Industry views are being sought on a range of issues around skills and in particular whether current construction qualifications will meet the needs of employers and learners in the future in a consultation launched today by CITB-ConstructionSkills.

The review of the Construction Qualification Strategy, which was first developed by CITB-ConstructionSkills in 2005, aims to identify whether the current education and training structure will equip learners with the skills needed by employers or whether change is needed.

It follows major changes to the education and training landscape since the strategy was officially adopted in 2007, including the rollout of the Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme and widespread reform of 14 -19 learning and Higher Education Funding. The recent HSE / Pye Tait report into competence has also identified the need to confirm the industry’s definition of competence.

In addition, the recession, the increased focus on apprenticeships, the widening skills gap, the UK's green agenda and rapidly advancing technology will all have an impact on future skills needs and could mean changes are needed to the current construction qualifications and delivery methods.

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CITB-ConstructionSkills is keen to hear from all areas of the industry, including employers, SMEs, the federations, trade unions, higher and further education institutions, universities, professional institutions and awarding organisations, so we can respond to their future needs.

Nick Gooderson, Head of Education, Training and Qualifications at CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: "The education and training landscape has altered dramatically since 2005 and coupled with the recession, the widening skills gap, the UK's green agenda and rapidly advancing technology it may be that we need to completely review all construction skills strategy around training and education.

"We want to hear industry's views around what training and qualifications they think will be needed going forward so we can secure the future shape of that provision to better meet their requirements and skills needs of the sector.

"CITB-ConstructionSkills is working to deliver the right skills for economic growth locally and nationally and in the face of this changing landscape we need to ensure that we have fit for purpose qualifications and pathways that meet sector and learner needs.

"We're working on industry’s behalf to ensure that industry card schemes are informed about qualifications that can demonstrate competence and that we correctly identify the volume and nature of resources required to support of construction education for every one who needs it within the industry.

"We're committed to bringing new blood into our industry and making businesses succeed and grow and this includes ensuring that the current education and qualification structure can equip learners with the skills needed by employers."

(CD)