Thursday, November 13, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 99

Scottish Apprenticeships Endangered by Levy Uncertainty

Roger Bisby
-
0
Scottish Apprenticeships Endangered by Levy Uncertainty

Growth in apprenticeship numbers in Scotland could be scuppered unless the Scottish Government commits to ring-fencing the new UK-wide Apprenticeship Levy for training according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Responding to figures published by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Gordon Nelson, Director of FMB Scotland, said: “Although the increase in apprenticeship numbers is welcome, the quality and employment outcomes of apprenticeships should take precedent. Equally there is now a fear that this good work could soon be undone if the Scottish Government doesn’t commit to re-investing funds raised by the new UK-wide Apprenticeship Levy. There is a leadership vacuum in terms of demonstrating how the Apprenticeship Levy will be implemented in Scotland.”

Nelson continued: “However, in the Scottish Government’s defence, the Apprenticeship Levy has been foisted upon them with no or very little consultation. The business community in Scotland has been particularly frustrated as it was impossible to properly engage with policy-makers on this important matter in the run-up to the Scottish Parliamentary elections. Now that the elections are behind us, and the relevant Ministers are in place, we want a clear message from the Scottish Government that they will engage with the construction industry and others to develop a workable policy for investing the Apprenticeship Levy that works for the Scottish construction sector.”

Nelson concluded: “It’s crucial that we get this right as the Scottish construction industry is already in the midst of a skills crisis – the FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey showed that nearly half of SME employers are struggling to recruit carpenters, and that more than one in three are finding it difficult to source plumbers. These kinds of shortages could have a potentially disastrous effect on the nation’s key housing and infrastructure objectives. The only way to ensure that Scotland keeps building is by developing more home-grown talent, and to achieve this, the construction industry needs the Government to prioritise quality apprenticeships and the upskilling of existing workers.”

Base extends safety trainers range

Roger Bisby
-
0
Base extends safety trainers range

BASE has extended its range of safety trainers with three new options, which the company says will make you feel like you are walking on air.

Frisbee, Be-Shiny (pictured) and Colosseum join the existing Martin and Opera BASE trainer line-up, and have a lot in common in terms of comfort and style. Among the lightest safety trainers on the market, Frisbee and Be-Shiny are designed to fit like a glove and feel almost weightless.

Be lighter on your feet

Both Frisbee and Be-Shiny trainers are fitted with BASE SlimCap – a metal-free toe cap which is said to be 35% lighter than standard steel toe caps and with a pre-shaped protective bend for additional protection. Both safety trainers also have a tough and slip-resistant TPU-Skin, which makes the soles of the footwear ultra-flexible, to cushion the foot and bend as required. With its steel toe cap, the Colosseum trainer is also flexible and comfortable to wear, thanks to its Airtech anti-fatigue sole.

Frisbee features BASE’s Dry ‘n’ Air technology, an ergonomic footbed for comfort plus air circulation to keep feet cool and fresh.

SmellStop technology

All three new trainers not only help to reduce foot fatigue thanks to features such as padded collars, they also have SmellStop technology, with a fabric lining that has a permanent anti-bacterial treatment to help prevent odours.

www.brianhyde.co.uk

Construction training charity to close

Dylan Garton
-
0
Construction training charity to close

Building Lives, the award-winning construction training charity, is to close at the end of the month due to a lack of sustainable funding.

Building Lives was started by Lakehouse founder Steve Rawlings in 2010 and has taken those furthest from the workforce and trained them for successful careers in construction.

The charity’s closure comes at a time when skills shortages in construction are undermining the Government’s aim of building a million new homes in five years.

Building Lives said: “Given the skills crisis in London, it is incredibly disappointing that we are unable to continue with our model, especially as it provides huge value for money for the tax payer.

“To put a young person through a Building Lives traineeship costs just £4,000. On average 8 out of 10 people on our Careership training programmes go into work or apprenticeships. This contrasts with the cost of a young person being out of work to the UK economy of £165,000. Last year, the Further Education (Skills Funding Agency) budget in England alone was £7.5bn. At the same time, the construction Industry Training Board raised £120m from across the construction sector to tackle the skills shortage.”

Building Lives Managing Director Sian Workman said: “In order to continue operating for another year, Building Lives needed £900,000 to deliver 380 Careerships across four Training Academies based in the heart of London Council Estates. That’s a drop in the ocean compared to how much money is spent for no guaranteed job outcomes. The bottom line is, although a Careership may not have fitted with existing government funding criteria, it led to real construction jobs, helping reduce unemployment and the skills shortage – ultimately, benefiting us all.

“I am deeply disappointed we have failed in our attempts to secure the financial support needed from government and the construction sector to continue. However, I am also incredibly proud of what the team has accomplished since Building Lives first opened its doors. Proud that we dared to be different and in the process supported more then a thousand people into construction careers. Proud that we genuinely tried to make a real difference to our society. And no matter what, that is something we will hold on to.

“We hope the legacy and learning left behind, will assist other organisations to support people into construction careers.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all partners, stakeholders and friends for their support and commitment over the years. Together we have built many lives across London.”

Training academies will be handed back to Building Lives’ partners to determine their future purpose from 30 June 2016.

One man cladding device review

Roger Bisby
-
0
One man cladding device review
Roger Bisby spends a day out on site with James Gibbens inventor of Cladman.

I had seen Cladman featured in Inventors Corner in an issue of Professional Builder and it whetted my appetite. I have done more than my fair share of cladding and weather boarding and for me it has always been a two man job. Nothing wrong with that, it is nice to work with someone and have a bit of banter but having one guy cutting the lengths while the other is fixing means you can fly through the job at three times the speed and the accuracy is assured.

The Cladman is adjustable to suit different board widths but it is also able to handle different thickness’s. There are other devices on the market that will do the same job but there isn’t one that works with cement fibre boards and timber feather-edge. The device I have seen for cement board, for example, has a thin strap that goes down the back of the board. It works well enough but when you pull the straps out they have a tendency to scratch the boards. That makes the customer unhappy so you have to get out the touch up paint. All of a sudden you are a decorator rather than a carpenter. That won’t make you rich or happy.

You can see that the Cladman has a rubber buffer on the front to prevent such scratches and the buffer is also the roller that supports the board above and allows it to roll along its length without marking

Claman looks simple enough but that is deceptive, it has gone through a lot in the design. Nobody ever gets it right first time and James has produced a series of prototypes in his workshop to get to the finished article. When I visited him he had finalised the tool but was busy designing a special carrying case to hold a pair of Cladmen.They are robust enough but they have precision adjustments that would be better off if they were not knocked about by throwing them into the back of the van.

New brick colour created

Roger Bisby
-
0
New brick colour created

A new red brick colour has been created for the Saint-Gobain Weber External Wall Insulation (EWI) system chosen by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) for their property upgrade programme in the Dinnington area.

The weber.therm XM EWI system, finished with weber.rend RB Render Brick in the new Georgian Red colour, has been created to accurately match the established red brick Georgian properties in the area. The senior Building Surveyor for RMBC required that the properties being thermally improved should match the traditional aesthetics, as far as reasonably practical, and the Saint-Gobain Weber laboratory at Flitwick, Bedfordshire, subsequently developed the new colour to add to the existing palette.  Additionally, a distressed finish has been achieved by artistic application of weber.sil P, a silicone enhanced masonry paint, to create a more natural, aged brick effect.

The 88 properties in this project were built in the 1930s and were identified as hard to treat, some with solid walls and some with narrow cavities of varied dimensions. To achieve a target u-value of 0.28W/m²K from 1.48 W/m²K, 80mm of expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation has been fixed to the outer walls as part of the weber.therm XM system and finished with the weber.rend RB Render Brick finish, a combination of two coloured mortars used together to create the brick effect finish.

Once the insulation material has been fixed to the structure, an initial coat of weber.rend LAC render is applied over the insulation with a mesh-cloth reinforcement laid into it. A second pass of weber.rend LAC is then applied which is finished with a lightly comb-scratched surface to encourage the bond with the weber.rend RBB base coat which acts as the mortar line in the brick effect. This is applied at 7-8mm thick and ruled to achieve a flat, in-plane surface. When this has taken-up a 2-3mm coat of weber.rend RBF face coat is applied and the surface lightly textured with a soft bristle brush to create the brick face. When this coat has taken up the brick pattern is marked carefully and cuts are made through the face coat render to expose the base coat to achieve an authentic, bonded brickwork appearance.

The weber.rend RB system is a cost effective and attractive finish giving excellent weather protection for varying climatic conditions.

In conjunction with the brick effect, the existing rendered panels were replicated using weber.therm XP, a through-coloured one coat render in ivory achieving the welcome, fresh contrast RMBC required.
www.netweber.co.uk

80% of Builders Will Base EU Decision on Broader Personal Beliefs

Dylan Garton
-
0
80% of Builders Will Base EU Decision on Broader Personal Beliefs

More than 80% of bosses of small construction firms will overwhelmingly base their decision to remain or leave the EU on their broader personal beliefs instead of their business interests, according to a new poll by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The poll also showed that:

  • Builders rank the UK Government’s ability to freely legislate in a way that specifically meets the needs of British business as the biggest benefit of Brexit
  • Most support from builders for remaining within the EU stems from continued economic stability membership would be likely to provide
  • More than half of small construction business owners do not feel well informed when it comes to issues that might affect their businesses when it comes to the EU referendum.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “The outcome of June’s referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU will have significant ramifications for construction SMEs, regardless of the outcome. That’s why it’s fascinating that more than 80% of our members have indicated that their vote will be determined by their personal beliefs ahead of anything else. It just goes to show that although it’s important to explore the business case for leaving or remaining within the EU, for many people their decision will be based first and foremost on other drivers. These could include the desire to be part of the wider European community or a compulsion to reclaim British national sovereignty.”

Berry continued: “However, a recent survey by Ipsos MORI revealed that the public wants to hear the perspective of SMEs more than any other type of business. Unfortunately, our research shows that the people who run small construction firms feel that the ongoing debate over Brexit has done little to enlighten them on the issues that really matter, with 52% stating they do not feel well informed on the issues that might affect their businesses. This is perhaps a reflection of how few of the impartial facts that are so widely craved have actually been offered by either side. No wonder then, that the vast majority of builders will be opting to vote based on their wider personal beliefs when the economic and business case of each argument remains so unclear”.

Berry concluded: “What’s clear is that few sectors are more sensitive to uncertainty than construction. Already, there are signs that the unpredictability surrounding the outcome is beginning to sag on industry confidence as investment is deferred and homeowner confidence wanes. This explains why continued economic stability has been cited as the best reason to remain in the EU. On the other hand, 40% of SMEs identified the potential freedom that Brexit could grant the Government to set legislation that truly meets the needs of British business as the biggest potential positive of Brexit”.

Could this be the world’s worst cement mixer?

Roger Bisby
-
0
Could this be the world’s worst cement mixer?

Check out this footage of a cement mixer we saw on a site recently. Is it the world’s worst or have you seen something more awful?

Why it’s worth investing in kneepads

Roger Bisby
-
0
Why it’s worth investing in kneepads

In this video Roger Bisby discusses the benefits of investing in decent kneepads.

Roger outlines some of the latest technology used in knee protection, including a knee pad from Snickers which incorporates D30, a shock-absorbing substance which has improved impact protection for motorcyclists and sportspeople.

Subscribe to SB

D3O materials in their raw state flow freely when moved slowly, but on shock, lock together to absorb and disperse energy, before instantly returning to their flexible state. This reaction is counter intuitive. The greater the force of the impact, the more the molecules lock together and the greater the protection.

For more information on Snickers’ range of kneepads:

snickersuk.com

Stabila launches telescopic spirit level

Roger Bisby
-
0
Stabila launches telescopic spirit level

Stabila has launched a telescopic spirit level, the Telescopic 80T, which offers the right length of level for any job while saving space in the tool bag.

With one spirit level to do the work of several, the Stabila Telescopic 80T can be easily extended to the length needed, doing the job of up to three fixed-length levels in one. An innovative LOCK system, fixes the level securely to the required length.

With a marking and cutting edge running along its entire edge, the Telescopic 80T allows for simultaneous measuring and marking, while integrated anti-slip stoppers give a firm grip, to make marking with one hand a simple task. Inner dimensions and clearances can be easily marked out with the level’s printed metric scale, while a horizontal and vertical vial ensures the highest levels of accuracy on every job.

The extension mechanism ensures precise measurements. When extended, precision is 1.0 mm/m in both normal and reverse positions; when closed, the precision is 0.5 mm/m in normal position and 0.75 mm/m in reverse position.

Plastic end caps protect the profile against impact, the vials are bonded to ensure all components are parellel and the level comes with Stabila’s 10-year warranty.

The 80T is available in two lengths: 63cm extendible to 105cm and 80cm extendible to 127cm.

2 Companies Fined After Worker Falls From Building Ledge

Roger Bisby
-
0
2 Companies Fined After Worker Falls From Building Ledge

A window fitting company and the principal contractor at a construction site have been fined for safety failings after a worker fell a total of three metres while installing glazed units.

Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court heard how on 4 November 2014 an employee of GFT Frames Limited (GFT), was installing glazed units in a block of flats on a construction site at Western Avenue, Bournemouth where Parsons and Joyce Contractors Limited (P&J) were principal contractors.

Darren Shepherd, aged 54, of Bournemouth, an employee of GFT, had been carrying window frames through the stairwell of the block of flats under construction.

There were no stairs in place, just a ledge which was part of the structure that would act as a landing halfway up the stairs once they were installed. After completing the unloading all the frames, Mr Sheppard and a colleague were accessing the first floor, up through the void.

As Mr Sheppard climbed onto the first floor from the ledge, he slipped, falling approximately 1.7metres back to the landing and then a further 1.3 metres to the ground floor. He sustained two fractured ribs and a broken thumb.

Worker Falls From Building Ledge

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found GFT had failed to properly plan, supervise or carry out the work at height in a safe manner and that Parsons and Joyce failed to plan manage and monitor the construction phase and failed to provide workers with a site induction.

GFT Frames Limited, of Vantage Way, Poole, Dorset, was fined a total of £6,000, and ordered to pay £9,953 in costs after pleading guilty to an offence under Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Parsons and Joyce Contractors Limited, of Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset, was fined a total of £20,000, and ordered to pay £9,953 in costs after pleading guilty to offences under Regulation 22(1)(a) and 22(2)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.

See more on safety failings with Skill Builder.

Enterprise Act 2016 to speed claims payments

Roger Bisby
-
0
Enterprise Act 2016 to speed claims payments

Tradespeople and small contractors struggling with late payment issues should welcome changes to the speed of commercial insurance claims payments as part of the Enterprise Act according to ECIC, the specialist insurer for the construction sector.

Unnecessary delays in claims payments should be a thing of the past, with the Enterprise Bill having now become law, giving the UK’s smaller contractors and sub-contractors some much needed certainty when they need to make a claim.

The Enterprise Act creates a legal obligation for insurers to pay as promptly as is reasonable, and give policyholders a legal right to enforce this. Measures will include the introduction into every contract of insurance a requirement on the insurer to pay sums due within a reasonable time.  It will also give policyholders a contractual right to the payment of insurance claims within a reasonable time; and provide for general damages to be payable by an insurer where a policyholder suffers additional loss because of their insurer’s unreasonable delay in payment.

Ian Hollingworth, Claims Manager at ECIC said: “Insurers are judged on the quality and speed of the claims service they provide.

“At ECIC we always look to pay legitimate claims as quickly as possible. Many of the firms we support are small businesses who would struggle to fund the replacement of tools so we do our utmost in clear-cut cases to expedite settlement to help avoid any further disruption.”

When Modern Electrical Contractors, based in Derbyshire had over £2500 worth of tools stolen from site last September, the immediate assumption was that the business would need to fund the replacement of all the stolen tools while the insurance claims process got underway.  The police had been notified, incident reference number provided and claim form filled.  However, the claim was settled in full the same day thanks to the swift response of the claims department at ECIC.

Sam Beresford, Foreman Electrician of Modern Electrical Contractors added:  “We were working on a contract at a garden centre and our tools were stolen overnight from the premises.  I was delighted to receive the cheque through the post within days of the theft being notified, having assumed lengthy investigations would need to be undertaken.  Thanks to ECIC’s rapid response, we were able to replace all our tools and carry on with the job without undue delay – keeping our customer happy and our team working!”

Evo-Stik Expands Foam Range

Roger Bisby
-
0
Evo-Stik Expands Foam Range

Evo-Stik has added a Fire Retardant Gun Applied Expanding Foam Filler to its range of foams.

Said to offer a more accurate and efficient application through the use of a gun, the fire retardant filler can be used for gap filling and insulating to prevent the transmission of smoke and is fire rated to the latest European standard DIN EN 1366-4.

The B1 grade foam is suitable for filling large, irregular or awkward gaps between brickwork and cladding, as well as around ductwork. It can also be used to insulate and fill around door and window frames where a fire rating is necessary.
It’s suitable for use on a wide variety of building substrates and offers excellent adhesion to wood, brick, stone, concrete, plaster, wallboard, hardboard and metal surfaces. Once cured it can be sanded and painted.

Find out more at Bostik.

UCATT to become part of Unite

Dylan Garton
-
0
UCATT to become part of Unite

UCATT  has voted for a merger or transfer of engagements to Unite the Union following a period of financial difficulty.

The dedicated construction workers union said it made the decision in order to preserve its existing structures and to maximise the representation of construction workers in all sectors.

Following the vote UCATT will now enter into full negotiations with Unite the union. Once negotiations are complete a vote on a transfer of engagements of all UCATT members will take place.

The vote is said to have occurred following a full, frank and passionate debate about the union’s future.

Brian Rye, Acting General Secretary of UCATT, said: “UCATT delegates listened to the arguments both in favour of remaining independent or a merger or transfer to Unite and decided that the best option for existing members and for all construction workers was a link up to Unite.”

www.ucatt.org.uk

There is a tide in the affairs of men: Swansea tidal lagoon should be a no-brainer

Roger Bisby
-
0
There is a tide in the affairs of men: Swansea tidal lagoon should be a no-brainer

19/05/2016

A few years ago, while on a walk along the South Coast of England, I came across a place just outside Newhaven called Tide Mills. Unfortunately there is not an awful lot left to see because the British Army used it for target practice with artillery shells and they were a little too accurate.

It might not have the architectural significance of some ancient monuments currently being blown to smithereens by religious fanatics but it still seems to me that it was a bit of short-sighted vandalism. Nevertheless from what is left and the on-site information boards you can work out what had been there and it is very impressive. The idea was to harness the power of the tide to run, what was then, the largest grain mill in England.  It was way ahead of its time in terms of harnessing green energy. If you look at the various options for generating carbon free electricity, the tide is by far the most reliable. You get two tides a day and each tide gives you two generating cycles. By building a large lagoon you can store up enough water to run the turbines almost continuously.

There is, of course a considerable capital cost, in building a tidal lagoon and installing turbines but once it is up and running it has a life expectancy of over a hundred years. Solar farms, wind turbines and nuclear power plants fall way short of that. The Swansea Tidal Lagoon is an imaginative and brilliant scheme that has so many benefits for us and future generations that it should be a no-brainer. It now has planning permission and the teams of engineers are ready and willing to build it.  The intention was always for it to be funded privately but that could only happen when investors knew what return they could expect. The Government  dragged its feet over this and only recently arrived at a figure. It is almost as though they wanted the project to wither on the vine.

If all we leave future generations is the waste from our nuclear adventures and spent fossil fuels we will rightly be condemned by history

Historically South Wales was the powerhouse of  the UK providing coal and steel in exchange for a pittance. It was a scandalous bit of exploitation. There was no long-lasting benefit to the local communities and it is now an economically depressed area. With the Port Talbot Steel Works teetering on the brink the area badly needs the jobs that a project such as the Swansea Tidal Lagoon will bring. This pilot project will also give the UK valuable experience in tidal projects and provide a springboard for our nation to undertake similar projects all over the world.  Any country with a coastline is a potential customer. Faced with such a proposition I am certain that the Victorians, who built that tide mill down near Newhaven, would have been fighting each other off  for the chance to invest. By contrast our government has been mean-spirited in its response.  It seems we are all too willing to plunder all the resources this planet has to give but we are way too reluctant to embark on projects that will benefit, not only us but future generations. If all we leave them is the waste from our nuclear adventures and spent fossil fuels we will rightly be condemned by history.

“There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.”

William Shakespeare

Mercedes-Benz introduces dual-clutch automatic Citan

Dylan Garton
-
0
Mercedes-Benz introduces dual-clutch automatic Citan

Mercedes-Benz Vans has introduced dual-clutch automatic transmission versions of the Citan which are priced from £15,820 and will be available from June 2016. Selected Citan 112 variants will be available to order with the new 6G-DCT automatic transmission.

Citan panel van and Tourer models with the 112 petrol engine can benefit from the double clutch transmission, which combines the comfort of a six-speed automatic transmission with the driving dynamics of a manual gearbox in a compact and light-weight design.

The six-speed dual-clutch transmission consists of two sub-transmissions, each with its own clutch. As one transmits drive to the wheels, the other has pre-selected the next gear. This is said to allow for near seamless gear changes without loss of tractive power, high levels of driving comfort and convenience.

The Citan is priced from £15,820 excluding VAT for the 112 panel van long 6G-DCT, and £17,900 for the Tourer long variant.

Mexco simplifies blade selection

Roger Bisby
-
0
Mexco simplifies blade selection

I have written many articles on diamond blades over the years explaining how each type of blade works and the enduring message is that there is still no such thing as one blade that is optimised for all tasks.  As much as you might try we recognise that there is a lot of information to hold in your head when you go to buy a new blade or core bit. It is also a lot to ask of the merchant or tool outlet to provide in depth details on each and every blade. Diamond Blade specialist Mexco recognised that there was a real need for good clear information at the point of sale on what the blades in their range do. They have produced  a merchandiser that holds all the key blades in their range with easy to follow information beside each row and under each blade. In essence they have managed to reproduce several pages of their catalogue in a single vertical display.

The impact on sales has been remarkable. The independent merchant I visited, (William Way of Godstone)  told me that sales had more than doubled but more importantly they are not getting returns from people who would previously have bought a  blade only to find out it didn’t do what they wanted it to. With more blades going out of the door and none coming back the merchant can now view diamond blades and core bits  as a hassle free sale, which was not always the case.  In fact the display has been so effective that customers are not even bothering to look at any alternative brands. Builders and plumbers seem very happy to have a merchandiser unit that  answers the questions they might not even have thought to ask and to be able to make their choice in a fraction of the time it would previously have needed.

Since the launch of the Builders’ merchants stand Mexco has now added a plumbers version which is being rolled out through plumbers’ merchants. Obviously the focus for plumbers is more on core bits but plumbers also need smaller blades for 100mm angle grinder. The smaller blades come as continuous rim for cutting ceramic and porcelain tiles to the segmented bade which is useful for cutting in roof tiles around soil stacks and boiler flues. All that seems to be missing from Mexco is the ‘I’ but you can bet your life that plumbers and builders all across the country will ask for Mexico blades. In fact to that end I typed it in on Google and up came Mexco scrolling down a bit I also found a selection of very gruesome looking knives.

Government approves new plastering apprenticeship standard

Dylan Garton
-
0
Government approves new plastering apprenticeship standard

A new apprenticeship standard for plastering has been approved by the Government as part of the trailblazer initiative, with a new bricklaying standard to be agreed in the near future. The new standards, which have been designed as part of a collaboration led by construction SMEs from across England, will be rolled out as soon as autumn 2017.

Welcoming the news, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “Developing the new standards has been an exciting process, which FMB members are proud to be playing a part in. The new bricklaying and plastering apprenticeship standards have been driven by a dynamic group, consisting of training providers, awarding bodies and – crucially – employers who are determined to drive up the quality of training in the construction industry. Given that two-thirds of all construction apprentices are trained by SMEs, no businesses are better suited to lead this piece of work. However, although FMB members are leading on this piece of work, it’s important to note that these standards also have the official backing of our industry more broadly, following an extensive consultation process.”

Berry concludes: “The Government has a target to create three million new apprenticeships by 2020 but quantity must never come at the price of quality. We’re pleased that the Government has supported us in our mission to design standards that are highly skilled for these vital trades. We believe that the new standards we are developing will ensure that future generations of bricklayers and plasterers will not only have excellent technical knowledge and craft skills, but will result in young people with careers that are packed full of potential. Importantly, the people who enrol in these apprenticeships will be well placed to work for either a large contractor or a small micro-business – it’s vital that our industry offers new entrants this kind of flexibility.”

Skills Minister Nick Boles MP commented: “I congratulate all the employers involved in designing the new Plastering apprenticeship standard. By giving leading employers the power to design and deliver high quality apprenticeships we are giving people the vital skills our businesses need. We are committed to three million apprenticeships by 2020 because apprenticeships deliver benefits to employers, apprentices and the economy.”

Darlington man jailed for illegal gas work

Roger Bisby
-
0
Darlington man jailed for illegal gas work

A Darlington man has been jailed for carrying out illegal gas work on three occasions.

Teeside Magistrates’ Court heard Neil Simon McKimm (trading as Macs Plumbing Services) carried out gas work including servicing boilers. McKimm used the alias of a legitimate gas engineer to deceive his customers.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Neil McKimm repeatedly falsely pretended to be a legitimate Gas Safe engineer and falsely signed official records in the name of a legitimate gas engineer.

Neil Simon McKimm (trading as Macs Plumbing Services and alias as Robert Welsh), of West Moorland Street, Darlington, was found guilty of breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Regulations 3(3) and 3(7) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and was sentenced to prison for eighteen months.

HSE inspector Paul Wilson said after the hearing: “Gas work must be carried out by properly registered Gas Safe engineers, and HSE will robustly pursue those that break the law.”

For further information on Gas Safety visit: www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/

Just 12% of construction students becoming apprentices

Dylan Garton
-
0
Just 12% of construction students becoming apprentices
Construction union UCATT has accused the government of pouring money down the drain after discovering that while 167, 000 young people started training courses for jobs in the construction industry in 2014/15, in that same year only 18,000 secured an apprenticeship in the building trades.

The figures were divulged – via a UCATT Freedom of Information request – by the Government’s Skills Funding Agency which showed that on average, around 150,000 students a year start a course in construction and yet just 12 per cent get an apprenticeship.

Skills shortage

According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the construction industry needs 46,400 new entrants every year for the next five years. And that figure is relatively modest. During a boom year, like 2008, the CITB forecast was that 75,000 new entrants were required.

High drop-out rate

Even if young people can secure an apprenticeship the drop-out levels are close to 50 per cent. In 2014/15 18,140 apprentices were undertaking training for an NVQ 3 but only 8,030 had actually achieved this benchmark level the previous year in 2013/14 and could embark on a career in construction.

UCATT Acting General Secretary, Brian Rye, said: “I’m horrified by these figures. What a waste of talent and Government money, to take these young people through a course and then have them ignored by the construction industry. We have a well-documented skills shortage in the construction industry and we have major constructors failing to take on apprentices. And yet hundreds of thousands of young people who want to work in the industry, who have taken the first step into the industry by taking a course – are just left on the scrap heap.”

UCATT says the figures are particularly alarming as the only recognised qualification in the construction industry is the NVQ and these can only be secured if the trainee is undertaking regular onsite training. The certificates issued for people who take a classroom based course are considered by the industry to have no value.

Without an NVQ a worker cannot obtain the correct CSCS card which means that they cannot get access to the majority of organised sites and has a huge effect on their pay potential.

Mr Rye added: “This is a calamity for the British construction industry. Young people are being thrown to the wind. Hundreds of thousands of talented, enthusiastic young people are having their career hopes dashed by a complacent and self-serving industry. UCATT is calling on the major constructors in this country to make contact with these colleges, meet the students and start giving the best ones a chance in the industry. In an industry crying out for skilled labour we need to act now. It really isn’t rocket science.”

www.ucatt.org.uk/research-reveals-huge-number-classroom-construction-courses-dearth-apprenticeships#sthash.GswndGm9.dpuf

Makita saw review: Tungsten Carbide Tipped Holesaw

Roger Bisby
-
0
Makita saw review: Tungsten Carbide Tipped Holesaw

In this Makita saw video Skill Builder reviews the Makita D-51297 9 Piece TCT Universal Holesaw Kit.

The Makita saw kit can be used to cut a wide variety of materials including, vitrified ceramic, bricks, plaster board, plastics, melamine, hard woods, chipboard and MDF. It is robust and durable with strong TCT teeth which produce excellent results.

Features include:

  • The Quick Release pilot drill and the core body not only allow speedy size changes but is a safer method for the user.
  • PROTect SDS arbor is specially shortened to prevent accidental hammer action engaging, protecting the core from damage.
  • The enlarged boring chamber and the waste exhaust slots ensure speedy drilling is achieved and vibration is controlled to a minimum due to the optimised body geometry.

Comes with:

  • 6 Holesaws in sizes: 22, 35, 51, 57, 64 and 76 mm
  • Pilot Drill 10 x 100mm
  • TCT Pilot Drill 8 x 100mm
  • 13mm Hex Shank adaptor for 19-105mm diameter

The Makita saw kit is available from: www.toolstop.co.uk

1...9899100...109Page 99 of 109
Skill Builder Amazon Shop

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© SkillBuilder