New funding available to upskill construction sector

Businesses, the self-employed and the recently made redundant can now benefit from a new part-funded training designed to upskill and reskill the construction sectors’ workforce.
The funding will be used to provide flexible, on-site assessment training (OSAT) to the construction sector across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

It is available for small to medium size businesses with fewer than 250 employers, the self-employed and for those recently made redundant CCB Training, part of the Cornwall College Group (TCCG) is a delivery partner of the Employer Led Skills (ELS) project, part-funded by the European Social Fund as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England.

Justin Olosundѐ, Assistant Principal External Engagement and Business Innovation at TCCG urged the construction sector to get involved. “Everyone should be looking to utilise the funding to address skills gaps, ensuring their staff have the skills, knowledge and confidence to do the job,” he continued.
“OSAT allows you and your staff to get the essential qualifications needed with no downtime because it’s all carried out on-site by our industry expert assessors.”

The training recognises existing skills, and depending on the level of the NVQ being undertaken, individuals are eligible to apply for a CSCS Blue or a Gold Skilled Worker Card.
“OSAT is a quick, efficient and cost effective way, due to the new funding, to upskill your staff,” commented Richard Brumwell, OSAT assessor at CCB.
“We have a team of specialist assessor’s that will work with you and your staff in the workplace to guide you through your qualification ensuring you know exactly what to do to successfully complete
your NVQ qualification.”

Previous NVQ Level 2 plastering delegate, Kevin Dunbavin said completing an OSAT was “ideal for me”. “My assessor was really helpful making sure I knew exactly what to do,” he continued. “Completing my NVQ means I have finally gained my trade qualification.”

OSATs currently available include Trowel (NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3), Painting and Decorating (NVQ Level 2), Plastering (NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3), Carpentry and Joinery (NVQ Level 2 and NVQ Level 3), Supervision (NVQ Level 3) and Construction Site Supervision (NVQ Level 4).

To find out more about OSAT programmes contact CCB on 0800 731 7594, email hello@ccbtraining.co.uk or visit www.ccbtraining.co.uk.