact Richard Dodd, Head of Skills and Qualifications Strategy on 0121 428 2510 or email richard.dodd@ecitb.org.uk
We’d like to hear your feedback on this edition of Bridges & Pathways. Please email your suggestions to: consultation@ecitb.org.uk
Blue Court, Church Lane, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8JP Tel: 01923 260000 Fax: 01923 270969 www.ecitb.org.uk
Engineering Construction Industry Training Board
HIGHeR eDUcATIoN STRATeGY As a member of the Built Environment Skills Alliance, the ECITB has worked with other representative Sector
Skills Councils to address issues relating to the supply and employability of graduates and enhancement of the
higher level skills of the current workforce.
In order to establish direct dialogue with higher education establishments, the Alliance hosted a conference
which attracted 150 delegates from universities, the professional institutes, central Government Departments,
the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and the Built Environment industries. David Lammy MP,
Minister for Higher Education and Intellectual Property Rights led the conference, which featured
group discussions on the skills challenges being faced, and how Higher Education could be
bolstered to offer solutions which meet employers’ needs.
One outcome of the conference was the agreement to develop a ‘Virtual Sounding
Board’ to include a range of Higher Education representatives and other parties
with an interest in built environment Higher Education. The ‘Virtual Sounding Board’
will provide input to support a smaller Higher Education Strategy Delivery Group
that will meet face-to-face with the overall aim of creating and ultimately
implementing a co-ordinated Built Environment Higher Education Strategy.
Recommended