The construction industry is constantly changing and forecasts are predicting that the industry is expected to return to growth in 2017 and expand by an annual average of 1.6% over the next five years to 2021.
As trained staff are able to take on more responsibility, investing in a long-term approach to training will save time in the future – leaving you with more opportunities to think about developing your business. CITB NI is focused on driving the investment in skills and training that a growing key initiatives to help the industry train. These include:
BEGINNERS GUIDE TO RISK ASSESSMENT
CITB NI is working in partnership with South Eastern Regional College (SERC) to offer an innovative generic risk assessment training course.
The course, entitled ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Risk Assessment’, has been devised to combine the theory behind why risk assessments are necessary with practical activities that will enhance understanding of the process using an innovative and novel approach.
The training is designed to be useful to all sectors of the industry, from small businesses that need to be able to produce risk assessments to win or undertake contracts to large multi-national organisations that have a number of individuals responsible for health and safety issues.
The course will be delivered at CITB NI using its virtual environment training facility (VET360) to place the course participant in ‘virtual’ environments so they can identify potential risks in total safety.
Alongside the use of the VET360 facility, a number of practical staged scenarios have been incorporated into the training. These activities allow the participants to practise undertaking a Risk Assessment using recommended pro forma templates that they can adopt to use in their own business or organisation.
Course Dates:
– Friday, April 28
– Friday, May 26
– Friday, June 16
Times:
9.30am – 12.30am
Cost:
£60 per person
CITB NI grant is available to registered employers who have met the Tier 1 eligibility terms and conditions of the direct grants to employers 2016/2017 For more information and to book a place contact Lorraine Fisher, e-mail Lorraine.fisher@citbni.org.uk or telephone 028 9082 4202.
TRAINING ON THE MOVE
CITB NI’s Mobile Training Unit (MTU) provides training on site to all registered in-scope construction employers. It is a convenient way of meeting training requirements with minimum disruption to site work whilst also helping employers meet their legal responsibility.
As long as you are based in Northern Ireland, the MTU can come to you. The unit travels across Northern Ireland delivering short duration health and safety courses such as confined spaces, excavations, manual handling and working at heights, encouraging the industry to build safely.
In the 2016/2017 training year, registered in-scope employers can book the Mobile Training Unit free of charge. A cost of £300/day will be applied to those who are registered but do not pay a levy. Booking is easy – contact Des on 07801 598 520/028 9082 5466 or e-mail desie.hegarty@citbni.org.uk
SCAFFOLDING TRAINING
CITB NI’s scaffolding training facility is the only one of its kind in NI and is approved to deliver the Construction Industry Scaffolding Record Scheme (CISRS), enabling participants to achieve an industry recognised scaffolder’s card.
These courses include a five-day Basic Access Systems Erector Course (BASE) and a two-day Tube & Fitting Basic Scaffold Inspection course. On successful completion of these courses, the relevant CISRS Scaffolding card will be issued.
These run alongside the existing CISRS programme of Scaffolding Part One, Part Two and Advanced courses working towards achievement of an NVQ and obtaining a Scaffolding or Advanced Scaffolding Card.
VIRTUAL TRAINING
CITB NI has recently launched VET360, which is an innovative new tool that provides a unique and memorable immersive experience to give the user instant access to construction sites in a workplace environment.
Used as a training tool, VET360 allows greater understanding and awareness of the work location. Viewers can experience real time situations and identify hazards in complete safety, raising awareness and understanding of health and safety issues.
VET360 allows the user to travel through a virtual version of their site and carry out planning and design meetings, site inductions or safety briefings. The facility allows the user to see more, save time and stay safe, as VET360 is the perfect bridge between theoretical classroom training and the reality of a busy construction site.
VET360 has played an integral training role in the delivery of CITB NI’s NVQ Site Supervisor Development Programme, which programme provides formal qualifications while improving knowledge and performance.
Over the past 12 months the VET360 has been used for clients such as Northstone, Henry Brothers and Esteem Training Ltd for training purposes.
CITB NI continues to focus on providing the support and services needed to ensure local businesses have the right skills. Through a mix of grant funding and direct training interventions, CITB NI is developing the industry’s workforce to meet client needs and grow business.
For more information on any of these courses, contact CITB NI on 028 9082 5466, e-mail info@citbni.org.uk or visit www.citbni.org.uk
